Shoulder Injuries and Discomfort

There are many causes of shoulder pain and stiffness. One person may have experienced shoulder trauma while another may suffer from shoulder pain after surgery. Here, we will outline 10 causes and conditions of shoulder pain.

1. Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

This inflamed or irritated muscle tendon is the most widely reported cause of shoulder pain, and it is often the result of an injury. Close to two-thirds of those reporting shoulder pain have a rotator cuff issue.

2. Adhesive capsulitis

Commonly known as “frozen shoulder,” this condition results in an inability to move the shoulder as usual. While the cause is unknown, the connective tissues lining the shoulder joints are inflamed and severely limit movement.

3. Bursitis

When the bursa—a sac of fluid that lets muscles and bones move smoothly—becomes inflamed, the result is a deep, dull ache that is uncomfortable and gets worse if you try to move your arm over your head.

4. Labral Tears

The labrum is a thin layer of cartilage around the socket of the shoulder. Prolonged use of the joint, especially overhead or across the chest, can lead to labral tears and resulting pain.

5. Shoulder Impingement

Repeated movements of the shoulder can irritate the tendons and bursa, leading to a weakening of the rotator cuff. The condition leads to the feeling of a “pinched” nerve and limited ability to move.

6. Osteoarthritis

Arthritis of the shoulder in the form of osteoarthritis wears down the cartilage between the bones, causing them to rub against each other, which results in swelling and pain.

7. Shoulder instability

Occasionally, the ball of the shoulder socket becomes too loose. If a person was once especially active in ways that involved a lot of shoulder movement, then he or she might experience this painful condition.

8. Dislocated shoulder

Some will experience a specific injury, like a fall, that could dislocate the shoulder from the socket. If this happens, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately to care for the injury properly.

9. Fractured collarbone

A fractured collarbone is another injury that might be the result of a fall or some other type of trauma. Treatment depends mainly on the nature of the fracture.

10. Thoracic outlet syndromes

This cluster of conditions stems from the compression of blood vessels or nerves. A person may experience chronic shoulder elbow pain or shoulder pain and headache. In any case, treatment will vary depending on the diagnosis.

These 10 causes and conditions resulting in shoulder pain are only a few of the many reasons for discomfort. Finding someone who can not only correctly diagnose the problem but also offer the right treatment for your specific condition is a crucial next step in your path toward wellness.

Contacting a Texas Pain Specialist

Ongoing shoulder pain leaves many in San Antonio feeling helpless and trapped by their bodies. Their pain becomes so debilitating they do not know what treatments are available. If you are in a similar position, remember that Dr. Raul Martinez and his team of dedicated Texas pain specialists are here to diagnose the cause and treat the symptoms of your pain. At our practice, we believe that pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. We are committed to helping  San Antonio residents get back to living life on their terms.

Dr. Raul Martinez is double board certified and has decades of experience providing relief for those suffering from chronic pain. Whether you suffer from one of the previously mentioned 10 causes and conditions resulting in shoulder pain or some other condition, Dr. Martinez offers a variety of treatments to help responsibly manage your pain.

Schedule a visit today.