What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder Pain Treatment in Pikesville, MD

Shoulder pain can be debilitating, affecting your mobility and ability to carry out once simple tasks. While shoulder pain is a common occurrence, many don’t realize what causes shoulder pain and the many ways it can be alleviated. Fidel Integrated Medical Solutions is here to provide clarity and insight into what causes shoulder pain and how it can be remedied.

Types of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder problems can be categorized into two broad sections known as acute and chronic shoulder pain. Acute shoulder issues happen suddenly and are typically accompanied by intense discomfort. Chronic shoulder problems develop over time and may worsen without professional intervention. There are many types of acute and chronic shoulder problems.

  • Frozen Shoulder – Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, results in limited overhead mobility of the shoulder. This can be very painful and is typically the result of surgery or a shoulder, wrist, or hand injury.
  • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – Shoulder impingement syndrome is a condition brought on when the tendons of the rotator cuff located between the bones of the shoulder joint become pinched. This condition results in difficulty raising the arms overhead and is accompanied by sharp or shooting pains.
  • Pinched Nerve – A common occurrence that may result in shoulder pain is a pinched nerve in the neck. Pinched nerves happen when a nerve root within the neck becomes compressed or irritated. This can be minor and heal on its own or it can be a part of a more complex issue such as a herniated disc or bone spur.
  • Arthritis – Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder because of broken-down cartilage and friction between the bones.
  • Torn Cartilage – Whether it derives from repetitive motions that affect the shoulder cartilage or an injury that inflicted an impact on the shoulder, torn cartilage may result in shoulder pain and weakness. Furthermore, torn shoulder cartilage may cause locking, grinding, or catching of the shoulder.
  • Rotator Cuff Tear – Rotator cuff tears can occur due to overuse, normal wear and tear of the shoulder as you age, or from an accident or injury. Rotator cuff tears are accompanied by sharp pains when trying to lift or move things, and at night.
  • Tendinitis/Tendinosis – Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of the tendons within the shoulder joint. With consistent use, accident, or injury, the tendons may tear, leading to tendonitis. The symptoms of tendinitis may include pain, tenderness, limited range of motion, weakness, or stiffness of the shoulder.
  • Shoulder Dislocation – Excessive force from an accident or injury may result in shoulder dislocation. When a shoulder becomes dislocated, a person may experience weakness, swelling, bruising, or numbness partnered with pain and discomfort.
  • Bursitis – Overuse, heavy impact, or injury can result in bursitis in the shoulder. Bursitis is caused by the sac that serves as padding for shoulder movement becoming inflamed and irritated, which may result in discomfort and a burning sensation that predominantly occurs with movement.
  • Bone Spurs – Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are growths that can form on the edges of the bones located in the shoulder joint. Bone spurs are generally a result of consistent wear and tear to the joint, and they can develop into tendinitis or rotator cuff tears when not promptly addressed.
  • Fracture – Whether a person is in an accident or experiences a fall, they may find themselves with a bone fracture. Bone fractures of the clavicle (collarbone) or the humerus (upper arm) may create shoulder pain as they heal.
  • Referred Pain – In some cases, a patient’s shoulder pain may not have anything to do with the shoulder itself. Issues with other parts of the body, such as the gallbladder, stomach, liver, heart, or other organs may be damaged or ill, resulting in referred pain felt in the shoulder.

How to Diagnose What Causes Shoulder Pain

When you seek relief from a medical professional for your shoulder pain, they will begin your diagnosis by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination. Furthermore, they may conduct one of the following to detect the source of your pain:Shoulder Pain Treatment in Pikesville, MD

  • X-rays
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Computed tomography scan (CT scan)
  • Electromyogram (EMG)
  • Ultrasound
  • Laboratory testing

Treating Shoulder Pain

Treatment for shoulder pain will vary depending on the source of the shoulder pain and the severity of the patient’s discomfort. Common shoulder pain treatment includes the following:Shoulder Pain Treatment in Pikesville, MD

  • Physical therapy
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to alleviate inflammation and pain
  • Surgery in severe cases
  • Activity modification
  • Rest
  • Chiropractic care

Determining Treatment

Treating shoulder pain will be different for each patient, as treatment is based on several factors, including the following:

  • The patient’s age
  • The patient’s health and medical history
  • The severity of the patient’s condition
  • The patient’s tolerance to certain procedures, therapies, or medications
  • The patient’s expectations
  • The patient’s preferences

How to Manage Shoulder Pain

There are several methods to relieve and soothe shoulder pain, including the following:

  • Rest
  • Limit stress to the shoulder by modifying or refraining from certain activities
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
  • Cold compress to combat swelling
  • Moist heat application
  • Muscle relaxants

Get Shoulder Pain Relief Today

Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back. Rely on the medical professionals at Fidel Integrated Medical Solutions for prompt and effective shoulder pain treatment based on your specific needs and preferences. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover a life beyond the restraints of shoulder pain.