Causes of painful shoulder

Introduction

There are many people who complain about pain in the shoulder. The problem is that this sort of pain can be caused by a variety of factors. The doctor has to examine the patient thoroughly, to perform specific tests and apply some of the imaging methods in order to set the proper diagnosis. The treatment of pain in shoulder aims to eradicate the actual cause and in some cases if the cause cannot be treated the goal of the therapy is to reduce the intensity of pain.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Rotator cuff tendonitis is only one cause of shoulder pain. It is caused by separation of the rotator cuff tendons. Additionally, pain is regularly present in medical condition which is called frozen shoulder. Apart from pain, patients who are suffering from frozen shoulder also complain about the stiffness of the shoulder joint. If calcium accumulates in shoulder tendons the resulting condition is called calcific tendonitis. This is one more cause of pain in shoulder.

Shoulder instability is caused by a loose shoulder joint. Most commonly, this condition is caused by a previous injury. A dislocation, which is another possible cause of pain, may occur in case of severe trauma of the shoulder. Completely different medical condition from dislocation is shoulder separation in which acromioclavicular joint is disrupted. This condition is followed by severe pain.

Labral tear can additionally cause shoulder pain. Labral tear is caused by an injury. One specific form of labral tear can occur if a person falls onto an outstretched hand. This labral tear is classified as SLAP lesion.

Even arthritis can affect shoulder joints. This is not so common and only if the damage of the joint is significant a patient will complain about the pain.And finally, shoulder pain can be caused by the rupture of biceps tendon.

Treatment of Shoulder Pain

The actual cause of shoulder pain determines the therapeutic approach. One may be advised to take plenty of rest. This way certain injuries can properly heal and the structures of the shoulder joint can get back to normal. On the other hand, some patients are adviced to stretch the muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint.

In some cases cold or hot compresses are used according to the very cause.

Physical therapy is effective in majority of cases of shoulder pain. Specific type of exercises can build up muscular strength and fixate the joint so the pain can be relieved.

As for medications in case of shoulder pain doctors prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and in some cases corticosteroids. This all depends on the actual cause of the pain.