Understanding Different Types of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can result from a number of conditions – all very different in nature. It can be a dislocated bone, the effect of arthritis or acute inflammation of tendons and tissues. Understanding different types of shoulder pain and what instigates them can help you get rid of chronic everyday pain. However, if the pain is unbearable and you feel like it is getting out of hand, you should immediately consult a doctor. Some conditions should be treated immediately in order to avert permanent fixtures. Others can be treated with simple home remedies and regular exercise.

Basic Anatomy

Our shoulders are made up of a combination of muscles and tendons that allow us to carry forward a multitude of actions. The basic anatomy of the human shoulder comprises of thee main bones – the upper arm bone, the shoulder blade and the collarbone. The upper arm bone is fitted into a socket at the end of the shoulder blade. Tissues, also known as the rotator cuff are a combination of muscles and tendons that help the arm bone remain cantered in the socket.

Shoulder Pain From Injuries

The most common shoulder injuries are caused by dislocation, separation or fracture. Dislocation occurs when the shoulder is stretched out so far that the upper arm bone pops out of the socket. This is a common injury among children caused mostly by playful activities like throwing a ball or falling from a swing etc.

The joint where the collarbone and shoulder blade meet is called the acromioclavicular joint and it is held together by group of ligaments. A separation is caused when these ligaments are torn due to a hard fall. The collarbone is pushed out of its position and a lump appears on the shoulder blade.

Fractures of the collarbone and arm bone are very common. The symptoms are a sagging shoulder, inability to lift one’s arm, bruising and extreme pain.

Shoulder Pain From Tears and Impingement

The cartilage is the rubbery padding that protects the shoulder joint. A tear in the cartilage can cause a considerable amount of pain. Similarly an affected rotator cuff can give you sleepless nights causing pain whenever you try to move your shoulder.

With age the muscles and tendons holding the arm bone in place start to wear away causing pain among older people. This wear and tear of tendons gives rise to osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis.

A tear in the tendons that connects a muscle to the bone causes tendinitis, or tendon inflammation. Excessive sports based activities or other work that involves the extended use of the arms like painting or handling heavy machinery can cause inflammation and acute pain due to a tear. This type of shoulder pain can be treated through a number of methods including Yoga, therapy or physical exercise.

In Melbourne people usually visit a local Melbourne Osteopath to help relieve severe shoulder pain, sciatica, pinched nerves or pregnancy related body pain.

Bursitis occurs when the bursa – fluid filled sacs that cushions the bones, gets swelled up due to excessive use of the shoulders. This kind of pain will prevent you from getting done the most basic everyday activities like taking a shower or getting dressed.

Sometimes, the bones in your arm can pinch the tendons in the rotator cuff causing inflammation and severe pain. This is a common result of a heavy workout with constant weight-lifting activities.

 Another common type of shoulder pain arises from a condition known as ‘frozen shoulder’. This occurs when certain adhesions like a band of tissues start growing around your joints. This happens when a person has been making less use of his/her arm maybe due to a surgery or any other condition that forces you to take bed rest. This means the adhesions will not allow you to make free movements hence ‘freezing’ your shoulder.

Osteopathy is one of the leading wellness practices that people trust when it comes to pain relief. Most Doctors recommend professional diagnosis for any pain that lasts more than 3 weeks.

Not sure what to do about your shoulder pain? You can try typing out ‘osteopath near me’ on Google and find a good clinic that would be convenient for you to visit. You will be surprised to find out how a good massage and proper shoulder joint mobilisation can help you manage your pain.