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Copywriting丨Dr. Li's health protection
Editor丨Dr. Li Health Guard
In the dead of night, there was silence all around. But for those suffering from shoulder pain, what should have been a moment of tranquility turned into an ordeal. They tossed and turned, unable to sleep, only because of the pain in their shoulders. This pain affects the quality of sleep, and can also make people feel sluggish during the day, and their work efficiency is greatly reduced.
Shoulder pain is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of causes. The most common causes include muscle strain, arthritis, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injury, etc. Some people may think that shoulder pain is just a minor problem and that they don't need to be too much of a concern. As everyone knows, long-term neglect of shoulder pain can lead to more serious consequences, and even affect daily life and work.
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, shoulder pain is mostly related to meridian blockage and qi and blood stasis. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the shoulder is the intersection of the hand Shaoyang Sanjiao meridian, the hand sun small intestine meridian, and the hand yang ming large intestine meridian.
If these meridians are attacked by evil qi such as cold, dampness, and heat, it will cause the flow of qi and blood to be poor, which will cause pain. TCM treatment for shoulder pain usually uses acupuncture, massage, traditional Chinese medicine and other methods to dredge the meridians and reconcile qi and blood.
Western medicine explains shoulder pain from an anatomical and physiological point of view. The shoulder joint is one of the most flexible joints in the human body and is made up of multiple bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This complex structure allows the shoulder to perform a variety of movements, but it also makes it susceptible to injury. Western medicine usually treats shoulder pain with measures such as physiotherapy, medication or surgery, depending on the specific cause.
Both TCM and Western medicine emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Many people tend to ignore the initial mild pain and wait until the pain worsens, which can delay the optimal time for treatment. As soon as you have persistent shoulder pain symptoms, you should seek medical attention and receive professional diagnosis and treatment.
For those who are suffering from shoulder pain, the following suggestions may help:
1. Maintain proper posture: Whether you're working or resting, take care to maintain proper posture. Staying in the same position for long periods of time can put a strain on your shoulders, so it's a good idea to move your shoulders every once in a while.
2. Moderate exercise: Proper exercise can enhance the strength and flexibility of your shoulder muscles. However, it is important to note that the intensity of exercise should be gradual and avoid overexertion.
3. Hot and cold compresses: Hot compresses can promote blood circulation and relieve muscle tension; Cold compresses can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. You can choose the appropriate method according to your own situation.
4. Massage and stretching: Gentle massage and proper stretching can help relax the shoulder muscles and relieve pain. However, it should be noted that if the movements are not done properly, the symptoms may be aggravated, and it is best to do it under the guidance of a professional.
5. Adjust your sleeping position: Choosing the right pillow and mattress and maintaining a good sleeping posture can reduce the occurrence of shoulder pain at night.
6. TCM Conditioning: Try some TCM methods such as moxibustion, cupping, etc., which may help improve local blood circulation and relieve pain.
7. Medications: Some pain and anti-inflammatory medications under the guidance of a doctor may help. However, it is important to note that medications can only temporarily relieve symptoms and cannot cure the problem.
8. Psychological Conditioning: Long-term pain can affect mental health. Maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude and learning to relax can also help relieve pain.
It's important to note that the above methods may provide some relief from shoulder pain, but they may not work for everyone. Everyone's physical condition and cause is different, and the best thing to do is to develop a personalized treatment plan under the guidance of a medical professional.
In recent years, with the advancement of medical technology, the treatment of shoulder pain has also been constantly innovated. For example, the application of new technologies such as ultrasound-guided precision injection therapy and arthroscopic minimally invasive surgery has made the treatment of shoulder pain more accurate and effective. The combination of traditional Chinese medicine and modern Western medicine also provides more options for shoulder pain patients.
Prevention is always better than cure. Developing good lifestyle habits, paying attention to the combination of work and rest, and regular shoulder health exercises can reduce the risk of shoulder pain. This is especially important for people who use computers a lot or work in a fixed position for long periods of time.
In addition, many people may overlook one important factor: stress. Modern life is fast-paced and stressful, and many people habitually accumulate stress in their shoulders, resulting in long-term muscle tension. Learning to relax and doing some stress-reducing activities, such as yoga and tai chi, is conducive to physical and mental health and can also reduce the occurrence of shoulder pain.
For those who are already suffering from shoulder pain, there is hope. As long as you seek medical attention promptly, follow your doctor's instructions, and maintain patience and confidence, most shoulder pain problems can be improved. It is important not to give up and not to rely too much on pain medications. Finding the cause, treating the symptoms, supplemented by proper self-care, is the right way to overcome shoulder pain.
As night fell, it was another sleepless night. However, once you understand the causes of your shoulder pain and how to deal with it, you'll soon be able to get back to a restful night's sleep. Remember, healthy shoulders can help you sleep easily and make you feel better for each new day. May everyone who is struggling with shoulder pain get rid of the pain and regain their health as soon as possible.
What do you have to say about this? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section!