|
Frozen shoulder is the common term for a disorder called adhesive capsulitis.
This disease is characterized by motionless shoulders sometimes accompanied
by pain or stiffness. About two in every Americans suffer from this disorder
although the causes are not totally understood. It occurs when the capsule encompassing
the shoulder joint is contracted and thickened. The good news is that frozen
shoulder is a condition that is fairly easy to diagnose. Since these symptoms
could also signify the presence of a rotator cuff injury, you should consult
your doctor. He will give you an exam and possibly order an X-ray or MRI to
give you a proper diagnosis.
People with diabetes are most at risk for frozen
shoulder. Although doctors can't really determine a clear-cut cause
for this disorder, it has been noted that there are other medical problems linked
to it. People with such conditions as cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism,
or Parkinsons's have been more prone to suffer from frozen shoulder. If
you think you may have the early stages of this disorder, consulting a doctor
for instruction on how to keep the shoulder mobile after injury may help you
avoid this uncomfortable problem.
Frozen shoulder is not characterized by sharp, searing pains. In fact, the
pain associated with this order is usually more of a dull ache. Patients often
report that attempting to move the arm only intensifies the pain. Patients suffering
from frozen shoulder can not move the shoulder normally.
Doctors have said that this disorder actually has three phases. The first phase
has been dubbed "freezing". This marks the beginning of the shoulder
pain. Lasting anywhere from six weeks to nine months, this is the beginning
of an uncomfortable problem.
Phase two of frozen shoulder is the "frozen" stage. Although a
patient may be reporting a bit of decline in pain levels, the stiffness persists
and continues anywhere from four to nine months.
The last and final phase of frozen shoulder is the "thawing" stage.
This is a slow process, generally ranging between 5 months and a more than two
years, this is where motion in the shoulder slowly begins to return to normal.
Although frozen shoulder is an uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating disorder
that can linger for two or three years, the condition usually rectifies itself.
You will get better on your own, eventually. The main issue is to remain comfortable
until that time arrives. Your doctor may recommend an anti-inflammatory medication
such as ibuprofen. In more extreme cases, you may want to enroll in some sort
of physical therapy to help restore motion to your shoulder.
If you are experiencing any type of back, neck, or shoulder pain, be sure that
you are sleeping on the proper bedding. Choose a mattress that is comfortable
and a pillow
that provides the right support for proper spine alignment. Consult with your
doctor about the pain you are having since it could be the indication of something
more serious than frozen shoulder.
 Back To Articles
Free Articles: Thousands of Intriguing Articles-News Resources.
| 
