There are many causes of shoulder pain, of which the most common ones are injury, bursitis, tendinitis, and arthritis. Effective treatment methods include rest, physical therapy, applying ice packs, etc.

The anatomy of the shoulder comprises various joints (clavicle, scapula, and humerus), muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which function together to allow movement of the arm. A problem or disorder in any of these structures may cause shoulder pain, which may be localized, or may include the areas around the shoulder. Usually, an individual suffers from such an ailment due to overuse of shoulders, carrying and/or lifting heavy objects.

Symptoms may be mild or severe; pain may lasts for a few days or persist for long. Some of the common sign include inability to raise the arm or carry objects, joint deformity in shoulder portions, high fever, and burning sensation. This pain is considered severe, if it aggravates during rest and at night.

Causes

Shoulder pain is one of the most common ailments, which is caused by many reasons. Majority of the patients suffering from this ailment have problems with the soft tissues, muscles, and tendons. Very rarely, bone problems can cause this problem.

Bursitis: A major cause is bursitis that consists of an inflammation in the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction). In general, shoulder bursitis occurs due to injury, infection, and/or rheumatic reasons, which causes inflammation between the humerus and acromion. It is common in people who has very narrow space in between the shoulder bones.

Injury: Getting injured around the shoulder area may cause dislocation and/or instability of the shoulder joints. The symptoms are more noticeable when moving or lifting the arms. At times, dislocation of shoulder joint may cause deformity, especially if left untreated for a prolonged duration.

Tear in Rotator Cuff: The muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joints are collectively called rotator cuff, which is responsible for the joint stability and movement of the shoulder at various angles. An injury in any one of the tendons results in a torn rotator cuff that causes severe shoulder pain. Though this tear can occur in any age group, it is common among old age people.

Tendinitis: This occurs due to wear and tear of the tendons. Tendinitis can be either acute or chronic. The former refers to a short-term problem, usually caused due to sports activities and/or overuse of the shoulder portion. The latter is caused due to aging process or degenerative diseases.

Frozen Shoulder: It also referred to as adhesive capsulitis, and it restricts the movement of the shoulder joints, resulting in shoulder pain. A frozen shoulder causes contraction of the capsule that surrounds the shoulder joints. The exact cause is not known.

Arthritis: Pain in the shoulder portion is a complication of shoulder arthritis, majority of which is either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. In an osteoarthritis patient, there is a progressive wear-and-tear of the cartilage that covers the shoulder joints; whereas, inflammation in the joint lining is present in case of rheumatoid arthritis. Shoulder arthritis mostly affects old age people.

Other Causes: This pain can also be caused due to other medical complications such as spine problem, liver disease, or heart disease. An individual suffering a heart attack may also experience pain in the left shoulder. At times, this pain results from the side effects of certain medications.

Proper diagnosis is always advisable to choose a correct treatment option. The diagnosis is based on the symptoms, physical examination (swelling, inflammation, and deformities), and medical history of the patient. For confirmation of this ailment, the orthopedist may conduct certain tests such as ultrasound, X-ray, computed tomography (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electromyogram (EMG), and arthroscopy .

Treatment

It is entirely based on the causes. General treatment methods involve rest and altering activities by limiting those, which can aggravate the condition. Physiotherapy and massage therapy are the most effective techniques to improve the strength and flexibility of the affected part. However, the recovery time varies from one patient to another. In addition, the orthopedist may prescribe over-the-counter medications like pain relievers to reduce pain and inflammation.

It is observed that more than 90 percent cases of patients suffering from shoulder pain recover by following simple treatment methods like ice pack and heat pad application in the affected area, and also doing shoulder mobilization exercises. In a rare case, the surgical option is recommended to relieve this pain. As far as the treatment is concerned, it is always advisable to consult and seek advice from a qualified orthopedist before you opt for any treatment options.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.