“What could cause shoulder joint pain?”
I have shoulder joint pain. What could cause shoulder joint pain?
1 Answer
OsteopathicManipulativeMedicineOsteopathicManipulativeMedicine
Shoulder joint pain can result from a variety of conditions, ranging from acute injuries to chronic degenerative diseases. The cause of your pain depends on factors such as your age, activity level, and whether the pain developed suddenly or gradually.
Common Causes of Shoulder Joint Pain:
1. Muscle and Tendon Injuries:
• Rotator Cuff Tendinitis or Tears – Inflammation or tearing of the rotator cuff tendons, often due to repetitive overhead activities or aging.
• Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint), leading to pain and stiffness.
• Impingement Syndrome – Occurs when the rotator cuff tendons get pinched between bones, causing pain with arm movement.
2. Joint and Bone Conditions:
• Osteoarthritis – Wear-and-tear arthritis that leads to cartilage breakdown, causing stiffness and pain.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis – An autoimmune condition that affects the joints, leading to inflammation and pain.
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – A condition that causes progressive stiffness and pain due to thickening of the shoulder capsule.
3. Nerve-Related Causes:
• Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in the Neck) – Pain radiating from the neck to the shoulder due to nerve compression in the cervical spine.
4. Trauma or Overuse Injuries:
• Shoulder Dislocation or Instability – The joint moves out of place, leading to pain and weakness.
• Fractures (Clavicle, Humerus, or Scapula) – Common after falls or direct trauma.
• Labral Tears – Damage to the cartilage lining of the shoulder socket, often from sports injuries or heavy lifting.
5. Other Possible Causes:
• Referred Pain from the Heart – Pain in the left shoulder can sometimes indicate heart disease or a heart attack.
• Gallbladder Issues – Gallbladder disease can cause pain in the right shoulder.
What to Do Next?
If your shoulder pain is mild and due to overuse, rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and gentle stretching may help. However, if you experience severe pain, weakness, swelling, or loss of motion, or if your pain persists for more than a few weeks, I recommend seeing a doctor for a full evaluation.
Common Causes of Shoulder Joint Pain:
1. Muscle and Tendon Injuries:
• Rotator Cuff Tendinitis or Tears – Inflammation or tearing of the rotator cuff tendons, often due to repetitive overhead activities or aging.
• Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint), leading to pain and stiffness.
• Impingement Syndrome – Occurs when the rotator cuff tendons get pinched between bones, causing pain with arm movement.
2. Joint and Bone Conditions:
• Osteoarthritis – Wear-and-tear arthritis that leads to cartilage breakdown, causing stiffness and pain.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis – An autoimmune condition that affects the joints, leading to inflammation and pain.
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – A condition that causes progressive stiffness and pain due to thickening of the shoulder capsule.
3. Nerve-Related Causes:
• Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in the Neck) – Pain radiating from the neck to the shoulder due to nerve compression in the cervical spine.
4. Trauma or Overuse Injuries:
• Shoulder Dislocation or Instability – The joint moves out of place, leading to pain and weakness.
• Fractures (Clavicle, Humerus, or Scapula) – Common after falls or direct trauma.
• Labral Tears – Damage to the cartilage lining of the shoulder socket, often from sports injuries or heavy lifting.
5. Other Possible Causes:
• Referred Pain from the Heart – Pain in the left shoulder can sometimes indicate heart disease or a heart attack.
• Gallbladder Issues – Gallbladder disease can cause pain in the right shoulder.
What to Do Next?
If your shoulder pain is mild and due to overuse, rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and gentle stretching may help. However, if you experience severe pain, weakness, swelling, or loss of motion, or if your pain persists for more than a few weeks, I recommend seeing a doctor for a full evaluation.
