Chronic shoulder pain is a condition that develops from repeated, long-term overuse of the shoulders and neck area. There are a variety of causes. Since each individual is unique, the circumstances of developing chronic pain are many and wide-ranging. Our center for pain management in Jacksonville, FL, will briefly discuss some of the most common causes.
Arthritis is one of the most common ailments that affect patients. This is a chronic condition that is characterized by the loss of cartilage, the smooth surfaces that line your joints. The decrease in cartilage means that your bones are more likely to make direct contact with each other, which can cause pain and make moving your body difficult. There are three types of shoulder arthritis: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. The onset of arthritis is more likely to occur as you age, or if your family’s medical history includes conditions that affect the bones or immune system.
Chronic shoulder pain can also happen as part of complications from traumatic injuries that cause your shoulder to dislocate or fracture. Accidents from contact sports, vehicle collisions, and strong falls increase your risk of contracting chronic pain. The nature of these accidents varies widely depending on the circumstances of the accident. As such, many parts of your shoulder, bones, and their connecting tissues can be affected differently.
When planning your pain management program to counteract the effects of chronic pain, it is important to work with a physician you can trust. Contact your health care provider to discuss your treatment options.
