Etiology of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can have diverse causes, including:
Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tears or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Stiffening and inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule.
Shoulder Impingement: Compression of tendons and bursa in the shoulder.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons due to overuse or injury.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction.
Arthritis: Degeneration of the shoulder joint cartilage.
Fractures: Breaks in the bones of the shoulder.
Dislocations: Displacement of the shoulder joint.
Symptoms & Signs
Pain: Dull or sharp pain in the shoulder.
Stiffness: Difficulty in moving the shoulder.
Weakness: Reduced strength in the arm.
Swelling: Enlargement or tenderness around the shoulder joint.
Clicking or Popping Sounds: Audible noises during shoulder movement.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty in raising or rotating the arm.
Radiating Pain: Pain extending down the arm or into the neck.
Diagnostic Tests
X-rays: To assess bone structure and detect fractures
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Detailed imaging for soft tissue issues like rotator cuff
tears.
CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: Provides detailed images, especially for bone-related
issues.
Differential Diagnosis
Cervical Radiculopathy: Nerve compression in the neck causing shoulder pain.
Heart Conditions: Angina or heart attack may refer pain to the left shoulder.
Gallbladder Disease: Can cause referred pain to the right shoulder.
Lung Conditions: Conditions like pneumonia may cause shoulder pain.
Management
Conservative Measures:
Rest and Ice: Alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.
Physical Therapy:
Strengthening exercises and range of motion exercises.
Injections:
Corticosteroid Injections: Targeted to reduce inflammation for pain relief.
Viscosupplementation: Lubricating injections for arthritis.
Surgical Options:
Rotator Cuff Repair: Surgical correction of torn tendons.
Shoulder Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive procedure for various shoulder conditions.
Joint Replacement: Total or partial shoulder replacement for severe arthritis.
Physical Therapy:
Exercise Programs: Strengthening and stretching exercises.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques for pain relief.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Ergonomics: Proper workplace setup to prevent strain.
Posture Correction: Maintaining proper body mechanics.
Individualized management depends on the cause and severity of shoulder pain. Seeking
professional evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan