Shoulder Pain
Common causes for shoulder pain
Adhesive
capsulitis - Frozen shoulder is the common term
for adhesive capsulitis, an inflammatory condition that restricts motion in the shoulder
Bursitis
involves the inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that lies between tendon and
skin and/or between tendon and bone.
Bicipital Tendonitis
is an inflammatory process of the long head tendon and is a common cause of
shoulder pain due to its position and function. The tendon is exposed on the anterior
shoulder as it passes through the humeral bicipital groove and inserts on the superior
aspect of the labrum of the glenohumeral joint. Disorders can result from impingement or
as an isolated inflammatory injury. Other causes are secondary to compensation to rotator
cuff disorders, labral tears, and intra-articular pathology.
Rotator cuff tendonitis
is an inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the tendons of the shoulder.
Shoulder
Arthritis can cause shoulder pain when it effects one or both of
the shoulder joints. There are many types of arthritis that can effect the shoulder.
Shoulder
Impingement syndrome is the most comon cause of shoulder pain.Impingement refers to mechanical
compression and/or wear of the rotator cuff tendons. The rotator cuff is actually a series
of four muscles connecting the scapula (shoulder blade) to the humeral head (upper part of
the shoulder joint.) The rotator cuff is important in maintaining the humeral head within
the glenoid (socket) during normal shoulder function and also contributes to shoulder
strength during activity. Normally, the rotator cuff glides smoothly between the
undersurface of the acromion and the humeral head
Treatment of shoulder pain
Treatment generally involves altering activities, rest and physical therapy to help you
improve shoulder strength and flexibility. Medication may be prescribed to reduce
inflammation and reduce pain. If medication is prescribed to relieve pain, it should be
taken only as directed. Injections of drugs may also be used to treat pain.
Surgery may be required to resolve shoulder problems; however, 90 percent of patients
with shoulder pain will respond to simple treatment methods such as altering activities,
rest, exercise and medication. Certain types of shoulder problems, such as recurring
dislocation and some rotator cuff tears may require surgery.
Common sense solutions such as avoiding overexertion or overdoing activities in which
you normally don't participate can help to prevent shoulder pain.
When should you seek medical care?
Many patients ignore temporary minimal shoulder symptoms with few bad effects. In the
case of an acute injury, if the pain is intense, you should seek medical care as soon as
possible. If the pain is less severe, it may be safe to wait a few days to see if time
will alleviate the problem. If symptoms persist, an orthopaedist may provide timely
diagnosis and treatment. Orthopaedists are specifically trained in the workings of the
musculoskeletal system, including the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of problems
involving muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and tendons. |
