The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. Three bones come together at the joint: the upper arm bone (humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle).
The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint, giving it a wide range of movement. If something goes wrong with any part of the shoulder, it can be very debilitating and painful. A shoulder injury can result from hurting yourself while performing a task, participating in sports, and repetitive movement. An awkward posture can cause shoulder pain through tension in the neck muscles.
Age is a risk factor for shoulder pain. Osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, affects many body parts as we age, including one’s shoulders.
Shoulder pain can be traced to the following causes.
Fractures
Shoulder fractures are mostly the result of a broken collar bone or a broken humerus. People doing sports like parkour, soccer, and bike racing are at risk for shoulder fractures. Older people can break or crack a shoulder bone from tripping and falling.
Fractures can be extremely painful, and completely inhibit movement of the shoulder. One should seek the help of an orthopaedic specialist for a bone fracture.
Rotator cuff tear
Rotator cuff tendon injuries are among the most common shoulder injuries. The tendons in the rotator cuff can split or get torn through a fall or crashing into something or someone. A high-impact injury can cause the tendon to completely pull away from where it is attached to the bones.
Age-related degeneration, overuse, or wear and tear can change the rotator cuff, causing it to be painful and making shoulder movement difficult.
Impingement
Impingement is the medical term for pinching or rubbing together inside a joint. It causes pain, especially when you move.
Impingement occurs in the shoulder joint when the top of the shoulder blade rubs (impinges on) the rotator cuff tendons and bursa. This irritation can cause painful bursitis and tendinitis when the arm is lifted.
Bursitis
Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae. Bursae are small sacks of joint fluid that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles and facilitate smooth joint movement. They are very thin and located throughout the body to prevent friction.
Excessive use of the shoulder can cause a lot of friction, and the bursae react by getting inflamed and swollen. The resulting pain can hamper ordinary daily tasks like getting dressed or showering.
Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation happens when the top of the upper arm bone is forced out of the socket joint. A shoulder dislocation usually results from a sudden, forceful blow.
Shoulder dislocations can be partial or complete. Patients with a previous shoulder dislocation are at risk for subsequent dislocations because the ligaments, tendons, and muscles around the shoulder can become damaged since they don’t heal properly.
Arthritis
Arthritis can also cause shoulder pain. There are several types of shoulder arthritis. The most common is osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease resulting from wear and tear related to aging. The cartilage between bones gradually breaks down, increasing friction in the joint. With increased friction, the pain becomes debilitating. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and affects all joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Shoulder
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy body cells. In the case of the shoulder, inflammatory arthritis can attack healthy cartilage and ligament tissue. Shoulder pain treatment for rheumatoid arthritis involves anti-inflammatory medications, ice and heat application, and physical therapy.
Post-Traumatic Shoulder Arthritis
Arthritis may develop after a person sustained a serious shoulder injury. A bone fracture or a shoulder dislocation can cause post-traumatic arthritis.
Shoulder Separation
A shoulder separation injury occurs when the ligaments around the AC joint get damaged. The AC joint is where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. In case of a severe injury, part of the shoulder blade may come loose from the collarbone.
Shoulder separations are not the same as dislocations. A dislocation involves the upper arm bone, not the shoulder blade.
Injuries that cause a shoulder separation are common among sports enthusiasts but can happen to anyone who falls on a shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder
With a frozen shoulder, the connective tissues of the capsule thicken and eventually become stuck. These bands of tissues are called adhesions.
A frozen shoulder is very painful and renders ordinary tasks like getting dressed and undressed impossible without help.
Doctors don’t know what causes the condition. Doctors have noticed that frozen shoulder is more common among people with diabetes, but they don’t know why. Other health conditions associated with frozen shoulder include thyroid disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and heart disease.
The condition can also develop when the shoulder is immobilized for an extended time, such as during surgery recovery.
Bone Spurs
Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are excess bone growth around joints. They are commonly the result of arthritis due to aging. They can also occur in the shoulder joint with painful results.
Bone spurs can also result from an injury or general wear and tear. Any job or sports activities that involve repetitive overhead movements are risky for shoulder health.
When a bone spur presses on your ligaments, tendons, or nerves, it can be excruciating.
The shoulder is a complicated joint with many moving parts, so there is a lot that can go wrong with it that may require a visit to an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore.
