Shoulder Pain

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The shoulder is made up of several bones, muscles and tendons which enables its high mobility and range of movements. The bones of the shoulder are the upper arm bone (humerus), the collarbone (clavicle) and the shoulder blade ( scapula). The head of the humerus fit into a socket in the shoulder blade. Several muscles and tendons cover the joint and keep the head localized within the socket.

 

Causes of shoulder pain

Fractures- breaking of the collarbone, the upper arm bone and shoulder blade is associated with severe shoulder pain. The fractures may result from falls or accidents such as road traffic accidents.

Arthritis- arthritis especially osteoarthritis due to wearing and tearing of bones can lead to shoulder pain (link to arthritis section).

Bursitis- bursae are small, fluid filled pocket found in joints throughout the body. The aid in reducing friction between muscles, bones and overlying structures. Overuse of the shoulder can sometimes lead to swelling of the bursae between the shoulder muscles and the shoulder blade. The inflamed, swollen bursae lead to difficulty in lifting the arm and cause shoulder pain.

Impingement syndrome- occurs when shoulder muscle is caught between the upper part of the shoulder blade and the head of the upper arm bone when lifting the arm. Leads to severe pain, inflamed bursa and tendinitis.

Tendinitis- is the irritation of the cord that attaches muscles to bones. It causes severe pain while moving the shoulder, tenderness and swelling around the shoulder joint region. Although tendinitis can result from may conditions, it is common in people who have repetition of a particular movement over a period of time, either due to their occupation or in sports.

Dislocated shoulder- is a condition in which the head of humerus pops out of its socket in the shoulder blade. Commonly due to sport injuries and falls. Leads to severe pain, swelling and a visibly out of place shoulder.

 

When to see a doctor

When pain is accompanied by fever

When the pain persists for more than a week

When there is bluish or reddish discoloration of the skin around the shoulder

When there is advanced inability to use the shoulder

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