Shoulder Pain

A powerful blow to the shoulder or a fall can cause the head of the humerus to “pop” out of the shoulder socket. This injury is very painful, and can damage the soft tissue in the shoulder, as well as the surrounding nerves. The head of the humerus (the “ball”) needs to be relocated to the glenoid (the “socket”) as soon as possible by a trained medical professional.

When the ligaments attached to the collar bone are torn, they may detach from the shoulder blade. Separations can be caused by a major blow or a fall, especially when an outstretched hand stops contact with the ground.

This is one of the most common shoulder injuries. The rotator cuff is formed by several tendons and is essential for shoulder flexibility, stability, and strength. A tear in one or more of these tendons may result from a powerful force or blow, or chronic overuse activities.

Often resulting from a previous injury, a frozen shoulder is marked by pain that causes the person to stop using the shoulder for everyday activities. Over time, the shoulder’s soft tissue becomes inflamed, and the shoulder gradually becomes impossible or extremely painful to move. This condition can also occur without an injury, and more commonly affects those with diabetes and those who have kept their shoulder immobilized for an extended amount of time.

This condition occurs when one or more tendons become inflamed, which may be caused by wear and tear, overuse, aging, or a previous injury that didn’t heal properly. Shoulder tendonitis results from inflamed tendons in either the rotator cuff or the biceps. The biceps muscle and tendon run in front of the shoulder.

This condition occurs when overuse or repetitive motions trigger the bursa in the shoulder to create excess fluid. This may cause swelling, inflammation, and pain.

Sometimes referred to as a “broken shoulder,” a fracture is caused by a traumatic impact, such as a fall, sports injury, or a motor vehicle accident. One or more of the shoulder’s bones may crack partially or break completely. The pain is severe, and the shoulder may look deformed. A fracture should be treated immediately at the nearest emergency room.

The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis results from normal wear and tear, overuse, and aging. Osteoarthritis breaks down the protective cartilage, causing the shoulder bones to rub against each other and deteriorate, which leads to pain, stiffness, and inflexibility.

Commonly referred to as “R.A.,” this chronic autoimmune disorder leads to inflammation and thickening the shoulder joint’s lining (synovium). Rheumatoid arthritis breaks down shoulder cartilage, causing painful swelling (often severe) and stiffness.

When blood stops flowing to a shoulder bone, the bone begins to crack, and without proper treatment, it may collapse. Because the bone is “dying,” this condition is very painful and leaves people unable to use their shoulders without severe pain. Avascular necrosis can be caused by a shoulder dislocation, separation, a fracture that did not heal properly, excessive alcohol consumption, usage of corticosteroids, and additional medical conditions that result in disruption of blood supply to the shoulder.

Both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors can form lumps in the bone or soft tissue of the shoulder. Tumors may or may not be painful, but seek medical care as soon as possible for a diagnosis.