What is Causing My Shoulder Pain?
The area commonly referred to as the shoulder encompasses multiple joints, tendons, and muscles that facilitate a broad range of arm movements, from reaching behind your back to making an accurate throw. While this mobility offers many benefits, it also increases the risk of issues such as instability and impingement, involving both soft tissue and bone, which can lead to discomfort. Shoulder pain might be experienced only during movement or persistently, necessitating medical evaluation and treatment in some cases.
The shoulder complex includes three primary bones:
the humerus (upper arm bone)
the scapula (shoulder blade)
the clavicle (collarbone).
The humerus head articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula, supported by the rotator cuff—a group of muscles and tendons that maintain the arm bone's position within the socket.
Common shoulder ailments fall into categories such as tendon inflammation or tears, instability, arthritis, and fractures. Less frequently, shoulder pain arises from tumors, infections, or nerve issues.
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear is a common yet serious shoulder injury, involving a tear in one or more of the tendons of the rotator cuff. This group of muscles and tendons stabilizes the shoulder and enables a wide range of arm movements. Rotator cuff tears can occur due to acute injury, such as lifting a heavy object improperly, or through chronic wear and tear, often seen in athletes or individuals engaging in repetitive overhead motions. Symptoms may include pain, especially at night or when performing specific movements, weakness in the arm, and decreased range of motion. Depending on the severity of the tear, treatment options range from physical therapy and pain management to surgical repair. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent further damage and ensure the best possible outcome.
Bursitis
Bursitis, or the inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs reducing friction between bone and soft tissues), often results from overuse, leading to pain and difficulty in daily tasks. Tendinitis, inflammation of the tendons, is categorized as either acute, from excessive overhead activities, or chronic, from degenerative conditions or repetitive use. Tendon tears, whether partial or complete, may stem from acute injuries or degenerative changes.
Impingement
Impingement syndrome occurs when the shoulder blade's acromion presses on the soft tissues below during arm elevation, causing pain and movement restriction. Instability, characterized by the upper arm bone dislocating from the socket, can result from injury and lead to chronic dislocations and arthritis risk. Arthritis, or joint inflammation, often manifests as osteoarthritis in the shoulder, progressing with age to cause increasing pain and stiffness.
Fracture
Fractures, or breaks in the shoulder bones, typically result from falls or direct impacts, causing significant pain, swelling, and bruising.
For detailed information on conditions like rotator cuff tendinitis, shoulder arthroscopy, frozen shoulder, and more, consulting relevant medical resources is advisable.