Chronic pain is nothing new for many adults, 1 in 5 American adults deal with chronic pain on a daily basis. Chronic pain is debilitation, it impacts our mobility, mood, and overall health.
Chronic shoulder pain is common for many people. Chronic pain can make it difficult to focus, and it can contribute to higher rates of depression and anxiety.
You don’t have to live with chronic pain, there are steps you can take to find shoulder pain relief.
Shoulder pain could be from an underlying issue like arthritis, or an old injury. Repetitive daily activities and overexertion can also lead to chronic shoulder pain. Whatever the cause of your shoulder pain, you can alleviate it.
Keep reading for tips to alleviate your shoulder pain.
1. Anti-Inflammatory Medicine
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications are a great way to ease your shoulder pain. NSAIDs, like aspirin or ibuprofen, are great for relieving mild to moderate pain. They can also help reduce swelling in your shoulder, which further reduces pain.
Make sure to carefully read the dosing instructions, and don’t take them on an empty stomach. Too many NSAIDs can lead to liver damage or stomach ulcers, so make sure to carefully follow the manufacture’s instructions.
2. Cold Compress
A cold compress is another great way to alleviate shoulder pain. Cold compresses reduce blood flow to an area. This causes a reduction in pain and inflammation.
Simply apply a cold compress to your shoulder for 15-20 minutes. You can continue to reapply your cold compress as needed.
3. Compression
Compression is another way to significantly reduce shoulder pain and swelling. Shoulder compression helps to limit the blood flow to the affected area. This helps to reduce swelling and pain.
You can find a shoulder compression sleeve at most pharmacies. These braces provide additional support and relief to your injured area. Plus the added support can prevent further damage.
4. Heat Therapy
Hot compresses or a hot bath are great for relieving muscular pain. Hot compresses stimulate nerve receptors to block pain transmission. So, your body stops sending out pain signals to your brain, which results in instant relief.
Draw yourself a nice hot bath with Epsom salts for pain relief. Epsom salts can reduce swelling and muscle pain. Plus they are usually available in relaxing aromas, which can further reduce stress-related tension.
You can also use a warm compress to directly target your shoulder pain.
5. Muscle Relaxers
If you’re experiencing significant muscular pain, maybe a prescription-strength muscle relaxer is the right choice for you. Muscle relaxers work by depressing your central nervous system.
This leads to muscular relaxation, and it stops painful muscle spasms. Muscle relaxers are a great choice if your shoulder pain is so severe it prevents you from sleeping or disrupts your daily tasks.
Visit your doctor and discuss your symptoms for a prescription. Muscle relaxers can be somewhat intoxicating, so avoid driving after you take them. They can also be habit-forming, so use them with care.
6. Regular Stretching
Stretching regularly can help alleviate pain and reduce your chances of future injuries. Stretching improves the flexibility of your muscles. This makes it easier to move without pain, and it can slowly expand your range of motion.
You can do a lot of simple stretches from the comfort of your home or desk at work. It’s important to take regular breaks to stretch during the workday to prevent fatigue and repetitive motion injuries.
Yoga is an excellent way to incorporate stretching into your daily routine. There are plenty of online classes and sequences you can choose from. You can even find routines that only take 5 to 10 minutes to complete!
7. Improve Your Posture
Improving your posture can have major benefits for your health, and it can reduce your shoulder and back pain. Poor posture causes undue stress on your muscles and bones. Over time the stress can translate into severe, lasting pain.
Consider investing in ergonomic office furniture and office supplies. Ergonomic furniture encourages you to sit correctly, reducing undue muscular pressure and pain.
You can also invest in a specially designed shoulder or back braces that help improve your posture.
Regular stretching can also help improve your posture. Yoga helps you realign your spine and improve your balance. All of which helps improve your posture in the long run.
8. Massage
Massage is another powerful way to reduce muscle pain and fatigue.
Indulging in regular massage has numerous health benefits. It improves lymphatic draining and boosts your immune system. Massage can also prevent damage from everyday activities, like working out or sitting at the computer.
If a deep tissue massage isn’t in the budget this month, consider self-massage. There are a lot of wonderful benefits for self-massage. Plus, you can do it anywhere and at any time.
Look up some tutorials on self-massage for shoulder pain. Be sure to listen to your body, you can do more damage if you aren’t gentle with yourself.
9. Topical Pain Relief
Topical pain relief balms are another excellent way to combat shoulder pain. You can find plenty of topical pain relief options at your local pharmacy. Tiger Balm is a tried and true favorite for muscle pain.
However, in recent years products containing CDB have become an attractive pain relief alternative. CDB is derived from cannabis and is known for its powerful pain relief properties.
When used topically, CDB provides instant pain relief and it can even encourage relaxation.
CDB is legal in most states, but it’s important that you find a reputable product. Research CDB balms before you buy them to ensure you’re getting the right dose and a quality product.
Find Shoulder Pain Relief
Chronic shoulder pain is debilitating and demoralizing. It is exhausting to live with chronic pain, but you can find shoulder pain relief.
There are tons of things you can do at home to help relieve your shoulder pain. However, long-lasting chronic pain should be evaluated by a professional.
Chronic shoulder pain could be a sign of injury, and it’s important to address treat shoulder injuries before they get worse.
Contact us for a consultation, and let’s work together to alleviate your pain.