Pain in the shoulders and neck can be dull, sharp, crimpy, shock like, burning or stabbing. Any type leads to stiffness of the neck and shoulder and reduces motion. Sometimes even headaches may occur. Weakness is usually caused by severe pain and possible nerve injuries. One must distinguish weakness from inability to move caused by inflammation or pain.
Numbness may occur if the nerves get bruised or damaged. It may cause altered, burning or no sensation at all. A cool feeling in the arm means that the veins or arteries are injured or blocked and there is insufficient flow of blood in the arm. Skin color changes also indicate artery and in vein injuries.
Redness is a sign of infection of inflammation. Rashes and bruising can also occur. The whole arm may be swollen or the swelling may be localized. Muscle spasms can provide sensations similar to swelling too. Deformities and dislocations may cause certain injured areas to appear swollen. Fractures, dislocations and torn ligaments can cause abnormal positioning of certain bone structures and result in deformity.
Minor injuries with mild pain sensations can be treated at home, while more severe and serious conditions require immediate medical attention. The process of recovery may be sped up by resting as much as possible and minimizing the movement of the injured area. Gradual exercising is also suggested.
Ice can be applied in a plastic bag which was wrapped with a towel to relieve the pain and inflammation. Applying ice directly to the skin can damage it. Elevating the injured area above the height of the patient’s heart reduces the pain and the swelling. Painkillers can come in handy for the same reasons. It is important that the patient does not expose the injured area to any source of heat in the first week because it worsens the pain and increases the swelling.
Medical treatment consists of acetaminophens and anti-inflammatory drugs. A cast, sling or splint may be required for the immobilization of the injured limb. The patient usually gets instructed to rest, reduce the motion of the injured area and to keep it elevated. In cases of severe injuries, patients sometimes need to be hospitalized for a few days.
In order to prevent injuries one must always be careful and avoid any potential hazards. Exercises can also be helpful in keeping the neck and the shoulders at a reduced risk of injury. One should always know the limitations of their skills and use appropriate safety equipment in order to reduce the possibility of injuries.
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