Shoulder pain: Causes and solutions

Your shoulder is a joint that is comprised of a ball and socket. There are three primary bones that make up the shoulder: the collarbone (clavicle), shoulder blade (scapula) and the long arm bone (humerus). As your body’s most mobile joint, the shoulder has a wide range of motion. Shoulder pain can affect your daily life and diminish its quality.

Possible Causes of Shoulder Pain

The causes of shoulder pain range from the minor to the more serious. Shoulder pain caused by falls, overuse and strains might respond to care like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), ice or physical therapy. In other cases, medical intervention in the form of specialized care or surgery is necessary.

Rotator Cuff Disorders

Rotator cuff tendinitis occurs when the tendons in the shoulder become swollen, irritated or inflamed. This condition tends to occur over time and is often seen in athletes who must lift their arms over their heads frequently. Stiffness, loss of mobility in your arm, pain and a clicking sound as you raise your arm are a few common symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis.

Rotator cuff tears occur when the joints muscles and tendons start to fray. Eventually, they partially or completely tear. These tears can be abrupt or they can happen over the span of months or years. Repetitive movements, falls and twisting or swinging the shoulder can cause this condition.

A rotator cuff impingement happens when the muscles are pinched. This can cause stiffness, pain and a reduction of mobility.

When measures like physical therapy, ice and rest don’t reduce rotator cuff pain, surgery is often the only way to address it. Fortunately, most people are able to regain full mobility and be pain-free afterward.

Shoulder Dislocation

In most cases, a shoulder dislocation occurs as the result of a traumatic injury such as a fall or a traffic accident. However, some people could have joints that are more unstable and face recurrent dislocations.

The shoulder joint is supported by strong bands of tissue. These can become weak over time and cause the joint to become unstable. This is most often found in those people who frequently use their shoulders as well as older adults who are experiencing weakened supportive tissues due to age.

Treating a shoulder dislocation is best left up to an orthopedic surgeon. After the condition is thoroughly evaluated, the doctor will reposition the shoulder so the tissues are able to heal. A sling helps improve stability and hold the shoulder in place. Anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy can assist in healing and increasing range of motion.

If you’re concerned about your shoulder pain, Huntington Orthopedic Institute is here to assist you. Our caring staff prides itself on providing excellent and compassionate care. Reach out to us today to learn more.