Shoulder pain may be localized in a specific area or may spread to areas around the shoulder or down the arm.
Common conditions that cause shoulder pain include:
Dislocation
The shoulder joint is the most frequently dislocated major joint of the body — often caused by a significant force that separates the shoulder joint’s ball away from the joint’s socket.
Separation
Separation occurs when the ligaments attached to the collarbone are torn, or partially torn, away from the shoulder blade. Shoulder separation may be caused by a sudden, forceful blow to the shoulder or as a result of a fall.
Tendinosis
Tendinosis of the shoulder is caused when the rotator cuff and/or biceps tendon become worn out and occasionally inflamed, usually as a result of being pinched by surrounding structures. The injury may vary from mild inflammation to involvement of most of the rotator cuff.
Rotator cuff tear
A rotator cuff tear involves one or more rotator cuff tendons becoming inflamed from overuse, aging, a fall on an outstretched hand or a collision.
Fracture
A fracture is a partial or total crack or break through a bone that usually occurs due to an impact injury.
Symptoms
- Pain or tenderness
- Swelling or inflammation
- Stiffness
Treatment for Painful Shoulder Conditions
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a common, outpatient procedure used to diagnose and treat shoulder problems. Using a device called an arthroscope, the surgeon is able to look directly into the joint. The arthroscope consists of a small tube inserted into the body that contains a system of lenses, a small video camera and a light for viewing. The camera is connected to a monitoring system that allows a surgeon to view the operation while it is being performed. This procedure can be used to remove bone spurs or inflammatory portions of muscle and to repair small tears.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery replaces the rough, worn parts of your shoulder with an artificial joint known as a prosthesis. A partial replacement replaces only the ball of your shoulder, while a total replacement replaces both the ball and the socket. Replacement surgery is recommended only if other treatment options do not relieve symptoms. Recovery after shoulder replacement surgery can take a few months.