Shoulder Pain – What Causes Shoulder Joint Pain?

Common Shoulder Injuries and Treatment Information.

The shoulder is the most complex and sophisticated joint in the human body, There are three bones and over twenty muscles that are directly or indirectly involved in shoulder and arm movement, there are three main joints in the shoulder as well as ligaments and cartilage that all help to give the shoulder the wide range of movement that we enjoy.

It is no wonder then, with such a complex structure, that shoulder joint pain and shoulder injuries are one of the most common reasons for visits to a doctor. 

Around eight million people in the USA alone will seek medical advice about painful shoulders or shoulder injuries this year and there are a number of possible causes of shoulder pain.

It is important to get the correct diagnosis before embarking on any treatment if you want to avoid complications.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Tendonitis / Shoulder Bursitis

These are two of the most common diagnosis with anyone presenting at a doctors with shoulder pain.  The sore shoulder pain is as a result of inflammation of the tendons or bursa within the shoulder.        Read more about Shoulder Tendonitis and Burstitis

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder Impingement syndrome, sometimes known as swimmer’s shoulder, pitcher’s shoulder, supraspinatus syndrome or painful arc syndrome is a common shoulder injury especially in the over forties.  Read more about Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Rotator Cuff Tears

A rotator cuff tear can affect any one of the four muscles of the rotator cuff.  This injury refers to a tear of the tendons and is most common with the supraspinatus tendon which runs underneath the acromiom.  Tears usually happen where the tendon connects to the humerus (Upper arm).  Read more about Rotator Cuff Tears

Frozen Shoulder

Also known as adhesive capsulitis this is an extremely painful condition which can cause severe loss of movement in one or both shoulders.  There are definite stages to the symptoms of frozen shoulder. Read more about  Frozen Shoulder

Shoulder Dislocation

Is caused when the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) becomes disconnected from the socket of the scapula or shoulder blade.  Read more about Dislocated Shoulder  Injuries

AC Shoulder Separation

Also known as an AC separation, this injury is caused by separation of the acromioclavicular joint.  This is the joint between the collar bone and the acromiom. Read more AC Shoulder Seperation 

Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability is simply a loose or unstable shoulder joint.  This can be caused through general wear and tear, aging or a traumatic injury to the shoulder. Read more about Shoulder Instability

Labral Tear

The labrum is the cartilage that surrounds and helps to form the socket on the clavicle or shoulder blade.  This can often be damaged by a fall or knock and treatment will depend on the type of injury. Read more about Labral Tears

Shoulder Arthritis

Although the shoulder is a complex joint, arthritis is far less common in a shoulder than in hips or knees simply because the shoulders aren’t weight bearing.  Severe shoulder arthritis can result in shoulder replacement surgery. Read more about Shoulder Joint Arthritis

Calcific Tendonitis

As we get older damage to the rotator cuff can lead to a build up of calcium within the tendons leading to pain and stiffness.  Read more about calcific tendonitis and its treatment

Shoulder PainGet the Right Diagnosis with Shoulder Joint Pain

Shoulder pain can be caused by a number of different things and it is important to make sure that the correct diagnosis has been reached before starting any treatment.  You should always visit a doctor or get professional advice about shoulder injuries.

Typical symptoms of shoulder injuries which would require medical attention include:

  • Shoulder pains when lying down at night; not being able to get comfortable when lying.
  • Weakness in the arm or an inability to hold or carry objects.
  • Being unable to raise the arm or restricted / painful movement in your shoulder.
  • Any deformity or change in shape to your shoulder.
  • Shoulders pain that continues beyond a few days or gets worse with time.
  • Any swelling or severe bruising occurring on the shoulder.
  • Any signs of an infection such as swelling, fever or warmth around the joint.

Treatments for Shoulder Pain

The best treatment for shoulder pain depends on what caused the injury in the first place and starting a treatment without the correct diagnosis can lead to further injury and a longer recovery time so it is essential to seek professional advice.  If you have suffered a shoulder injury, make sure that you rest the shoulder until you have had professional advice and a diagnosis.

Possible shoulder treatments could include some or all of the following:

  • Rest
    Any injury to the shoulder will invariably cause inflammation which in turn can lead to pain.  Rest is the first stage in shoulder treatment to allow any inflammation to subside.  Do not allow your shoulder to be immobilised for prolonged periods of time to avoid developing Frozen Shoulder.
  • Ice Packs
    Ice packs can be used to help prevent and reduce inflammation in injured shoulders and again will form part of the recovery regime for a number of different shoulder injuries.
  • Stretching
    Stretching can also form part of a shoulder injury recovery programme but it is essential that you get professional advice and know what shoulder injury you have before starting any type of stretching programme.
  • Physical Therapy
    Physical Therapy will to some extent form a part of the treatment for all shoulder injuries whether it is to help avoid surgery or to help recover from surgery.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Medication
    Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs are often prescribed to help with some of the more common shoulder injuries, these drugs can have a beneficial effect on common shoulder problems such as tendonitis and bursitis where inflammation is often the main cause of pain and discomfort. 
  • Steroid Injection / Cortisone Injections
    These are often used by doctors to treat severe inflammation where standard anti-inflammatory drugs have not helped and are very effective in treating inflammation in some shoulder injuries.  By using an injection the specific injury site can be targeted very effectively.
  • Surgery
    Some shoulder injuries will require surgical repair in order to get better.  This is usually the last course of action as the majority of shoulder injuries can be treated without resorting to surgery.  With modern techniques a lot of shoulder surgery is now arthroscopic (keyhole) and can be carried out as day surgery with the patient being able to return home the same day, although there is likely to be a lengthy recuperation period with any shoulder surgery.

Self diagnosis of shoulder injuries is not recommended.  Always get a professional diagnosis of any persistent shoulder injury.  Find out about different injuries and be knowledgeable but avoid trying any treatment until you have the correct diagnosis.