Shoulder pain is a common problem that has many different causes. Most often, it is due to an injury or overuse of the shoulder. However, other conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, and rotator cuff tear can also lead to shoulder pain.
If your pain is severe and if you’re suffering from below listed conditions you should visit your nearby physiotherapy burlington clinic.
Let us dive deep and learn about some of the most basic causes of shoulder pain in detail.
Most Basic Causes Of Shoulder Pain
Joint instability
Joint instability is one of the most basic causes of shoulder pain. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, which means it is designed to move in many directions. However, this also makes it more prone to dislocation than other joints in the body.
Dislocation occurs when the ball portion of the joint pops out of its socket. This can be a partial dislocation, known as subluxation, or a complete dislocation. Dislocation is usually caused by a direct blow to the shoulder, such as from a fall or car accident. However, it can also occur gradually over time due to repetitive motions of the shoulder, such as during sports.
Muscle imbalance
Our body is made up of numerous muscles, all working together in harmony to allow us to move. However, sometimes the muscles around a joint can become imbalanced. This can happen when some muscles become too tight while others become too weak. Muscle imbalance is one of the most basic causes of shoulder pain.
It is often seen in people who do repetitive motions with their shoulders, such as athletes or manual laborers. Muscle imbalance can also occur due to an injury or overuse of the shoulder.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common cause of shoulder pain. There are many different types of arthritis, but the two most common types that affect the shoulder are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that occurs when the cartilage in the joints breaks down. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints. Osteoarthritis often affects people as they age, but it can also be caused by an injury or overuse of the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects people as they age, but it can also be caused by an injury or overuse of the joints.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a condition that occurs when the bursae, which are small sacs of fluid that act as cushions between the bones and muscles, become inflamed. Bursitis often occurs in the shoulder, due to overuse or injury. It can also be caused by autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Bursitis leads to pain and stiffness in the shoulder. It is often worse with movement and may be accompanied by swelling.
Rotator cuff tear
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. These muscles and tendons help us to lift the arm. A rotator cuff tear is a common cause of shoulder pain.
A rotator cuff tear can occur due to an injury, such as a fall, or overuse of the shoulder. It can also occur gradually over time due to repetitive motions of the shoulder. Rotator cuff tears often cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder, and may make it difficult to lift the arm.
Tendonitis
It is the inflammation of a tendon, a thick cord that attaches muscle to bone. It usually occurs near joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. Tendonitis most often occurs in people who are 40 years or older.
Tendonitis can be caused by repetitive motion or overuse of a joint. This can occur in athletes or people who do manual labor. It can also be caused by an injury, such as a fall, etc. Tendonitis leads to pain and stiffness in the affected joint.
Treatment for shoulder pain
The treatment for shoulder pain depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, simple home remedies such as ice and rest can help relieve the pain. However, if the pain is severe or does not improve with home treatment, it may be necessary to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
If you have joint instability, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles around the joint and stabilize it. If you have arthritis, your doctor may recommend medication to help relieve the pain and inflammation. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a torn rotator cuff or other damage to the shoulder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my shoulder pain last?
The duration of your shoulder pain will depend on the underlying cause. In most cases, it will improve with home treatment and rest. However, if the pain is severe or does not improve with home treatment, it may be necessary to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
What can I do to relieve my shoulder pain?
There are several things you can do to relieve your shoulder pain. You can try ice, heat, or over-the-counter pain medication. You can also try doing gentle stretches and exercises to help keep the muscles around the joint strong and stable.
When should I see a doctor for my shoulder pain?
You should see a doctor if your shoulder pain is severe, does not improve with home treatment, or is accompanied by joint instability, swelling, or redness. You should also see a doctor if you have difficulty moving your arm or if you have any numbness or tingling in your arm or hand.
What are the complications of shoulder pain?
The complications of shoulder pain depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, untreated shoulder pain can lead to joint instability, arthritis, or rotator cuff tears. If you have shoulder pain, it is important to see a doctor so that the cause can be properly diagnosed and treated.
