If you’re looking in the mirror when you’re in the bathroom or at the store trying on clothes, you may notice that one of your shoulder blades looks a little different than the other. If one shoulder blade appears to have dropped lower or protrudes out farther than the other, you may be dealing with the early stages of a condition known as dropped shoulder syndrome. While the condition may not be as serious as some other spinal conditions, especially if it doesn’t present with pain, it may be worth proactively treating to avoid some of the issues that can develop if the condition progresses. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at dropped shoulder syndrome, why it develops and how the condition is treated.
Causes And Symptoms Of Dropped Shoulder Syndrome
Dropped shoulder syndrome can set in for a few different reasons, and understanding why the condition developed is key to pursuing the optimal treatment strategy. In many cases, trauma to the shoulder area leads to the immediate or eventual onset of dropped shoulder syndrome. Degenerative changes and genetics can also play a role in its development, but the actual mechanism behind the scapula shift is due to muscle weakness/paralysis or nerve damage. If these supportive muscles are weakened or paralyzed as a result of acute or repetitive trauma, they may no longer be able to provide adequate support to the scapula, causing it to sink and giving it a more asymmetrical appearance.
Besides a visible drooping of the scapula when looking at your back, some symptoms commonly associated with dropped shoulder syndrome include:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Difficulty lifting or rotating the affected shoulder and arm
- Weakness
- Numbness
Diagnosing And Treating Dropped Shoulder Syndrome
Because it presents with a visible difference in appearance, it is pretty easy to diagnose dropped shoulder syndrome through the eye test and with a physical exam. That said, as we alluded to above, figuring out the root cause of the condition is important to ensure appropriate treatment measures are pursued, so additional testing may be performed to learn more about the underlying cause. Functional movement screens, imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI and nerve stimulation tests may be ordered to hone in on the specific cause of your shoulder condition and to rule out any other potential issues.
Treatment will vary based on your individual diagnosis, but many patients will find that their condition improves or completely resolves with the help of conservative techniques. The most common treatment is physical therapy, as this technique will work to strengthen affected muscles or decompress irritated nerves that could be impacting scapular support. Many patients notice an improvement after just a few sessions, and total treatment can be completed in a matter of weeks.
Some other treatments that may be used in combination with physical therapy include:
- Bracing or similar shoulder support devices
- Medications to manage discomfort or localized inflammation
- Ice/Heat therapy
- Stretching routines to expand comfortable range of motion.
In rare cases where the issue is being caused by nerve damage that cannot be addressed with conservative means, a minimally invasive operation may be performed to reposition the scapula and reinforce the support structures in the area. Surgery tends to produce fantastic results, but the vast majority of patients with dropped shoulder syndrome will find the conservative techniques provide enough relief that an operation is not necessary.
So if you’ve begun to notice that your shoulders appear asymmetrical when looking in the mirror, bring it up to your primary care physician or a shoulder specialist. Early intervention can help stop a problem before it progresses into a major issue, so don’t delay. For more information about dropped shoulder syndrome or a different shoulder concern, reach out to Dr. Holloway and his team today at (865) 410-7887.
