The Ministry of Health stressed the importance of sitting in a healthy and proper way to avoid straining the body and to prevent shoulder pain. It explained that many people neglect proper sitting posture, which causes strain on muscles and ligaments. It advised against sitting in front of desks for long periods and stressed the need to take precautions to maintain the correct sitting posture.

Orthopedic doctors pointed out that shoulder pain is one of the most common pains that affect many people and that its causes vary from person to person, explaining that the shoulder is a complex ball-shaped structure in the upper part of the upper arm bone (humerus) and contains a group of muscles and tendons that surround the joint.

Doctors pointed out the need to avoid certain incorrect practices, especially when sleeping or carrying heavy objects, and advised protecting the neck from any slippage.

Diabetes may be the cause

To learn more about shoulder pain, we consulted Dr. Khalil Al-Maliki, a consultant in shoulder and upper limb surgery at King Abdullah Medical City in Mecca. He explained that the shoulder is a multi-axial ball-and-socket joint connecting the glenoid cavity of the scapula to the head of the humerus. These joints are connected by numerous tendons and muscles, such as the rotator cuff muscles, and a loose articular capsule, making the shoulder the most mobile joint in the human body. He clarified that the reason some people experience shoulder pain without any exertion or external factor is due to several underlying causes. These include diabetes, especially if blood sugar levels are irregular, inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, or inflammation of the biceps femoris muscle. Dr. Al-Maliki also noted that some studies link certain shoulder pains to diabetes, thyroid disorders, kidney dysfunction, epilepsy, and other conditions. Therefore, the first line of treatment for shoulder pain is for patients with chronic illnesses to adhere to their medication regimen and maintain regular follow-up appointments with their doctor.

The dangers of lifting heavy weights

Dr. Al-Maliki, a shoulder and upper limb surgery expert, explained that the connection between shoulder and neck pain stems from the fact that all nerves in the upper limb originate in the spinal cord between the cervical vertebrae, passing through the shoulder and upper chest to extend along the entire length of the limb. Therefore, any impact on these nerves causes pain that radiates along their path. Additionally, there are muscles connected to the cervical vertebrae on the shoulder side, and when neck or shoulder pain occurs, it causes these muscles to tighten and become painful.

Orthopedic consultant Dr. Al-Maliki warned against engaging in strenuous exercise or lifting heavy objects without caution or proper training. While exercise is beneficial for the body, for the shoulder joint, it's best to perform exercises. Lifting weights should be done under the supervision of specialists to ensure proper technique and avoid injuries. He explained that the difference between a dislocated shoulder and shoulder pain is clear. A dislocated shoulder occurs when the head of the humerus bone (scapula) is displaced from the scapula. There are several types depending on the direction of the dislocation. A dislocation may cause severe pain at the time of the dislocation, which subsides when the bone is reduced. It does not cause constant pain with movement, whereas pain from inflammation is constant and worsens with movement.

Cold... innocence

Dr. Khalil Al-Maliki, a consultant in shoulder and upper limb surgery, denied that shoulder pain is related to cold temperatures. He also stated that there are no studies that prove there is a medical reason for shoulder pain to be caused by excessive cold. However, he advises the majority, especially the elderly and patients, on the importance of prevention and wearing protective clothing in cold locations.

Dr. Al-Maliki explains that the shoulder pain some people experience accompanied by chest pressure is due to what is called referred pain, meaning the source of the pain is not the shoulder itself but another location. The anatomical and neurological structure of the human body plays a role in how pain is transmitted to the shoulder. The most common examples are: gallbladder pain, which is felt in the upper right abdomen and can radiate to the right shoulder; heart pain, which sometimes manifests as chest pain and spasms that radiate to the left shoulder; and neck pain resulting from nerve compression, which can also radiate to one shoulder. Therefore, anyone experiencing such symptoms should consult a doctor to prevent their condition from worsening.

6 reasons behind the pain

Dr. Mohammed Nabawi, a consultant orthopedic surgeon and arthroscopist at Buraydah Central Hospital, explained that shoulder pain can be caused by inflammation of the shoulder tendons due to strain or repetitive movements. A rotator cuff tear causes pain, especially when moving the arm. Shoulder impingement syndrome, where tendons or muscles rub against bone during arm movement, is another cause. Bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa that reduces friction between tissues, is also a contributing factor. Arthritis in the shoulder can cause pain and stiffness. Other causes include soft tissue problems such as sprains or strains of muscles and ligaments, and spinal problems like a herniated disc, which can cause pain radiating to the shoulder. Internal causes include heart disease or digestive problems. Frozen shoulder, on the other hand, is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, particularly in diabetic patients.

