The only thing worse than experiencing an orthopedic injury is not knowing how or why that injury developed. If you're experiencing shoulder pain, you may begin to worry whether or not that pain is a sign of something more severe. While it's important not to self-diagnose, our team of experts at Sports Medicine and Joint Replacement Specialists has put together this guide to help give you a clearer idea of what sort of damage has occurred to your shoulder joint.
Common Shoulder Conditions
The shoulder joint, a complex structure, is pivotal in providing the wide range of motion necessary for various daily activities and complex movements. This joint is classified as a ball and socket joint, where the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into the concave part of the shoulder blade, known as the glenoid, forming the shoulder socket. Surrounding the shoulder joint is the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that secure the arm bone within the shallow socket of the shoulder and aid in movement.
Here are some of the most common shoulder conditions:
Rotator Cuff Tears:
- Causes: Rotator cuff tears often result from repetitive motion or overuse, particularly in activities that require lifting the arm overhead. Aging can also weaken the rotator cuff tendons, making them more susceptible to tears.
- Symptoms: Symptoms include a dull ache deep in the shoulder, disturbed sleep due to pain when lying on the affected shoulder, and limited ability to move the arm, especially overhead.
Frozen Shoulder
- What it is: Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It typically develops slowly and in three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing.
- Who is at risk: Risk factors include individuals who are recovering from medical conditions or procedures that affect the mobility of the arm, such as a mastectomy or stroke and those with diabetes or over the age of 40.
Shoulder Dislocation
- Signs: Common signs include visible deformity, swelling, pain, and an inability to move the joint. The shoulder may feel loose and unstable.
- How it happens: Shoulder dislocations are generally caused by a significant force that separates the shoulder joint's ball from the socket, such as a fall or a blow to the shoulder.
Do You Know Your Shoulder Pain Cause?
A good place to begin is to determine the cause of your shoulder injury. This can help you understand how severe your condition is.
Possible Cause: Wear and Tear Arthritis and Bone Spurs
Over time, the cartilage in the shoulder joint can wear down, leading to osteoarthritis, characterized by joint pain and stiffness. Bone spurs are bony projections that can develop along the edges of bones, often where bones meet at the joint. In the shoulder, they can irritate the surrounding soft tissues, leading to pain during movement.
Possible Cause: Referred Pain
Referred pain is discomfort perceived in an area away from the actual site of the pathology. This can occur in the shoulder due to neck or spine problems where nerves are compromised. It can make diagnosis challenging as the pain does not originate from the shoulder itself, even though the shoulder appears to be the problem area.
Possible Cause: Poor Shoulder Posture
Poor shoulder posture, such as slouching or consistently holding the shoulders in an elevated position (like during prolonged computer use), can lead to tension and strain in the shoulder muscles and tendons. This can exacerbate existing conditions like rotator cuff tendinitis or contribute to the onset of new symptoms.
Questions to Ask Yourself Regarding Shoulder Pain
When trying to pinpoint the cause of your shoulder pain, begin by asking yourself the following series of questions.
Is My Pain Acute or Chronic?
Acute pain usually appears suddenly and is often the result of an injury. This type of pain can be a sharp, intense sensation that alerts you to the injury. Chronic pain develops over time and is generally less intense but more prolonged. It might be due to long-term conditions like arthritis or repetitive stress.
How Severe Is My Pain and What Is Its Nature?
Is the pain severe enough to interfere with your daily activities or sleep? Severe pain may require immediate medical attention.
Is the pain dull, aching, sharp, or burning? The nature of the pain can provide clues about the underlying condition.
Does My Pain Worsen With Certain Movements?
Notice if movements like raising your arm, carrying objects, or rotating your shoulder exacerbate the pain. This could indicate issues with the rotator cuff or other structural problems within the shoulder.
Is My Shoulder Pain Associated With Other Symptoms?
Are symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain present along with shoulder pain? Such symptoms could indicate more serious conditions like heart issues or lung problems and require immediate medical evaluation.
The Importance of Getting a Professional Opinion
While the above information is a great headstart on identifying the issue with your shoulder, it isn't a replacement for professional advice. In fact, seeking treatment should be your next step.
A correct diagnosis is pivotal because it ensures that treatment is appropriately tailored to the condition. This significantly improves the effectiveness of the treatment while also preventing further damage by addressing the root cause of the pain.
Treatment and Management
When your shoulder pain cause is finally determined, Effective management of shoulder pain varies depending on the underlying cause, but here is some explanation of what you should expect:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to stretch and strengthen the shoulder muscles can restore function and relieve pain.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medicine: These medications can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
- Steroid Injections: Injections can be useful for reducing inflammation and providing relief from severe pain.
Surgical Options
Surgery may be necessary for severe injuries such as significant rotator cuff tears, complex fractures, or when non-surgical treatments have not provided relief.
Get A Diagnosis For Your Shoulder Pain Today
If shoulder pain is affecting your quality of life, don't ignore it. The conditions and symptoms we've explored underscore the importance of accurately diagnosing and effectively treating shoulder issues. At Sports Medicine and Joint Replacement Specialists, we're equipped with the expertise and technology to help you understand the cause of your pain and offer the right treatment options. Take the first step towards a healthier shoulder today!
If you need help diagnosing or recovering from a sports-related injury, contact SMJRS today to get started on your custom treatment plan. Your pain won't wait- so you shouldn't either!Schedule an appointment online with us today and get back to the things you love!
