What are the Common Causes of Shoulder Pain?

Understanding the Causes of Shoulder Pain: A Guide for the General Public

Shoulder pain is a common issue that can stem from various injuries and conditions. Identifying the cause of your shoulder pain is essential for effective treatment and recovery. This article explains the most common causes of shoulder pain and offers practical advice on what to do next.

Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder. Injuries here are a frequent cause of shoulder pain. Common conditions include:

• Rotator Cuff Injury: A common condition causing shoulder pain, often due to repetitive overhead activities.
• Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: Inflammation or damage to the rotator cuff tendons, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
• Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy: Characterised by calcium deposits in the rotator cuff tendons, causing intense pain.
• Rotator Cuff Tear: Involves a tear in the rotator cuff muscles, often resulting from injury or wear over time.
• Bicep Tendinopathy: Affects the bicep tendon, leading to pain in the front of the shoulder.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement occurs when shoulder tendons are pinched during arm movements, causing pain and limited mobility. Conditions related to impingement include:

• Shoulder Impingement: A condition where shoulder tendons are pinched during arm movements, causing pain and limited mobility.
• Shoulder Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac in the shoulder, causing pain and discomfort.
• Swimmer’s Shoulder: An overuse injury common in swimmers, causing shoulder pain and impingement symptoms.

Shoulder Stiffness

Stiffness in the shoulder can develop gradually and lead to significant discomfort. Key conditions include:

• Adhesive Capsulitis / Frozen Shoulder: A condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful, often developing gradually without a specific cause.
• Shoulder Arthritis: Degenerative joint disease affecting the shoulder, causing pain and stiffness.

Shoulder Instability

Instability in the shoulder can lead to recurrent issues. Common causes are:

• Shoulder Dislocation: Occurs when the shoulder joint is forced out of position, causing pain and instability.
• Functional Shoulder Instability: Chronic instability in the shoulder, often leading to recurrent subluxations, dislocations and pain.

Acromioclavicular Joint

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint can be damaged, often in athletes or after falls. Conditions include:

• AC Joint Injury: Involves damage to the acromioclavicular joint, common in athletes and after falls.

Bone Conditions

Bone-related issues can also cause shoulder pain. These include:

• Broken Shoulder / Fractured Humerus: A break in the shoulder bone, often resulting from trauma or falls.
• Stress Fracture: A small crack in the bone, typically caused by overuse and repetitive activities.

Post-Operative Physiotherapy

Recovery from shoulder surgery often requires tailored exercises and therapies. Important procedures include:

• Subacromial Decompression: A surgical procedure to alleviate shoulder impingement symptoms.
• Shoulder Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery for various shoulder conditions.
• Acromioplasty: Surgery to reshape the acromion and relieve impingement.
• Rotator Cuff Repair: Surgical repair of a torn rotator cuff.
• SLAP Repair: Surgery to fix a specific type of labrum tear in the shoulder.
• Biceps Tenodesis: Surgical procedure to reattach the biceps tendon.
• Biceps Tenotomy: Involves cutting the biceps tendon to relieve pain.
• Total Shoulder Replacement: Replacement of the shoulder joint with artificial components.

Post-Operative Shoulder Rehabilitation: Essential for recovery, involving tailored exercises and therapies to regain strength and mobility after shoulder surgery.

Muscle Conditions

Muscle-related issues causing shoulder pain include:

• Muscle Strain: A tear or stretch in a muscle, often causing pain and limited movement.
• DOMS – Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: Muscle pain and stiffness that occurs hours after unfamiliar or strenuous exercise.

Neck Arm Syndromes

Pain in the shoulder can originate from other areas, such as the neck. Conditions include:

• Neck Arm Pain: Pain that originates in the neck and travels down to the arm and shoulder.
• Cervical Radiculopathy: Occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, leading to shoulder pain.
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A condition where nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib are compressed, causing pain in the shoulder area.

Systemic Conditions

Chronic conditions can also affect the shoulders. These include:

• Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, including in the shoulder.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that can cause joint pain and damage throughout the body, including the shoulders.

What to Do Next?

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is essential to seek professional advice from a physiotherapist. They can assess your condition and develop a personalised treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Conclusion

Shoulder pain can significantly impact your daily life, but understanding its causes is the first step towards effective treatment. By recognising the signs and symptoms of different conditions, you can take the appropriate actions to manage your pain and improve your quality of life.

Shoulder Products & FAQs

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Causes of Shoulder Pain FAQs

1. What are the common causes of shoulder pain?

Common causes include rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement, adhesive capsulitis, shoulder instability, AC joint injuries, arthritis, fractures, and muscle strains.

2. How can a physiotherapist help with shoulder pain?

A physiotherapist can assess your condition, provide tailored exercises, and offer treatments to reduce pain and improve mobility.

3. What is rotator cuff tendinopathy?

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is inflammation or damage to the rotator cuff tendons, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

4. How is shoulder impingement treated?

Treatment often includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the tendons.

5. What should I do if I have a frozen shoulder?

Consult a physiotherapist for a tailored exercise program to improve mobility and reduce pain.

6. Can shoulder pain be related to neck problems?

Yes, conditions like cervical radiculopathy can cause shoulder pain due to nerve compression in the neck.

Related Articles

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries: Discover causes and treatments for rotator cuff injuries.
2. Shoulder Impingement: Learn how to manage and treat shoulder impingement.
3. Frozen Shoulder: Understand the symptoms and treatments for adhesive capsulitis.
4. Shoulder Dislocation: Find out how to manage shoulder dislocations.
5. AC Joint Injury: Explore treatment options for AC joint injuries.
6. Shoulder Arthritis: Learn about managing pain and stiffness from arthritis.
7. Post-Operative Shoulder Rehabilitation: Understand the recovery process after shoulder surgery.
8. Muscle Strain Treatments: Discover effective ways to treat muscle strains.
9. Cervical Radiculopathy: Learn how neck issues can cause shoulder pain.
10. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Find out about symptoms and treatments for this condition.