Reasons for shoulder pain–and what to do about it

Shoulder pain is defined as any level of pain in or around the area of the shoulder joint. This is the most mobile joint (ball-and-socket joint) in the entire body but unfortunately, with this great flexibility comes greater vulnerability. The shoulder has many moving parts which can be injured due to repeated stress from the way the shoulder is used on the job or in playing sports.

Causes of shoulder pain

Dislocation is caused when the shoulder is pulled back too hard or rotated too far; causing the top of the arm to come out of its socket resulting in pain, swelling and numbness along with bruising.

Separation affects the joint where the collarbone and shoulder blade join; also called the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. A fall or hard blow can tear the ligaments holding it together.

Fracture or break mostly happens to the clavicle (collarbone) and the humerus (arm bone which is closest to the shoulder). The collarbone fracture causes the shoulder to sag and inability to lift the arm.

Cartilage tear can happen to the rubbery padding or cartilage which goes around the rim of the shoulder joint. Repeated motion or action over and over or a fall can tear the cartilage. The shoulder seems weak, like it’s catching, locking or grinding.

Rotator cuffis the group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder which hold the arm in place and let you lift it overhead. A tear can happen by overuse or by a fall or with age. A crackling sound is heard on movement of the arm.

Frozen shoulder limits how much the joint will move because abnormal bands of tissue (adhesions) build up in the joint and block the shoulder movement.

Impingement is when the tendons of the rotator cuff get pinched in the shoulder bones, it happens when the arms are lifted over the head frequently.

Bursitisis when the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint) gets swollen or irritated with repeated motions or a fall or injury. Pain is most on movement of the shoulder.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease is the most common form of arthritis causing pain and stiffness when the cartilage between bones breaks down, causing it to rub together.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease causing the body’s immune system to attack the protective lining in joints causing pain and stiffness.

Referred pain is when shoulders hurt even when there’s nothing wrong with them. This is a sign of problem with your gallbladder, liver or another organ.

Heart attack - if ever the shoulder hurts, combined with breathing problems or the chest feels tight, rush for emergency medical help right away.

Diagnosis of shoulder pain

We will conduct a physical exam to rule out if your spine or neck is involved. Next, we will recommend one or more imaging tests like X-rays, MRI scan, CT Scan, Electromyography (EMG) to see if there are any problems with nerves or even Arthroscopy where a tiny fiber-optic camera is inserted for high-definition images of your shoulder.

We suggest that you must visit FirstCure Health right away if the shoulder joint looks deformed, there is intense pain with sudden swelling or the arm or hand feels weak or numb.