There are many documented reasons for both shoulder and elbow pain. Both cases being self-reported by at least approximately 15% of the population in the United States, and 1% of all adults reporting to a Primary Care physician annually due to elbow and shoulder pain. As these are known as two of the most common afflictions that affect individuals worldwide.

Shoulder Pain

A shoulder’s movement can be compromised due to pain, stiffness, or weakness and can cause substantial disability which significantly affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. These can include eating, dressing, personal hygiene, and work. Many adults report a prevalence of pain that is estimated to be between approximately 16% – 20%; and is considered to be the third most common cause of musculoskeletal consultation and Primary Care — effecting as many as 1% of adults yearly. Many diverse occupations can put a person at risk or are associated with shoulder disorders. Many physical factors play a part such as heavy lifting, repetitive movements in different positions, and movement at different angles that influence the level of symptoms and disability.

Many shoulder disorders will exhibit similar features clinically, and there is a lack of consensus on diagnostic criteria and concordance in a clinical assessment; which in many different scenarios, can complicate the choices of treatment available for these disorders. So many evidence-based medical approaches are quite simple and incorporate diagnostic techniques applicable to Primary Care, and a red flag system that can potentially identify serious shoulder pain issues and disabilities.

Identifying Shoulder Pain

The most common causes of shoulder pain are rotator cuff disorders: such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, impingement, or subacromial bursitis and rotator cuff tears. They can also be caused by glenohumeral complications such as capsulitis or “frozen shoulder” — which is better known as arthritis, or any past traumatic dislocation of the shoulder itself. All things which can cause short-term or chronic pain in the shoulder. Shoulder pain does not have to be exclusively in the shoulder and can originate from elsewhere such as the neck or from things such as apical lung cancers or metastasis from cancer.Elbow Pain

Likewise, elbow pain is a common symptom that is presented in Primary Care. The pathology of elbow pain can arise from any component of the elbow joint including the tendons, bones, or nerves. Other causes of elbow pain being a dislocated joint; which mainly occurs in children as a pulled elbow and can also arise from some favorite sports activities.

Identifying Elbow Pain

Elbow stiffness is often associated with things such as arthritis or trauma and can manifest itself in the form of limited movement of the elbow itself. There are also several neurological symptoms that can occur, like numbness and tingling, which should be assessed immediately. There is even pain that can stem from the neck or shoulder and can present itself in the elbow — with an assessment of the cervical spine being of primary importance in suspected rheumatoid arthritis cases. You can read more on this site about elbow pain.

Importance of Receiving Treatment

If any of these symptoms of pain manifest themselves in either the shoulder or elbow, it is essential to seek out an examination by a primary care physician as soon as possible. As these symptoms can lead to not only chronic pain but also long-term health problems that may affect a person’s life. In most cases, either elbow or shoulder pain can be quickly identified and treated to the point of easing or eliminating said pain, and lead to a healthier lifestyle and generally greater well-being.