As age increases and incorrect movements and postures continue, shoulder pain intensifies, affecting 25% of the working population. Some of this pain originates from issues related to the shoulder joint, while others stem from problems in different areas of the body. If not treated in a timely manner, shoulder pain can lead to issues such as muscle tears in the shoulder, significantly reducing quality of life.
This type of pain is more commonly seen in individuals who spend long hours at a desk, work in front of a computer for hours, perform tasks that require hands to be elevated such as painting or window cleaning, overly meticulous housewives, swimmers, basketball players, and volleyball players. It can be said that these pains are quite common both in our country and around the world. People of different age groups experience shoulder pain in various ways. In younger individuals, dislocations are often seen due to looseness in the shoulder area, while as one ages, problems caused by tendon injuries and wear begin to emerge.
The underlying issue of stubborn shoulder pains seen in modern individuals is thought to be postural disorders. Nerve compressions, commonly seen in those who work at desks, arise due to the lack of coordinated functioning of the muscles surrounding the shoulder. Individuals who remain in a forward-leaning position for extended periods or work with their arms extended forward have some muscles surrounding the shoulder blade that work less than necessary, while others work excessively. The uncoordinated functioning of the muscles negatively affects the biomechanics of the shoulder joint, leading to pain in the surrounding muscles.
Some studies indicate a correlation between the increase in the number of people working at computers and the emergence of shoulder muscle tears at younger ages compared to the past. Previously, this issue was generally observed in individuals over 50, but it is now also seen in those aged 30 to 40.
Today, shoulder pain ranks among the most common joint pains. It has been observed that pain in this area follows back, neck, and knee pain closely. To avoid damaging the shoulders, it is essential to maintain an upright posture. Everyone actually knows this, but the importance of standing straight is often forgotten due to the busyness and stress of the day. Individuals who work in a forward-leaning position for long periods should not neglect to make adjustments to keep themselves and their shoulder blades upright. External interventions such as slings and wraps are not considered beneficial by many experts, as they can lead to muscle laziness. Individuals must train themselves to maintain an upright posture and change positions whenever possible. If slouching has become a habit, standing straight may initially be challenging, but over time it leads to a reduction in pain.
Shoulder pain does not always originate from the shoulder joint itself. For example, a herniated disc can cause compression of the nerves leading to the arm, resulting in shoulder pain. It has been observed that herniated discs are among the primary factors causing pain in the shoulder, unrelated to any issues within the shoulder itself.
Shoulder joint pains can be acute or chronic. Acute pains may begin immediately after trauma such as falls, impacts, or the formation of fractures or dislocations in the shoulder, or they may appear weeks later. Events causing acute shoulder pain are not always serious impacts. Sometimes, a person may experience acute shoulder pain after carrying a heavy load or cleaning windows. Such pains are generally severe and tend to increase with any shoulder movement. Chronic, or persistent, pains develop gradually.
The impingement syndrome, commonly seen in individuals over 40 who work while holding their arms at shoulder level or above, is among the most frequent causes of shoulder pain. The pain usually starts with a slight strain and intensifies at night. It can sometimes be severe enough to prevent sleep. During periods of severe shoulder pain, it is essential for the individual to rest and consult a doctor. Advanced examinations are important for shoulder pain that continues at night. Otherwise, the problem may worsen.
To alleviate acute, severe pain in the shoulder area, it is recommended to use the shoulder as little as possible, apply ice for 15 minutes 3 to 5 times a day, and take pain relievers. These methods are effective for most acute pains. Shoulder slings should only be used in cases where the pain is severe enough to prevent the person from using their arm and in traumatic shoulder cases, and the duration of use should be as short as possible. Unnecessary and prolonged use of slings can lead to the freezing of the shoulder joint.
The treatment of shoulder pain generally involves physical therapy methods that vary according to the extent of the problem. If non-surgical treatment options do not provide the expected benefit, surgical options may be considered.
Click here for ways to stay calm during a job interview
Business Life and Career
