Ask Doctor K: Shoulder pain treated with ice, medication

DEAR DOCTOR K: I have pain in my shoulder when I raise my arm above my head. My doctor says it’s caused by “impingement.” What does that mean, and what can I do about it?

DEAR READER: You know the wide variety of things your shoulder allows you to do – such as reach for a box of cereal, swing a golf club and wash your hair. However, the design of a joint that lets you do all of that also leaves the joint vulnerable to injury.

Joints are places where two or more bones meet. The shoulder joint is where three bones meet: the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder blade) and the humerus (upper arm bone).

The shoulder is a highly mobile ball-and-socket joint, allowing the arm to move freely. That group of muscles, tendons and ligaments is called the rotator cuff.

Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff is weakened or torn and cannot hold the humerus in its proper place when you lift your arm. As a result, the arm bone gets slightly dislodged and pinches the tendons and ligaments against another of the shoulder bones.

Impingement can cause inflammation and swelling in the tendons. This narrows the space between the arm bone and the shoulder blade. As the space shrinks, the arm bone can’t rotate fully in the socket.

If your shoulder pain came on suddenly, try treating it with rest and ice. Avoid reaching overhead. But don’t immobilize your shoulder by wearing a sling. Apply ice packs every few hours to reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain.

The longer you have pain, the more likely it is that your shoulder movement gradually will become limited. Eventually you may not be able to lift your arm over your head. It’s called a “frozen shoulder.” Your doctor can refer you to a physical therapist. He or she will help you adjust your movements to strengthen your rotator cuff muscles and loosen the tendons and ligaments.

If you catch it early, shoulder impingement can usually be improved or cured.