Shoulder pain is a common issue that can result from a variety of causes, including injuries, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. The shoulder is a complex joint with a wide range of motion, making it susceptible to different types of injuries or wear and tear. Shoulder pain may affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones within the shoulder joint, and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Rotator Cuff Injuries

• Cause: The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that help stabilize and move the shoulder. Injuries like tears or inflammation can cause pain.
• Symptoms: Dull ache deep in the shoulder, difficulty lifting the arm, and weakness in the shoulder.
• Treatment: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, surgery.

Shoulder Impingement:

• Cause: The rotator cuff tendons get trapped and compressed during shoulder movement, leading to inflammation.
• Symptoms: Pain when lifting the arm or reaching behind the back, as well as weakness and difficulty with overhead activities.
• Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

• Cause: Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint due to inflammation and scar tissue buildup. The exact cause is often unknown but can occur after an injury or period of immobility.
• Symptoms: Restricted range of motion and pain, especially when trying to move the arm.

Treatment: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. Severe cases may require surgery.

Tendinitis

• Cause: Inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder, often from repetitive overhead movements or aging.
• Symptoms: Pain and tenderness in the front of the shoulder, especially during movement.
• Treatment: Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications, followed by physical therapy to restore function.

Bursitis

• Cause: Inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint) due to repetitive motion or overuse.
• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and tenderness around the shoulder joint, especially with movement.
• Treatment: Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended.

Shoulder Dislocation

• Cause: When the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the shoulder socket, usually due to trauma or a fall.
• Symptoms: Intense pain, visible deformity, and inability to move the shoulder.
• Treatment: Medical attention is required to relocate the shoulder. Physical therapy is usually needed after to restore strength and prevent recurrence.

Shoulder Arthritis

• Cause: Degeneration of the cartilage in the shoulder joint, commonly due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, and swelling in the shoulder joint, particularly after periods of rest or prolonged use.
• Treatment: Pain management with anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and in advanced cases, joint replacement surgery.

Fractures

• Cause: Breaks in the bones of the shoulder (such as the collarbone, humerus, or scapula) usually due to falls or accidents.
• Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move the shoulder.
• Treatment: Immobilization with a sling or shoulder immobilizer, followed by physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be required.

Labral Tear

• Cause: The labrum is the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket. Tears can occur from injury or overuse, particularly in athletes or those doing repetitive overhead activities.
• Symptoms: Deep pain, clicking or catching sensation in the shoulder, and weakness or instability.
• Treatment: Physical therapy or surgery depending on the severity of the tear.

   

Referred Pain from the Neck

• Cause: Conditions such as cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerves in the neck) can cause pain that radiates down into the shoulder.
• Symptoms: Pain that radiates from the neck to the shoulder, numbness or tingling, and weakness in the arm.
• Treatment: Addressing the underlying neck condition through physical therapy, medications, or in severe cases, surgery.

Treatment for Shoulder Pain

Rest and Activity Modification

• Avoid activities that worsen the pain, especially repetitive overhead movements or heavy lifting.

Ice/Heat Therapy

• Ice packs can help reduce inflammation and numb pain, especially after acute injury. Heat can help relax stiff muscles and improve blood flow in chronic conditions.

Physical Therapy

• Targeted exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve range of motion, and restore joint function.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling.

Corticosteroid Injections

• For more severe inflammation, corticosteroid injections may provide relief, especially for conditions like bursitis or tendinitis.

Bracing or Sling Use

• For fractures, dislocations, or severe strains, a sling or shoulder immobilizer may be required to restrict movement and allow healing.

Surgery

• In cases of severe injury, such as rotator cuff tears, labral tears, or advanced arthritis, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged tissues.

When to See a Doctor

• Severe pain or inability to move the shoulder.
• Swelling or deformity following trauma or injury.
• Persistent pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter treatments.
• Numbness or tingling in the arm, which could indicate nerve involvement.
• Pain radiating to the chest or down the arm, which may signal a more serious condition, such as a heart attack.

Shoulder pain can be complex, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional to ensure appropriate treatment and recovery.