Our shoulders are large and complex parts of the body. They are composed of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to provide us with a wide range of motion. However, it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the actual injury within the shoulder due to its complexity.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Finding relief from your symptoms requires an accurate diagnosis pinpointing the cause. Many shoulder injuries and conditions have overlapping symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of shoulder pain easily. Fortunately, an orthopedic doctor can accurately diagnose you with ease.
Here are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff, sandwiched between the arm bone and shoulder bone, swells. Because it is surrounded by bone, the swelling increases pressure on the tendon, thus resulting in reduced blood flow and compression. Performing repetitive overhead activities is a risk factor for this condition.
Symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome include shoulder weakness, pain when arms are extended above the head, and difficulty reaching behind the back. In worse cases, the rotator cuff may have a complete tear. The bicep muscle tendon may also rupture.
When diagnosing shoulder impingement syndrome, doctors review the patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination. X-rays are utilized to check for changes in the usual profile of the joint, as well as to rule out arthritis.
Treatments for this condition include physical therapy, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and ice or heat therapy performed in 20-minute intervals.
Frozen Shoulder
Pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint are usually indications of a frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. When the connective tissue that encloses the components of the shoulder joint thickens and tightens around the joint, shoulder movement is restricted.
Symptoms of a frozen shoulder develop slowly, with three stages lasting several months. Your shoulder’s motion is limited in the first stage. In the second stage, the shoulder becomes stiffer and you have less ability to move it with ease. Your shoulder’s range of motion should improve in the third stage.
Some of the factors that increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder are age and sex, reduced mobility, and diseases such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism.
Signs and symptoms are generally enough to diagnose frozen shoulder. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam in which your active and passive range of motion will be evaluated. You may also need to undergo diagnostic imaging to rule out other conditions.
Range-of-motion exercises and numbing medications are some effective treatments for a frozen shoulder.
Dislocated Shoulder
A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder blade socket. This condition requires immediate medical attention to return the shoulder back to its place before causing further damage.
To diagnose a dislocated shoulder, your doctor checks the affected joint for swelling, tenderness, or signs of deformity. Imaging tests will show the injury and other damage it caused.
Treatments for dislocated shoulder include immobilization, rehabilitation, and closed reduction.
Labrum SLAP Tear
The labrum lines the socket of the shoulder joint and holds the ball of the upper arm in place. A labrum SLAP tear occurs when the labrum tears at the part where it attaches to the bicep tendon.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and possible accidents that might have caused the pain before performing a physical exam. They may also require you to get an X-ray or MRI with contrast dye.
Treatments for a shoulder labrum SLAP tear include anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.
Arthritis
Arthritis causes inflammation in joints as well as a decrease in your range of motion. Symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
When diagnosing arthritis, physicians perform a physical examination to check for warmth or redness in the joint or fluid accumulation around the joint. Physicians also commonly use X-rays, MRI, and CT scans to produce images of the joint to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
Treatments for arthritis include analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and physical therapy.
Diagnosing Shoulder Pain in Maryland
Shoulder pain can range from mild to excruciating. Because there are so many possible causes, it is best to see an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis early on.
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, we offer a wide range of services for hand and upper extremity problems. Our providers are board-certified orthopedic and plastic surgeons with advanced training and extensive experience in the delicate procedures involving the shoulder, arm, wrist, elbow, and hand. If you are in Maryland and experiencing shoulder pain, visit us at any of our locations in Lutherville, Bel Air, Clarksville, Eldersburg, Pasadena, Westminster, and Baltimore.
Call us at (410) 296-6232 or use our online form to request an appointment with us.
