On a sunny morning, 58-year-old Wang Dawei sat on his balcony, sipping hot tea while carefully observing the morning light in the distance. He was an excellent architect, and after his retirement, he immersed himself in flower cultivation and calligraphy, and lived a leisurely and fulfilling life. However, in recent months, Mr. Wang's life has not been so easy. He began to feel stiffness and pain in his shoulders, especially at night, when the pain was more pronounced and sometimes even had trouble sleeping. These symptoms made him feel anxious and distressed, affecting his usual activities and sleep quality.
"Maybe it's because I'm old, these pains always come to my door." Wang Dawei muttered to himself, recalling the ease of his youth
Shoulder pain is not new to many middle-aged and elderly people. It may be a precursor to frozen shoulder, a common shoulder condition that occurs in middle-aged and elderly people. Frozen shoulder is not just a pain, it is a disease that affects the quality of life. Understanding the etiology and method of diagnosis is essential for early intervention and treatment. Next, we will delve into the causes of frozen shoulder and how to diagnose it, so that patients like David Wang can better cope with and relieve shoulder pain.
Causes and diagnosis of frozen shoulder
The causes of frozen shoulder are varied, mainly involving many aspects of shoulder structure and function. Understanding these causes can help us better prevent and treat the disease.
Etiological analysis
The occurrence of frozen shoulder is often closely related to a variety of factors, including inflammation, damage to muscles and tendons, and wear and tear from long-term overuse. First, inflammation is one of the most common pathophysiological underpinnings of frozen shoulder. Inflammation can arise from inflammation of the shoulder bursa or reactive inflammation due to damage to the shoulder muscles and tendons. These inflammations not only cause swelling and pain in local tissues, but can also affect the normal function of the joints.
Secondly, damage to muscles and tendons is another important cause of frozen shoulder. These injuries can accumulate over time as a result of minor injuries caused by overuse of the shoulder, or they can result from trauma or acute injuries caused by long-term poor posture. These injuries cause structural changes in the shoulder tissues, which in turn affect the stability and function of the shoulder joint.
Finally, long-term bad habits and posture are also important triggers of frozen shoulder. For example, maintaining a poor working posture or sleeping posture for a long time can lead to long-term tension in the shoulder muscles, increasing the risk of muscle fatigue and injury. These habits not only make the shoulder susceptible to injury, but may also affect the normal blood circulation and nutrient supply to the shoulder joint, exacerbating the occurrence and development of inflammation.
In summary, the etiology of frozen shoulder is multifaceted and often the result of a combination of factors. Understanding and identifying these causes can help us take targeted preventive measures in our daily lives to reduce the occurrence and progression of shoulder pain.
Diagnostic methods
The diagnosis of frozen shoulder is based on clinical symptoms and physical examination, supplemented by imaging. First, patients often experience symptoms such as shoulder pain, stiffness, and limited movement, which are often closely related to frozen shoulder. During the visit, the doctor asks the patient in detail about the onset of symptoms and their effects, as well as a detailed shoulder physical examination to understand muscle strength, joint stability, and range of motion.
Secondly, imaging examination is one of the important means for the diagnosis of frozen shoulder. Commonly used imaging tests include X-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests can help doctors diagnose or rule out frozen shoulder by looking for changes in the bone structure of the shoulder, inflammation of the soft tissues, and damage to the muscles and tendons.
When diagnosing frozen shoulder, doctors should not only pay attention to the pathological manifestations, but also conduct a comprehensive analysis and evaluation based on the patient's clinical symptoms and possible causes of the disease. Early diagnosis facilitates early intervention and treatment, improving patients' quality of life and speed of recovery.
Choice of drug therapy
Frozen shoulder can cause severe pain and dysfunction in daily life, especially when symptoms cannot be effectively controlled by non-pharmacological treatments, and medication becomes an important form of relief. Here are some commonly used medication options:
Topical pain medications
A class of medications commonly used by people with frozen shoulder are topical pain relievers, whose main purpose is to reduce shoulder pain and inflammation. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are effective in relieving pain and reducing inflammation around the joints. These medications are usually used in the form of sprays or topical gels and can be applied directly to the painful area to quickly reduce the pain.
Muscle relaxants
In people with frozen shoulder who have muscle tension or spasms, muscle relaxants such as metronazepam may be considered by doctors to relieve excessive muscle tension and thus reduce shoulder pain. These drugs act on the central nervous system and help relax muscles and improve range of motion and comfort in the shoulder.
Analgesic patches
Analgesic patches applied to the shoulder, such as compound acetaminophen patches, provide long-lasting pain relief and are suitable for patients who need continuous pain control. These patches slowly release the drug into the skin and muscle tissue through transdermal absorption, reducing pain and improving mobility in daily life.
Indications and precautions
When choosing a medication, the doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the patient's specific symptoms and health status. For example, in patients with gastrointestinal problems or renal insufficiency, special attention should be paid to the use of NSAIDs to avoid possible side effects and adverse effects. In addition, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions for the frequency and dosage of the drug to avoid overuse or dependence.
Prevention and long-term management
In addition to drug selection during the treatment phase, prevention and long-term management are essential to reduce the recurrence and exacerbation of frozen shoulder symptoms. Here are some effective ways to prevent and manage them in the long term:
Exercise and exercise wisely
Regular proper shoulder extension and strength training can help improve shoulder stability and flexibility and reduce the risk of muscle and ligament injuries. Your doctor or physical therapist can create a personalized exercise plan to choose the most appropriate type and intensity of exercise for your specific situation.
Maintain good posture
Maintaining a good sitting and standing posture for a long time is important to reduce pressure on the shoulders and neck. Proper posture can reduce tension and pain in the shoulder muscles and avoid the worsening of frozen shoulder caused by poor posture.
Be mindful of your work and lifestyle
Avoid shoulder injuries caused by prolonged single postures or repetitive movements, such as prolonged computer work or overuse of shoulder movements. Proper rest and regular rest intervals can help relieve tension and pain in the shoulder, which can help with long-term symptom control and management.
Regular follow-up and treatment adjustments
Frozen shoulder is a chronic condition and patients need regular follow-up examinations to assess the response to treatment and progression. Based on the results of the review, the doctor will adjust the treatment plan, including the use of drugs and non-drug treatments, to ensure effective control of symptoms and improvement in quality of life.
By combining drug treatment options with preventive long-term management measures, people with frozen shoulder can better manage symptoms, reduce the risk of recurrence, and improve comfort and functionality in daily life. These methods are not just a means of treating shoulder pain, but they are also important steps in promoting overall health.