Orthopedic consultant Dr. Nabawi explains that the reason for feeling shoulder pain when raising the arm is due to some reasons, including the presence of shoulder impingement syndrome: friction of tendons or muscles against the bone during raising the arm, inflammation of tendons that appears when they are stretched, a tear that appears during movement, infection with bursitis, and inflammation of the shoulder joint that causes pain when moving the arm, along with problems in the soft tissues.

Why do pregnant women experience pain?

Orthopedic consultant Dr. Nabawi attributed the reason for women experiencing pain in the right shoulder during pregnancy to physical changes that occur during pregnancy, namely weight and pressure changes. The increase in weight and size during pregnancy can put additional pressure on the muscles and ligaments of the shoulder, causing pain. In addition, postural changes such as the change in the center of gravity and the increase in the size of the abdomen can affect the body's posture, which may cause tension in the shoulder muscles. Other causes include spinal problems; pregnancy can cause pressure on the nerves or lead to spinal problems, which may lead to shoulder pain. Also, fluid retention during pregnancy may cause swelling in the tissues around the shoulder, leading to pain. In addition, hormonal changes may lead to weakening of soft tissues and joints, increasing the likelihood of feeling pain.

Dr. Nabawi explains that diagnosing shoulder pain involves reviewing the patient's medical history, symptoms, and previous injuries, along with a physical examination to assess shoulder movement, strength, and pain, as well as examining posture and arm range of motion. Imaging tests include X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to identify injuries or inflammation. In some cases, blood tests are conducted to determine the presence of inflammation or other medical conditions. He clarifies that functional assessment aims to analyze how the pain affects daily activities and movement, while specialized tests evaluate shoulder function and identify the causes of the pain, such as range-of-motion tests or tendon compression tests.

Massage and muscle relaxation

Consultant Dr. Nabawi explained that physical therapy is successful for shoulder pain, especially if the pain is caused by muscular or skeletal problems. The treatment includes stretching and strengthening exercises to improve muscle flexibility and strength, heat or cold therapy to reduce inflammation and pain, movement and massage techniques to improve blood circulation and relieve tension, postural training to reduce pressure on the shoulder, and technological techniques such as electrical current therapy and ultrasound.

He added that folk medicine may play an important role through relaxation and massage, with the aim of relieving muscle tension. Massage and relaxation help to relax tense and tight muscles, which can reduce pain and pressure in the shoulder area, improve blood circulation by promoting blood flow to the affected area, which helps to accelerate the healing process and reduce inflammation, improve the flexibility of muscles and tendons, which facilitates shoulder movement and relieves stiffness, relieves muscle spasms and associated pain, and improves range of motion by relieving muscle tension and promoting natural movement. However, it is necessary to consult a specialist doctor before using these methods as a treatment to determine if they are appropriate and to avoid any possible complications.

Relax for 10 minutes

The Ministry of Health, through its website, emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy and proper sitting posture to prevent strain resulting from incorrect muscle use and to reduce pressure on the ligaments that connect the joints to the spine, thus making the body expend less energy. It also stressed the importance of adjusting the seat or chair so that the keyboard is used upright and parallel to the floor, preventing repetitive strain injuries. Furthermore, it advised adjusting the device level when using a computer or screen so that it is at eye level and does not cause neck curvature, adjusting the arms and elbows so that they are in line with the seat and the shoulders are relaxed, supporting the back by keeping it straight and using a back support cushion if possible, adjusting the knees by maintaining a small distance between the back of the knees and the chair, adjusting the feet by not crossing the legs and keeping the feet flat on the floor, and adjusting the waist and thighs so that the body weight is distributed evenly on the waist, maintaining a straight and non-leaning posture.

Be sure to avoid sitting on the edge of the chair with the spine bent, and be sure to change your sitting position from time to time, and not to sit for long periods in one position, and it is necessary to take a break for at least 10 minutes every hour of sitting, and not to strain your neck for long periods while looking at the screen or phone screen, and to sit in a position that does not fully support the back, especially the lower back.