What Is Causing My Shoulder Pain?

Millions of people in the United States deal with shoulder pain every year. It can be a small ache or a serious pain that makes it hard to do everyday tasks. To feel better and avoid future issues, it is important to figure out what is causing the pain.

Shoulder pain can happen for many reasons. Some come from sudden injuries, while others build up slowly over time. Your age, how active you are, your job, and your overall health can all affect your chances of having shoulder problems.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The soft tissues around your shoulder joint make up the rotator cuff. These tissues consist of four muscles and multiple tendons. These structures help stabilize the shoulder and enable arm movement.

Shoulder pain is usually the result of a rotator cuff injury or inflammation in the area.

Rotator Cuff Tears

A rotator cuff tear can occur suddenly or develop gradually. Acute tears often result from falls, lifting heavy objects, or sudden arm movements. Degenerative tears develop slowly as tendons wear down over time.

Symptoms of rotator cuff tears include

• pain when lifting the arm overhead
• weakness when rotating your arm
• Weakness when reaching behind your back
• Night pain

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Tendinitis occurs when rotator cuff tendons become inflamed. Most commonly, the inflammation happens after an individual does repetitive movements with their arms above their head.

Some of the athletes most prone to rotator cuff injuries are:

• Swimmers
• Tennis players
• Baseball players
• Football players

However, individuals who have to raise their arms often at work are also susceptible. For example, painters and carpenters tend to be at risk.

The primary symptom is a dull ache deep in the shoulder. Pain typically worsens with overhead activities and may improve with rest. Some people notice increased stiffness in the morning.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement happens when a tendon or bursa is compressed between bones. This compression occurs most commonly under the acromion, the bony projection at the top of the shoulder blade.

Impingement syndrome often develops gradually. Repetitive overhead motions increase the risk of this condition.

Pain from impingement syndrome typically occurs when raising the arm to shoulder height or higher. You may feel a sharp, catching sensation during certain movements.

Weakness and limited range of motion often accompany the pain.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder causes severe stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The condition develops when the shoulder capsule becomes thick and tight. This restricts normal movement and causes significant discomfort.

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages. The freezing stage involves increasing pain and stiffness.

The frozen stage features persistent stiffness with less pain. The thawing stage brings gradual improvement in motion.

Risk factors for frozen shoulder include:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Prolonged immobilization

Women between the ages of 40 and 60 face a higher risk than other groups.

Arthritis

Several types of arthritis can affect the shoulder joint and cause pain.

Osteoarthritis

Your joint cartilage wears down over time as you age or move around, which causes osteoarthritis. This degenerative condition typically affects older adults. Previous shoulder injuries can also increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life.

Symptoms include deep, aching pain that worsens with activity. You may hear grinding or clicking sounds when moving your shoulder. Many individuals feel the stiffness most in the morning.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis. Instead of wear and tear overtime, it is a disorder in your immune system. It can affect people of any age and affects both shoulders at the same time.

Pain from rheumatoid arthritis is often accompanied by swelling and warmth. Morning stiffness lasting more than an hour is characteristic of this condition.

Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability occurs when the structures that hold the shoulder joint in place become loose or damaged. This can result from acute injuries or gradual stretching of supporting tissues.

Shoulder Dislocation

Complete shoulder dislocations involve the upper arm bone coming completely out of the socket. Partial dislocations, called subluxations, involve incomplete separation of joint surfaces.

After a dislocation, you may experience recurrent instability. The shoulder may feel loose or give way during certain activities. Fear of re-injury can limit your willingness to use the affected arm.

Bursitis

Your body cushions your bones, tendons, and muscles with bursae, which are small sacs full of fluid. When bursae get inflamed, you may experience shoulder pain. The subacromial bursa, located above the rotator cuff, is most commonly affected.

Bursitis pain is typically sharp and intense. It worsens with overhead activities and may improve with rest. Swelling and tenderness over the outside of the shoulder are common.

Referred Pain

Sometimes shoulder pain originates from problems elsewhere in the body. Neck conditions can cause pain that radiates to the shoulder. Heart problems and gallbladder disease may also cause referred shoulder pain.

Referred pain from the neck often worsens with neck movement. Shoulder motion typically does not affect this type of pain. Heart-related shoulder pain may be accompanied by chest discomfort or shortness of breath.

Shoulder Pain Treatment in St. Peters, O’Fallon, & Wentzville, MO

Shoulder pain can greatly impact your quality of life and daily activities. Knowing the various causes helps you make informed decisions about your care. You are more likely to have better outcomes and faster recovery if you see a doctor sooner. The shoulder specialists at Advanced Bone & Joint have extensive experience in treating all types of shoulder conditions. Our comprehensive approach combines the latest diagnostic techniques with proven treatment methods.

We work with each patient to develop personalized treatment plans that address their specific needs and goals. Take the first step toward shoulder pain relief today. Call Advanced Bone & Joint at (636) 241-9807 or use our appointment request form to schedule your consultation.

We look forward to serving you!