Shoulder pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages. It often interferes with daily activities and overall quality of life. Therefore, this article aims to help you better understand the possible causes of shoulder pain and when to seek medical attention.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Rotator cuff injuries
One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is rotator cuff injuries. The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons. It stabilizes the shoulder and enables movement. The rotator cuff can get injured due to overuse, aging, or sudden trauma that causes inflammation, partial tears, or complete ruptures in these tendons.
Common symptoms of shoulder pain caused by rotator cuff injuries include weakness, limited ability to move your arm, and pain that worsens at night.
Shoulder impingement syndrome
Shoulder impingement happens when a tendon inside the shoulder swells and rubs against tissue or bone. Shoulder impingement can be caused by irritation, injury, or repetitive overhead activities, like swimming or painting.
According to the National Health Service (United Kingdom), the main symptoms of shoulder impingement are:
- pain at the top and the outside of your shoulder, which may be worse at night
- shoulder pain that becomes worse when you lift your arm, especially when you lift it above your head, and
- weakness in the arm.
Frozen shoulder
According to an article published by Cleveland Clinic (USA), a frozen shoulder occurs when the strong connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thick, stiff, and inflamed.
While its exact cause is unclear, this condition commonly develops after prolonged immobility, surgery, or injury. Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen gradually. However, symptoms normally improve within one to three years.
Read more article Understanding Five Common Effects of Stress on Your Body
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, can cause shoulder pain. It occurs when the cartilage cushioning the shoulder joint deteriorates over time, causing bones to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited motion.
According to the Arthritis Foundation (USA), nearly one in three people over 60 years old suffers from shoulder osteoarthritis to some extent.
Tendinitis and bursitis
Tendinitis refers to inflammation of the tendons, often caused by repetitive strain or overuse. Similarly, bursitis involves inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction in the joint. Both conditions are prevalent among people engaged in repetitive shoulder movements or sports.
Fractures and dislocations
At last, one of the most common causes of shoulder pain is trauma from falls, accidents, or sports injuries, which may have resulted in shoulder fractures or dislocations. These conditions cause acute pain, swelling, and even visible deformities.
When should I See a Doctor?
While minor shoulder pain can often be managed with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief, certain symptoms warrant professional attention. You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you experience:
- severe pain that does not improve with rest,
- swelling, bruising, or visible deformity,
- loss of shoulder mobility or strength,
- persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks,
- signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or fever, and
- pain radiating to the chest or arm.
If you experience severe or persistent shoulder pain or any of the above red flags, please do not delay consulting a healthcare professional immediately. Our English-speaking team at Prime Plus Medical in Canggu is ready to assist you 24/7!
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