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How can you care for yourself when you have shoulder pain?
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines contain acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
- If your doctor recommends that you wear a sling, use it as directed. Do not take it off before your doctor tells you to.
- Put ice or a cold pack on the sore area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
- If there is no swelling, you can put moist heat, a heating pad, or a warm cloth on your shoulder. Some doctors suggest alternating between hot and cold.
- Rest your shoulder for a few days. If your doctor recommends it, you can then begin gentle exercise of the shoulder, but do not lift anything heavy.
Shoulder pain: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have chest pain or pressure. This may occur with:
- Sweating.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Pain that spreads from the chest to the neck, jaw, or one or both shoulders or arms.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- A fast or uneven pulse.
- Your arm or hand is cool or pale or changes color.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in your shoulder.
- Red streaks leading from a place on your shoulder.
- Pus draining from an area of your shoulder.
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You cannot use your shoulder.
- Your shoulder does not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.