Symptoms
The typical symptoms are severe and stabbing pain in the area of the affected shoulder blade. These occur during movements in which the shoulder is stressed or moved, e.g. at work or during sports. If the inflammation of the shoulder blade structure is more advanced or more pronounced, pain can occur even during less strenuous movements or when resting.
The inflammation also results in reduced mobility. In addition to pain (dolor) and restricted mobility (functio laesa), other typical signs of inflammation also occur. These include overheating (calor), redness (rubor) and swelling (tumor).
Diagnosis
The diagnosis can be made clinically by an experienced physician through a combination of appropriate symptoms, such as pain, movement restrictions or even swelling. Furthermore, the diagnosis can be confirmed by ultrasound, X-ray or, in exceptional cases, by an MRI.
Treatment
The treatment of inflammation of the shoulder blade is based on anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication such as ibuprofen or diclofenac. In acute situations, it is often also helpful to rest and immobilize the shoulder blade. As a result, the inflammation often subsides.If the inflammation does not regress or if it is a chronic process, the shoulder should not be permanently relieved, as this can lead to increased movement restrictions and muscle loss.
The use of shock waves and ultrasound can also be used as therapeutic tools to treat the inflammation. The use of cold is helpful in both acute and chronic processes, as it slows down the inflammatory processes and also relieves pain.
- Ibuprofen
- Diclofenac
The application of heat is rather counterproductive in case of active inflammation.
The heat increases the blood circulation and the inflammation is additionally intensified. The swelling would also increase, as the heat causes increased fluid accumulation. In the case of an inflammation of the shoulder blade, cold should be used instead.
A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) can help with inflammation of the shoulder blade by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals. In itself, TENS does not reduce the inflammation. By reducing the pain, however, the chronic use of painkillers can be minimized.
