What’s the Cause Behind My Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain is an extremely common complaint, and there are several causes of this condition. It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms so that the appropriate treatment is used. Here is a list of some causes of shoulder pain, along with warning signs that warrant medical attention.

Causes of Shoulder Pain:
Here is a list of some common shoulder injuries or conditions that may cause shoulder pain and discomfort.

• Bursitis or Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
  The most common diagnosis in patients with shoulder pain is bursitis or tendonitis of the rotator cuff. This means that there is inflammation in a particular area (usually tendons or the bursa) within the shoulder joint that is causing a set of symptoms. Cortisone injections help treat this condition.


• Rotator Cuff Tear
  Rotator cuff tears occur when the tendons of the rotator cuff separate from the bone. Surgery is sometimes necessary in order to effectively treat this injury.


• Frozen Shoulder
  Also called ‘adhesive capsulitis,’ this is a common condition that leads to joint stiffness. Physical therapy and consistent stretching are treatment options for frozen shoulder.


• Shoulder Instability
  Instability is a condition that causes loose joints. It can be caused by a traumatic injury, dislocation, or may be a developed condition.


• Arthritis
  Osteoarthritis progressively wears away the cartilage in the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systematic condition that causes inflammation of the lining of joints. Shoulder arthritis symptoms tend to progress as the condition worsens. In severe cases, joint replacement is necessary in order to regain health.

Shoulder Pain Warning Signs:
If you are unsure of the cause of your shoulder pain, or you do not know the specific treatment recommendations for your condition, you should call your doctor. Signs that you should consult with your physician include:

• Inability to use your arm or carry objects
• Your shoulder pain occurs at night or while resting
• Your shoulder pain persists beyond a few days
• You are unable to raise your arm
• You have bruising and significant swelling around your joints or on your arm
• You notice signs of infection, including fever, redness, and warmth

It is important to remember that proper treatment of shoulder pain relies on an accurate diagnosis of the cause of the pain. The shoulder specialists at Sierra Pacific Orthopaedic & Spine Center can assess your symptoms and create a custom treatment program to fit your needs.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (877) 666-6080 or visit our appointment page on our Web site.