Overview
Your shoulder has the greatest range of motion of all your joints. A ball-and-socket joint, it gets tremendous support from several muscles and other soft tissues that keep the joint in the proper position and moving freely. Frequently referred to as the rotator cuff, this collection of muscles and tendons provides the shoulder joint with stability and support.
The pain in your shoulder may have already led you to discover that your shoulder joint is involved in even the simplest of tasks such as eating, dressing, or putting a phone to your ear. These can result from overuse, trauma, or age-related wear and tear. These conditions can cause pain, limited range of motion, and affect daily activities.
If your shoulder pain is becoming unbearable, consider seeking help from professionals for physical therapy, medications, or surgery if necessary.
Cause of Shoulder Pain
Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that hold your shoulder in place. Rotator cuff injury is often caused by an injury or degeneration and can lead to changes in the bone and surrounding tissues, limiting your range of motion and causing weakness in the arm.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
A frozen shoulder results from the gradual loss of movement in the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint. In this condition, the shoulder becomes stuck and its movement becomes restricted. It is often caused by inflammation of the capsule, and tissue surrounding the shoulder joint.
Shoulder Dislocation/ Impingement
Dislocation of your shoulder means your upper arm bone (humerus) has come out of your shoulder joint causing severe pain. Past dislocations increase the risk of recurrences, but keeping muscles strong and flexible can help prevent future occurrences.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time, leading to pain, swelling, and decreased joint mobility. Regular exercise, weight management, and medications are common management approaches.
Labral Tears
A labral tear refers to damage to the labrum, a ring of cartilage surrounding the socket of the shoulder joint. This can be caused by trauma, repetitive motion, or degeneration over time. Symptoms may include pain, instability, and difficulty with certain movements. Treatment options range from physical therapy to surgery, depending on the severity of the tear.
Struggling with shoulder pain? Explore the available treatments for your shoulder pain here
