Shoulder discomfort or pain is a common issue that can affect the lives of people of all ages and activity levels. According to experienced orthopedic shoulder specialist Dr. Roger Pollock in Paramus, NJ, the shoulder joint is highly mobile, making it quite vulnerable to various acute injuries and chronic conditions that generate varying degrees of pain. 

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain: From Injury to Arthritis

 Working knowledge of the different causes can help with proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff, which stabilizes the shoulder’s joint, is a group of muscles/tendons that often causes shoulder pain, especially for those 40+ or participating as athletes. 

Arthritis 

Arthritic symptoms include joint stiffness, swelling, and pain with movement, often in the morning or after activities. Osteoarthritis, commonly found in older adults, refers to the natural wearing down of shoulder joint cartilage because of aging, injury, or overuse. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune condition when stiffness and pain are caused by inflammation. 

Shoulder Bursitis

The tiny fluid-filled sacs cushion the joint and may become inflamed due to an injury/repetitive movements.

Tendon strains/ Ligament sprains

Tendon strains and ligament sprains occur when these structures are overstretched acutely, resulting in pain, swelling and loss of motion.

Frozen Shoulder 

This condition – adhesive capsulitis, typically develops slowly (without an apparent injury) and involves stiffness and limited range of motion, often worse at night. It can be caused by long-term immobility (from an injury or surgery), diabetes, etc.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

The rotator cuff’s tendons may become compressed from repetitive overhead motions or anatomical irregularities. 

Tendinitis

Pain and tenderness may happen from injury or overuse. 

Fractures

Fractures from trauma or an accident can happen to the collarbone, the upper arm bone, or the shoulder blade. The result is swelling, sharp pain, bruising, and more.

Shoulder Dislocation/Subluxation

• A shoulder dislocation happens when the upper arm bone disengages from the shoulder socket, often due to trauma or a fall.
• A partial dislocation/subluxation occurs when the shoulder slips out of place, causing intense pain, weakness, and an inability to move the shoulder.

Labral Tears

The cartilage at the ball of the shoulder joint can be torn from trauma or repetitive movement. 

Referred Pain from the Neck/Spine

Shoulder pain, stiffness, and numbness can radiate from the neck or upper back. 

Treatment Options

 The treatment plan is based on the cause of the pain and may include -

• Physical therapy can decrease pain and increase flexibility and strength.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections provide pain relief.
• Surgery is helpful in cases where nonoperative treatment has failed and for certain acute injuries, such as displaced fractures, traumatic rotator cuff tears (especially with associated weakness) and recurrent shoulder dislocations. 

Shoulder pain can have various causes. If you are experiencing severe/chronic shoulder pain, contact Dr. Pollock or a staff member at our Paramus, NJ, location at 201-612-9774 or online.