Understanding Shoulder Pain

By Karen Benford Smith

 

The shoulder is an integral part of the body because the shoulder joints move each time the arms move.  Understanding how the shoulder is put together may help an individual better understand the purposes of the shoulder.  The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint with three main bones:  the upper arm bone (humerus), collarbone (clavicle), and the shoulder blade (scapula).  Muscles and ligaments hold the shoulder bones together.  Because the shoulder has the highest range of motion of any joint in the body it is prone to more injuries, overuse, and wear and tear.  The process of aging may also increase the chances of pain in the shoulder.  Determining if a shoulder injury or pain is serious or minor can often be regulated by the range of motion of the shoulder.

Shoulder injuries often occur during sports related act ivies, work related accidents or activities, falls, and change in the weather.  Most shoulder injuries or pains are treatable at home.  Other injuries that are more serious should be treated by a medical professional.  Acute or sudden injury, overuse of the shoulder, and other symptoms of shoulder pain such as muscle tension, breakdown of the cartilage of the shoulder, and calcium build up on the tendons of the shoulders, and herniated disc or pinched nerve of the neck. 

As stated before understanding how severe the overused shoulder injury is found out by the shoulders range of motion.  A frozen shoulder, which is a condition that permits limited use of the shoulder, is usually followed by an injury. 

Bursitis is the inflammation of the sac of fluid that cushions and lubricates the joint area between one bond and another bone, a tendon, or the skin.

Bicipital tendinitis is an inflammation of one of the tendons that attaches to the biceps on the front of the arm and connects to the humerus (Bicipital bone), which the tendon routes through to attach above the shoulder joint.

Rotator cuff syndrome or shoulder impingement syndrome is verified by overhead arm movements, causes rubbing and scraping and inflammation of the acromion.

Acute injuries of the shoulder are brought on by bruising or contusions from a twist, bump, or fall. 

Sprains to the tough, ropy ligaments that connect to the bone and aid in stabilization of the shoulder may occur.

Separation of the shoulder occurs when the outer end of the collarbone (clavicle) separates from the acromion of the shoulder blade and causes the ligaments to tear.  The injury often happens from a blow to the shoulder, fall or to break a fall with an outstretched arm or hand.

A dislocation or subluxation is when the shoulder is pulled or pushed in an abnormal association with other bones.

Treatment for shoulder injuries may include first aid measures, physical therapy, massage therapy, and in some instances surgery.  Treatment varies and is dependent on the location, type, and nature of the injury.  Other variables are how long the injury has occurred, age, health, and extracurricular activities.