5 Possible Causes of Your Shoulder Pain: Everything to Know

By Dr. Erik Simms

Shoulder pain can make it difficult to do everyday things that require using your arms, like reaching for something on a high shelf, driving a car, or even brushing your hair. For some people, shoulder pain is just annoying. But for others, it can be debilitating and prevent them from doing the things they love. If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, there are some things you can do to ease the discomfort and get back to your life. 

There are many potential reasons why your shoulder may be aching, as it is a complex joint. Some possible causes of shoulder pain include:

1) Rotator Cuff Tears

A rotator cuff tear is a partial or complete tear of the rotator cuff tendons. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. These muscles and tendons help lift the arm. 

A rotator cuff tear can occur due to injury, overuse, or degeneration. Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include pain, weakness, and a crackling sensation when moving the arm. Treatment options include rest, ice, and physical therapy. Surgery may be required in severe cases.

2) Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. It is more common in women and people over the age of 40. The condition is caused by the thickening and stiffness of the connective tissue in the shoulder’s ball-and-socket joint.

Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Treatment options include physical therapy, steroid injections, and surgery.

3) Calcific Tendonitis

Calcific tendonitis occurs when calcium deposits form in the shoulder joint. The tendons become irritated and inflamed, causing pain. Calcific tendonitis is a condition that can develop in people who have chronic tendonitis of the rotator cuff. 

The condition is characterized by the presence of calcium deposits, which can be seen on X-rays. Treatment for calcific tendonitis typically includes physical therapy, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and steroid injections.

4) Rotator Cuff Injury

This is a condition that affects the shoulder joint and causes pain and weakness in the arm. It is caused by overuse or injury to the tendons and muscles that surround the shoulder joint.

Symptoms include pain, weakness, and stiffness. Treatment options include physical therapy, steroid injections, and surgery.

5) Shoulder Osteoarthritis

This is a degenerative disease that affects the cartilage in the shoulder. It causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder and can make it difficult to move your arm. Treatment options include physical therapy, steroid injections, and surgery.

As osteoarthritis progresses, the stiffness in your shoulder joint increases to the point where you might lose the ability to move your arm behind your back. Many patients with this condition report being unable to scratch their back or thread a belt.

Conclusion

The shoulder is a very complex joint and the most mobile joint in the body. It’s also one of the most common areas of the body to be affected by osteoarthritis. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, you might be suffering from shoulder osteoarthritis. Go see your doctor right away to get a diagnosis and begin treatment.

Triple Crown Chiropractic can help you treat any shoulder pain issues you might have. We are the best chiropractor clinic in Walton qualified to work with you to ease the pain. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

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