Why shoulder pain is so common (and how it can be avoided)

You go to take something from the last shelf and there it is. You try to uncork a bottle of wine, put on a T-shirt or dry your hair and it appears. You take a nap in the armchair and, when you wake up, it returns to make an appearance. You haven't been to the gym lately, you know it's not soreness, and the discomfort doesn't go away. Shoulder pain is one of the most common physical ailments today and due to its difficult immobilization (we use it in the most everyday and unavoidable movements), it is especially annoying (it greatly limits what you can or should do) for the person who suffers from it.

For us to understand each other, the shoulders are the anatomical region where the arms join with the trunk. It is, in short, the most mobile joint complex in the human body, the one with the greatest amplitude and variety of movements and, therefore, also the most vulnerable. Mobility has its price. In general, the three bones that compose it (shoulder blade, clavicle and humerus) are not usually affected, but the pain tends to originate in the soft tissues, that is, the muscles, tendons, joint capsules, synovial bags, etc.

You don't have to be overexerting or repetitive to experience shoulder pain. Just get used to holding a bad position

If you feel discomfort, it is probably due to a combination of reasons, as physical therapist Mike Riccardi says in an interview in 'Men's Health'. The expert attributes it to the complexity of the joint. The result, therefore, is a huge variety of causes that could explain the pain: from fractures and common injuries to joint inflammation, muscle contractures, tendinitis, bursitis, osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear or impingement syndrome. The latter, which appears when adopting certain positions (especially when raising the arm laterally or when supporting a heavy load), is usually the most common cause. However, the therapist warns that in recent years cases related to poor posture are increasing.

Therefore, it is not necessary to have made an excessive or very repetitive effort to suffer from shoulder pain. It is enough to get used to maintaining a bad position, whether sleeping, watching TV or in front of the computer in the office. In this sense, a very extended posture is to advance the head in front of the shoulders, that is, to be stooped, which causes an inadequate placement of the joint. In this case, even the slightest efforts and movements can irritate and overload the shoulder.

Let the shoulder rest for a few days. Complete immobilization with a sling is not recommended for minor injuries

The therapist's diagnosis reveals that, once again, the sedentary lifestyle and the tasks that go with it are a problem, as they can quickly lead to stiffness and muscle contractures. For this reason, it is advisable that you take short breaks regularly to relax the shoulder and neck area through relaxation exercises. If you spend many hours sitting, make sure to correct your posture. Just taking short walks can prevent stiffness and straining muscles. But, first of all, for God's sake, get yourself a stool to reach that jar from the last shelf without superhuman effort and, in case of pain, follow these tips:

1. Put your feet pointing forward.
2. Align hips, knees and ankles.
3. Roll your shoulders forward and repeat the movement about ten times.
4. Relax your neck and hands.
5. He rolls his shoulders again, but this time in the opposite direction. Do ten reps.