Causes of Pain in the Right Shoulder Related to the Joint Itself
The right shoulder can experience various injuries leading to pain, and some of these causes are directly related to the shoulder joint itself. Key factors contributing to shoulder pain include the following:
Swimmer’s Shoulder Injuries
Swimmers may sustain shoulder injuries that result in pain, often referred to collectively as “swimmer’s shoulder.” The heightened risk for such injuries stems from the repetitive movements associated with swimming. Major injuries linked to swimmer’s shoulder are:
- Impingement Syndrome: This condition occurs when a tendon in the shoulder rubs against surrounding tissues, becoming trapped during arm movement.
- Labral Injuries: These involve tears in the cartilage known as the labrum within the shoulder joint.
- Shoulder Instability: This happens when the structures surrounding the shoulder joint fail to properly support the upper arm bone within the socket.
- Peripheral Nerve Injury: This condition involves damage to one of the peripheral nerves, resulting in sensations of tingling or weakness.
Rotator Cuff Ligament Injuries
The rotator cuff comprises a group of tendons and muscles that may sustain damage due to overuse or injury, leading to shoulder pain:
- Tendonitis: Inflammation and irritation of the rotator cuff tendons occurs.
- Bursitis: In this condition, a bursa — a fluid-filled sac enabling smooth movement of the rotator cuff — becomes inflamed and painful.
Torn Rotator Cuff
A torn rotator cuff occurs when one or more of the tendons in the rotator cuff tear, which might be partial or complete, often due to an injury or repetitive strain.
Overuse of the Right Shoulder
Excessive use of the right shoulder can lead to muscle strain and inflammation, resulting in muscle pain and fatigue, typically experienced after prolonged exertion.
Right Shoulder Dislocation
A dislocated shoulder arises when the top of the upper arm bone is displaced, often due to sports injuries or accidents such as car crashes or falls, causing significant pain.
Broken Clavicle
A fracture of the clavicle, which connects the breastbone to the shoulder, can occur due to falls or trauma (like car accidents), resulting in pain in the right shoulder and chest.
Right Shoulder Sprain
A right shoulder sprain occurs when the ligaments are stretched or torn, usually due to sports injuries or falls.
Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Right Shoulder
Rheumatoid arthritis affects the shoulder when the immune system targets the body’s joints, including the right shoulder, leading to reduced function and intense pain.
Calcific Tendinitis in the Right Shoulder
This condition occurs due to the buildup of calcium deposits in or around the rotator cuff, causing pain and symptoms similar to a stiff shoulder. The exact cause of calcific tendinitis remains unclear, but it may be related to the healing process in the ligament. This condition predominantly causes sudden, severe pain that typically starts in the morning, affecting middle-aged and older adults, particularly those with diabetes.
Adhesive Capsulitis or Frozen Shoulder
Known as frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis results from thickening and stiffness around the shoulder joint, commonly affecting individuals aged 40 to 60 and is more prevalent in women, particularly those with diabetes or high cholesterol levels. This condition can arise following rotator cuff injuries or minor traumas, with some cases lacking identifiable causes. Symptoms tend to resolve over time, often within three years.
Indirect Causes of Right Shoulder Pain
Pain in the right shoulder may also originate from various indirect causes rather than issues directly related to the shoulder itself, such as:
Brachial Neuritis
Brachial neuritis is a form of peripheral neuropathy that can manifest in various body regions, including the right shoulder. This inflammation may arise due to bacterial, parasitic, or viral infections, impacting the nerves that transmit signals between body parts and the central nervous system, leading to nerve pain and loss of function in the affected area.
Individuals with brachial neuritis may experience:
- Pain and weakness in the shoulder and arm, usually affecting one side of the body corresponding to the inflamed area.
- Pain in the outer portion of the shoulder, often behind the right shoulder.
- Sudden onset of pain, worsening at night, often resolving within several days.
- Weakness and changes in reflexes.
- Loss of sensation.
Cardiac Issues
Conditions such as coronary artery disease and heart attacks may cause discomfort that radiates to the left arm, but can also result in pain in the right shoulder, chest, and arm. Immediate medical attention is crucial for unexplained pain in the shoulder or arm, especially if accompanied by:
- Chest pain or discomfort resembling pressure, burning, or tightness.
- Pain extending to the jaw on either side or both.
- Breathing difficulties alongside pain in the upper right shoulder and rapid heart rate.
- Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and excessive sweating.
Disuse Syndrome
This syndrome, also known as disuse atrophy, occurs when a muscle is not utilized over time, leading to muscle wasting and weakness. This pain in the right shoulder may arise from prolonged inactivity, such as bed rest following surgery, aging, illness, or discontinuing normal activities.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) refers to various disorders resulting from compression of blood vessels or nerves in the space between the collarbone and the first rib, potentially causing shoulder and neck pain, along with tingling in the fingers. This may occur due to traumatic injuries from accidents, repetitive strain from work or sports, pregnancy, or anatomical anomalies.
Fracture of the Upper Arm
A fracture in the upper arm may be sustained during car accidents or falls, often leading to pain in the right shoulder and neck.
Tips for Relieving Right Shoulder Pain
To alleviate discomfort in the right shoulder, certain strategies can be employed based on the underlying cause of the pain:
- For dislocations, separations, or fractures, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to realign the shoulder correctly and stabilize any fractures during the healing process.
- Rest and application of heat or cold therapies, along with the use of pain-relieving medications like ibuprofen or aspirin, can help reduce inflammation and discomfort, provided there are no contraindications.
- Corticosteroid injections may be recommended by a specialist for cases that do not respond to prior treatments, administered directly into the joint to alleviate pain and swelling.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary if all other measures are ineffective.
- Engaging in exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the joint, improving its range of motion, is recommended.
4 Guidelines to Prevent Right Shoulder Pain
Some individuals may experience right shoulder pain even during sleep or while performing daily activities. To prevent such discomfort, it is advisable to follow several preventive measures:
- Avoid excessive use of the right shoulder during daily tasks, take regular breaks, and move about at least once every hour.
- Perform shoulder warm-up exercises before engaging in physical activities, and refrain from sudden movements to minimize injury risk.
- Seek immediate medical advice if experiencing unusual symptoms in the shoulder and consult about a tailored exercise program to strengthen the shoulder muscles and maintain flexibility.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects abruptly; when necessary, employ proper lifting techniques by facing the load, maintaining a straight back, and using your legs for strength.