The upper arm bone (humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone comprise your shoulder (clavicle). The upper arm bone’s head fits into a rounded socket in your shoulder blade. The glenoid socket is surrounded by a layer of cartilage called the labrum, which helps hold the head of your upper arm bone in place. So, when you experience shoulder pain Shrewsbury, it is usually the result of one or more problems with any of these bones or tissues.
Various symptoms make up shoulder pain, and it is important to be able to identify them to seek proper medical treatment. These are some of the symptoms you may experience:
- A dull, aching pain in your shoulder that gets worse when you move it
- Sharp pain in your shoulder that gets worse when you try to lift your arm
- Weakness or numbness in your arm or hand
- Stiffness in your shoulder
- Cracking or popping sounds coming from your shoulder
Below are some common causes of shoulder pain:
Rotator cuff tear
A rotator cuff tear is a common cause of shoulder pain, especially in older adults. A rotator cuff tear can be caused by a fall, repetitive motions (such as throwing a baseball), or degeneration due to aging. With a rotator cuff tear, you may have pain when lifting your arm or reaching overhead. The pain may also occur when lying on your side with the affected shoulder underneath. There might be a popping sound when the injury occurs.
Frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and difficult to move. The state may develop slowly over time or after an injury. With a frozen shoulder, you may have pain when moving your arm, and the range of motion in your shoulder may gradually become limited. The condition is more common in adults aged 40 to 60, and women are more likely than men to develop frozen shoulders.
Dislocated shoulder
A dislocated shoulder happens when the upper arm bone’s head (humerus) pops out of the shoulder blade socket (scapula). This can be an excruciatingly painful injury. A dislocated shoulder can cause severe pain and cause your arm to appear out of place. When the injury occurs, you may also hear a pop or snap.
A dislocated shoulder can be caused by a fall, a direct blow to the shoulder, or sudden force on the arm. Luckily, there are various treatment options available for shoulder pain. Some common treatments include:
- Rest: This is often the first line of treatment for shoulder pain. You should avoid any activities that aggravate your pain.
- Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help stretch and strengthen the muscles around your shoulder.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a damaged tendon or bone.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, seeking medical treatment at Acupuncture Health Services is important to determine the cause and find the best treatment option.
