Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common problem that can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. It can be caused by a wide range of factors, including injury, overuse, and age-related wear and tear. Understanding the underlying causes of shoulder pain is important in order to determine the best course of treatment and prevent future pain and injury.

Anatomy of the Shoulder

The shoulder is a complex joint that is made up of several different structures, including bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The bones of the shoulder include the humerus (upper arm bone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). The muscles of the shoulder include the rotator cuff muscles, which help to stabilize the joint, and the deltoid muscle, which is responsible for lifting the arm. The tendons and ligaments of the shoulder help to connect the bones and muscles, providing stability and support to the joint.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff injuries are common, and can range from mild strains to complete tears. Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder.
2. Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. In the shoulder, bursitis can occur in the subacromial bursa, which is located between the rotator cuff and the acromion (a bony projection on the scapula). Symptoms of bursitis include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the shoulder.
3. Tendinitis: Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, which is a fibrous band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. In the shoulder, tendinitis can occur in the biceps tendon, which attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder. Symptoms of tendinitis include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the shoulder.
4. Frozen Shoulder: Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, making it difficult to move the arm. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, but it is more common in people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and thyroid disorders.
5. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints begins to break down. In the shoulder, osteoarthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range

What is shoulder impingement?

A shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons or bursa (fluid-filled sacs) in the shoulder joint become compressed or pinched. This can cause pain, weakness, and limited mobility in the shoulder.

Shoulder impingements are often caused by repetitive overhead motions, such as those involved in sports like swimming, tennis, or baseball, or from jobs that require lifting or reaching overhead. Poor posture or muscle imbalances can also contribute to shoulder impingements. Read more about shoulder impingement here. 

Specialists at Garden State Pain and Orthopedics offer treatments for all shoulder pain including minimally invasive surgery, regenerative medicine, and injections. Click "Book now" or visit our services page to learn more about Garden State Pain and Orthopedics treatment offerings.