Shoulder Pain
The shoulder, much like other body parts, can experience a variety of health issues leading to discomfort and pain. This region is composed of a complex system of tendons, muscles, and joints that work cohesively to facilitate arm movement. Typically, shoulder pain arises from an injury or a specific functional impairment. In this article, we will explore the main causes of shoulder pain, including the following:
Causes of Shoulder Pain
- Certain Inflammatory Conditions: A range of inflammatory issues can contribute to shoulder pain, including:
- Acute or chronic tendonitis, which results in swelling and tenderness, leading to a painful impingement between bones.
- Bursa inflammation, which affects the sacs around the shoulder joints. These sacs, filled with synovial fluid, function to facilitate arm movement by reducing friction between shoulder bones and muscles. When they become swollen and inflamed, they can cause significant pain.
- Internal inflammation, often resultant from specific arm positions that affect the shoulder, especially those that involve circular movement such as painting ceilings or swimming. Repetitive motions can lead to internal inflammation and intense pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis affecting the shoulder or neck joints.
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): This condition results in severe pain and stiffness, often extending beyond the shoulder to the entire arm, making normal movement in all directions very difficult.
- Osteoarthritis and inflammation of the acromioclavicular joint: This occurs due to excessive movement of the shoulder joints, particularly the clavicular joint, resulting in pain during specific activities, such as weightlifting.
- Bicipital tendonitis: This condition arises from lifting heavy weights or performing exercises that require raising the arms overhead, leading to shoulder discomfort that may result in tendon damage if left untreated.
- Nerve compression in the neck: Inflammation may not be localized to the shoulder alone; neck injuries or inflammation can negatively impact the shoulder, resulting in pain, especially during neck movements.
- Injuries or fractures: Any injuries or accidents that lead to fractures in the shoulder area will inevitably cause pain.
Video on Causes of Left Shoulder Pain
For more information regarding the causes of left shoulder pain, please watch the video.