Shoulder Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain can present with a variety of symptoms, depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

• Aching or Dull Pain: Persistent or intermittent discomfort that can range from mild to severe, often felt deep within the shoulder.
• Sharp or Stabbing Pain: Acute pain that may occur suddenly or during specific movements, such as reaching or lifting.
• Pain Radiating Down the Arm: Discomfort that extends from the shoulder down the arm, which can be associated with nerve involvement or referred pain.
• Restricted Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the shoulder fully, often accompanied by stiffness or a feeling of tightness.
• Weakness: Reduced strength in the shoulder, making it difficult to lift objects or perform certain movements.
• Tenderness: Sensitivity or pain when touching or pressing on the shoulder area.
• Swelling: Visible or palpable swelling around the shoulder joint, which may be associated with inflammation or injury.
• Grinding or Clicking Sensation: A feeling of friction or noise during shoulder movement, which can indicate issues with tendons or cartilage.
• Shoulder Instability: A feeling of the shoulder “giving way” or dislocating, often accompanied by pain and weakness.
• Night Pain: Discomfort that worsens at night or interferes with sleep, which can be a sign of certain shoulder conditions.

If shoulder pain persists or is severe, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What are the causes of shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain can be caused by a range of conditions, including:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tears, strains, or tendinitis in the rotator cuff muscles and tendons, often from overuse or injury.
• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: When the tendons or bursa in the shoulder become compressed or irritated, typically due to repetitive movements.
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, often following an injury or prolonged immobility.
• Shoulder Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between bones and soft tissues in the shoulder.
• Shoulder Instability: When the shoulder joint is loose or dislocated, leading to pain and a feeling of the shoulder “giving way.”
• Shoulder Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the shoulder joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
• Shoulder Fractures: Broken bones in the shoulder, such as the collarbone (clavicle) or the upper arm bone (humerus), usually due to trauma or injury.
• Shoulder Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder, often from repetitive strain or overuse.
• Labral Tears: Damage to the labrum, a ring of cartilage around the shoulder socket, which can cause pain, clicking, or a feeling of instability.
• Referred Pain: Pain originating from other areas of the body, such as the neck, back, or heart, that is felt in the shoulder.
• Postural Issues: Poor posture or muscle imbalances can lead to shoulder pain, often exacerbated by prolonged sitting or repetitive activities.
• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections in the shoulder joint or surrounding tissues can cause pain and swelling.
• Tendinopathy: Chronic degeneration of the shoulder tendons, often due to repetitive stress or overuse.

Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment, so it’s important to consult a healthcare professional if shoulder pain is persistent or severe.

What is the treatment for shoulder pain?

Treatment for shoulder pain varies depending on the underlying cause but generally includes:

• Rest: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain to allow healing.
• Ice or Heat: Applying ice packs to reduce inflammation and swelling, or heat packs to relax tight muscles and improve blood flow.
• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen shoulder muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance range of motion. Techniques such as stretching and strengthening exercises are commonly used.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joint or surrounding tissues to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
• Massage Therapy: Therapeutic massage to relieve muscle tension and improve blood flow.
• Activity Modification: Adjusting or avoiding activities that cause pain to prevent further irritation or injury.
• Support Devices: Using braces or slings to immobilize or support the shoulder if needed.
• Surgical Intervention: In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, procedures such as arthroscopy or shoulder repair surgeries may be considered to address issues like rotator cuff tears, labral tears, or severe shoulder impingement.
• Postural Correction: Addressing poor posture or muscle imbalances through ergonomic adjustments and exercises to prevent recurring pain.

It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan based on the specific cause of shoulder pain.