Shoulder pain when lifting arm

Shoulder is one of the most movable and most used joints in whole human body. Probably because of that, it is also one of the most commonly injured parts of the body, as well. Another explanation for frequent problems with shoulder joint might be the fact that this joint is consisted of smaller socket and larger joint ball.

Types of Shoulder Injuries

Some people may experience shoulder pain when they try to lift the arm. This type of pain could be very intense and associated with some shoulder injury. However, it doesn’t have to be related to the shoulder, for it may be provoked by diseases and problems within other parts of the body. Injuries of the shoulder, such as dislocation of the shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder separation and inflammation of supraspinatus tendon may be reasons behind serious shoulder pain felt when a person tries to lift the arm. This problem can also be caused by acromioclavicular joint injury. Other causes of shoulder pain may include: heart diseases, disorders of the cervical spine, arthritis, tendon calcifications or some disorders known to cause referred pain in the shoulders.

Dislocated Shoulder

This condition is usually provoked by some extreme rotation or stretching of the shoulder or shoulder joint. Subluxation is similar term, used to describe partial dislocation of the shoulder joint. Some patients may experience dislocation of the shoulder very often and these people happen to suffer from shoulder instability. All mentioned problems have been known to provoke shoulder pain when lifting the arm.

Shoulder Separation

Separation of the collar bone and the shoulder blade is called shoulder separation. It happens after outstretched hand or some blow to the shoulder and there is a bump doctors may feel in the middle of the shoulder. This condition is also associated with significant amount of pain.

Supraspinatus Tendon Inflammation

People who feel severe pain in the shoulder when lifting the hands sideways may be suffering from inflammation of supraspinatus tendon. This condition is common among athletes who overused the muscles near the shoulders.

Rotator Cuff and Acromioclavicuar Joint Injuries

Acute tear of rotator cuff muscles is seen in people who engage in kayaking or throwing pitch. These patients can’t lift the arm over their head because of the pain. Rotator cuff injury may also be chronic problem, in people over 40 years of age.

Acromioclavicular injuries of the shoulder are generally felt as the pain at the end of the collar bone. Landing on the elbow or the shoulder, as well as excessive outstretched hands are known to cause this injury and lead to shoulder pain when one tries to lift the arm.