Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

 

Pain and lack of mobility of the shoulder is a common complaint for a spectrum of patients spanning youth athletes to older adults. Due to the complexity of the shoulder, which is made up of several joints, bones, muscles and tendons, it is particularly vulnerable to inflammation and injuries. Commonly experienced causes may include:

 

  • Shoulder Tendinitis: Tendinitis is a condition in which tendons, the tissues that connect muscles to bones, become inflamed. This can occur in one or more of the several tendons in the shoulder.
  • Shoulder Bursitis: A bursa is a sac of fluid that acts to facilitate motion in joints. When the bursa in the shoulder becomes inflamed, it can cause pain and irritation, which is a condition called bursitis.  
  • Shoulder Impingement: Shoulder impingement, also known as swimmer’s shoulder and thrower’s shoulder, occurs when the bones of the shoulder pinch or rub against the tendons and/or bursa, causing pain and irritation.

 

Diagnosing Shoulder Pain

 

Because shoulder pain can stem from a number of different injuries and conditions, diagnosis by an experienced physician is extremely important.

 

Your doctor will examine your shoulder, test for tenderness, deformity, strength, and range of motion loss. Your doctor may also use other tests, such as X-Ray and MRI when necessary to establish a specific diagnosis.

 

Treatment Options

 

  • Nonsurgical treatment is typically the first course of action. Nonsurgical treatment may include rest and behavior modification (such as avoiding overhead lifting), anti-inflammatory medications, ice, physical therapy, or steroid injection.
  • Surgical treatment may become necessary if painful symptoms persist. Your surgeon may use an arthroscopic procedure, which involves a tiny incision and small instruments guided by a camera to treat the condition. A traditional open surgery, in which the surgeon makes an incision in your shoulder to access the area in need of treatment, may also be considered but is rarely necessary.

 

Schedule a Consultation With OSMC

 

OSMC’s physicians are experienced with shoulder injuries and conditions that cause shoulder pain. A consultation with one of our surgeons is the first step to becoming pain-free and improving your quality of life. To schedule your consultation, click here.