Managing chronic pain and stiffness in the shoulder can be very challenging, especially when it affects your daily activities. Many conditions can cause shoulder pain, but one that causes both pain and stiffness is adhesive capsulitis, also known as a “frozen shoulder.”
A frozen shoulder can greatly limit your movement and impact your quality of life in many ways. Simple tasks like brushing your hair, putting on clothes, or reaching for items can become very difficult and painful. It can even disrupt sleep if you lie on the affected shoulder. At NextPain Care, our treatment approach can help manage the chronic pain caused by a frozen shoulder.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder- AKA Adhesive Capsulitis
A frozen shoulder happens when the tissue around the shoulder joint thickens and becomes inflamed, making it hard to move the arm. This leads to limited movement and severe pain that gets worse over time. There are three stages of a frozen shoulder:
Freezing Stage
In this stage, the shoulder becomes increasingly painful and stiff, making movement difficult. This stage can last from six weeks to nine months. You might find it particularly hard to perform tasks that involve reaching or lifting. Sleeping on the affected side may also become uncomfortable or impossible.
Frozen Stage
During the frozen stage, the pain may lessen, but the stiffness remains. The shoulder is very hard to move, making daily activities challenging. This stage can last from four to six months. Simple actions like getting dressed or brushing your hair can become significantly difficult. You may also notice a decrease in muscle strength due to limited use.
Thawing Stage
Common Symptoms Of Adhesive Capsulitis
The primary symptom is pain in the shoulder joint that can radiate down to the arm and even up to the neck. However, people with a frozen shoulder may experience other symptoms as well.
- Persistent shoulder pain and inflammation at night: Experiencing pain and inflammation at night commonly occurs in the freezing and frozen stages. This is because the body’s natural healing process is at its peak during sleep, causing increased blood flow to the affected area and resulting in pain.
- Stiffness and limited range of motion in the shoulders: As adhesive capsulitis progresses, the shoulder joint becomes increasingly stiff due to the thickening of the connective tissue. This makes it very difficult to perform daily activities like reaching for objects or lifting your arms above your head. Such stiffness and limited range of motion tend to develop during the freezing and frozen periods.
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Risk Factors And Causes Of Adhesive Capsulitis
Although the exact cause of a frozen shoulder isn’t always clear, research shows it can be due to various factors. Here are some common risk factors:
Long Period of Immobilization
Keeping the shoulder joint immobilized for a long time can lead to adhesive capsulitis. For example, if your arm is in a sling for a long period due to a fracture or surgery, it can increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder.
Age and Sex
Frozen shoulder is more common in people aged 40 and above, with women at a higher risk than men. Hormonal changes can affect the connective tissue, making it more prone to inflammation. However, anyone can develop a frozen shoulder at any age and gender.
Existing Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder. Many of these conditions lead to frozen shoulder due to inflammation or lack of use of the shoulder joint. These include:
- Previous shoulder injury or surgery: Scar tissue or damage to the shoulder joint can lead to inflammation and stiffness, causing a frozen shoulder.
- Breast or lung cancer: People with these types of cancers are at a higher risk of developing a frozen shoulder because of inflammation in the chest area.
- Bursitis or rotator cuff tendinitis: These conditions can cause inflammation and stiffness in the shoulder joint as a result of overuse or injury.
- Stroke: People who have had a stroke can develop a frozen shoulder during recovery due to limited movement and lack of use of the affected arm.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop a frozen shoulder due to increased levels of glucose, which can damage the connective tissue.
- Neurological disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk of a frozen shoulder due to reduced mobility and muscle weakness.
- Thyroid disorders: Imbalances in thyroid hormones can cause inflammation and stiffness in the shoulder joint, interfering with the body’s natural healing process.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This autoimmune disorder causes inflammation in the joints, including the shoulder joint, leading to a frozen shoulder.
Diagnosing and Evaluating Frozen Shoulder
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain and have trouble moving your shoulder, it’s important to see a doctor. Here’s how a doctor will typically diagnose a frozen shoulder:
- Medical History Discussion: The doctor will ask about any injuries or health conditions that might be causing the pain. They may also inquire about your daily activities and any medications you may be taking. This information helps determine the root cause of the shoulder pain.
- Physical Examination to Assess Range of Motion and Pain: Your doctor will check your shoulder joint’s range of motion. They will ask you to perform simple movements involving the shoulder joint. They may also apply pressure to different areas around the shoulder to pinpoint the source of your pain and stiffness.
- Imaging Tests such as X-rays or MRI to Rule Out Other Conditions: The doctor may order imaging tests like X-rays or MRI to rule out other issues such as fractures or tears in the shoulder joint. These tests will also help identify the extent of inflammation and thickening of the connective tissue.
Conventional Treatment Options
Once you’ve been diagnosed with a frozen shoulder, there are several conventional treatments that most medical professionals recommend. These include:
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers or Prescribed Medications: Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation in your shoulder joint. While these medications can provide temporary relief, it’s important to explore additional treatments that address the root cause of the problem for long-term improvement.
- Corticosteroid Injections: These injections aim to reduce pain and inflammation in your shoulder joint. They can be effective in managing symptoms and providing relief.
- Hydrodilation: This procedure involves injecting sterile fluid into the shoulder joint under pressure to stretch and expand the connective tissue. It can provide relief and may require multiple sessions for optimal results.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to address the tight connective tissue in the shoulder joint. This option is typically considered when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
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Discover Relief for Your Shoulder at NextPain Care
A frozen shoulder is a common condition that can significantly affect daily life. While conventional treatments may offer relief, they may not always target the underlying causes of the condition.
At NextPain Care, we offer a comprehensive approach to managing chronic pain and inflammation caused by conditions like frozen shoulder. By addressing many health factors and promoting holistic wellness, we aim to provide safe and effective long-term pain relief for our patients.
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