Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a common problem that can affect anyone, whether a person is active or not. The pain may be sharp or dull, and it can make simple tasks like getting dressed or reaching for something difficult. Muscle strain, arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, or a pinched nerve often cause shoulder pain.
Many things can lead to shoulder pain. Overuse, injury, poor posture, or long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis and tendinitis can all play a role. Sometimes, shoulder pain starts without a clear cause and can linger for weeks. Knowing what causes the pain can help people find the best treatment and prevent it from getting worse.
Understanding Shoulder Pain
Injury, overuse, or diseases that affect the different parts of the shoulder can cause shoulder pain. Knowing what causes pain, what symptoms to watch for, and which people may have higher risk is important for managing shoulder health.
Anatomy of the Shoulder
The shoulder is a complex joint, made up of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Three main bones—humerus (upper arm bone), clavicle (collarbone), and scapula (shoulder blade)—join together to form the shoulder structure.
The glenohumeral joint acts as a ball-and-socket joint, allowing the arm to move in many directions. The acromioclavicular joint joins the clavicle and scapula. Tough ligaments and the joint capsule hold these joints together.
Cartilage covers parts of the bones to protect them from wear. Rotator cuff tendons and muscles help keep the shoulder stable and power movement. Together, these parts make the shoulder strong yet vulnerable to injury.
Common Symptoms
Shoulder pain can show up in different ways. The most common symptom is a dull ache or sharp pain in or around the joint. Some people notice weakness, or the shoulder may feel unstable or loose, especially after injury.
Other symptoms include swelling, stiffness, or a clicking or popping feeling when moving the shoulder. In severe cases, people may lose some range of motion or find it hard to lift the arm.
Table: Common Symptoms and Possible Causes
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Dull, aching pain | Arthritis, tendinitis |
| Sharp, sudden pain | Rotator cuff tear, injury |
| Stiffness | Frozen shoulder |
| Weakness | Muscle or tendon injury |
| Swelling | Bursitis, inflammation |
Risk Factors for Shoulder Pain
Several factors make someone more likely to have shoulder pain. Repetitive overhead movements, such as those in sports or some jobs, can stress the shoulder and lead to injury. Aging increases risk because the cartilage and tendons wear down over time.
Table: Key Risk Factors
| Risk Factor | Example |
|---|---|
| Sports with overhead movements | Swimming, tennis, baseball |
| Repetitive physical tasks | Lifting, painting, construction |
| Previous injuries | Dislocation, fractures |
| Age over 40 | Degenerative changes |
| Poor posture | Slouching, improper lifting |
People with certain health problems, like diabetes, may also have a higher risk for shoulder stiffness, such as frozen shoulder. Genetics and family history can play a minor role in some conditions. Keeping the shoulder strong and flexible may help lower risk.
Self-Care Strategies
You can manage shoulder pain at home to help reduce discomfort and support healing. Start by resting the shoulder and avoiding activities that cause pain. Apply a cold compress for 15-20 minutes a few times a day to help decrease swelling or pain, especially after an injury. After a day or two, switch to a warm compress to help relax stiff muscles.
Gentle stretching and shoulder exercises can increase flexibility and keep the joint moving. Always start slowly and stop if any exercise causes more pain. Here are some basic self-care tips in a table:
| Self-Care Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Rest | Allows tissue to heal |
| Cold Compress | Reduces swelling and pain |
| Warm Compress | Relaxes muscles |
| Light Stretching | Improves motion |
| Good Posture | Lessens shoulder strain |
You can take over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help manage symptoms. Practicing good posture, especially while sitting or using a computer, can make a difference. Slouching or hunching puts more stress on the shoulder.
When to Seek Medical Help
Shoulder pain is sometimes mild and goes away with rest. But some situations mean you should get medical help right away. Seek medical care if you have:
- Severe pain that does not get better with rest.
- Sudden swelling or if the shoulder looks deformed.
- Trouble moving the shoulder or arm.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand.
- Intense pain after a fall or injury.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or sweating with shoulder pain may signal a heart problem. Call 911 if these symptoms happen. For injuries, go to urgent care or the emergency room if:
- You cannot use your shoulder at all.
- You feel a “pop” or tearing sensation followed by weakness.
- You notice severe bruising or the joint is out of place.
Some signs you should not ignore:
| Symptom | Action Needed |
|---|---|
| Difficulty breathing | Call 911 |
| Chest pain | Call 911 |
| Joint looks deformed | See a doctor fast |
| No movement in shoulder | See a doctor fast |
| Sudden swelling | See a doctor fast |
If shoulder pain lasts more than a few days, keeps you from daily tasks, or wakes you from sleep, schedule an appointment with a health care provider.
