Shoulder pain is a common complaint that has many causes and effects. Since it is one of our most used joints, it’s vulnerable to wear and tear.
Areas of Shoulder Pain:
Your shoulder houses many different major components including:
- The clavicle (the collarbone)
- The shoulder muscles
- The acromion (a bony projection of the shoulderblade)
- The bursa (a shoulder joint)
- The long head of the biceps tendon
- The scapula (the shoulder blade)
- Rotator cuff tendons
- The humerus (the upper arm bone)
Causes of Shoulder Pain:
Although there are many different components of the shoulder, potentially making it a more complex issue, most shoulder complications fall into five categories:
- Tendon inflammation (bursitis or tendinitis) or tendon tear
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Dislocation
- Arthritis
- Fracture/broken bone
Bursitis
Bursae are tiny, fluid sacks located within joints throughout the body. They act as cushions between bones and soft tissue, protecting them from friction caused by gliding muscles and other surrounding bones.
When the shoulder experiences excessive use, it often becomes inflamed, leading to the swelling of the bursa which is located between the rotator cuff and part of the shoulder blade known as the acromion. This can be very painful and hinder daily activities such as getting dressed or lifting groceries.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis derives from the core word, tendon. A tendon is a cord that connects muscle to the bone. Tendinitis usually results from tendon inflammation and can be one or two types.
- Acute: Excessive use or other strenuous activities can cause acute tendinitis.
- Chronic: medical conditions like arthritis or repetitive tear can cause chronic tendinitis.
The four rotator cuff tendons and/or the bicep tendons are the more commonly affected areas. Limited motion, coordination and stability and common symptoms of tendinitis.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the joint becomes inflamed, causing tightness and pain.
This condition develops gradually, and in three different stages that can last a number of weeks and/or months.
- Freezing stage: Any shoulder movement causes pain. Your mobility begins to become limited.
- Frozen stage: Pain may begin to subside. However, your shoulder become stiffer and increasingly tense, making it difficult to use.
- Thawing stage: Your shoulder pain may be little to none, and your mobility increases.
Full recovery may take up to 3 years, but regularly visiting your chiropractor or physical therapist can speed up this process.
Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone (the humerus) becomes disconnected from the socket. This commonly follows overuse or a sudden injury. Shoulder dislocations can be partial or complete, and often become reoccurring once the ligaments, tendons and muscles surrounding the shoulder become loose or torn.
Dislocations are painful and cause unsteadiness when using your shoulder. Continuous occurrences can lead to major complications and an increased risk of arthritis.
Arthritis
There are five different types of arthritis that can cause shoulder pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Avascular necrosis
- Rotator cuff tear
Each type of arthritis is painful, causing a combination of symptoms such as joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, and immobility.
Fracture/Broken Bone
Shoulder fractures, also known as broken shoulder bones, involve the collarbone, the upper arm bone and the shoulder blade. These areas are at an increased risk for trauma since they are the most used parts of the shoulder.
Most shoulder fractures or broken shoulder bones heal in about six weeks.
Additional Shoulder Pain Treatments:
- Physical Therapy
- Stem Cell
- Massage Therapy
- Acupuncture
- Deep Tissue Laser Therapy
Experiencing Acute or Chronic Shoulder Pain?
Come and see us! We guarantee to treat your entire body, and your symptoms, allowing you to return to a pain-free life. Contact us at (414) 332-6001 to schedule an appointment.