Shoulder Pain
What typically causes shoulder pain?
Your shoulder, is one of the largest joint in your body, is a complex combination of bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Acute injuries cause sudden pain and loss of function when part of the shoulder breaks, tears, or over-stretches. Fractures (broken bones) and dislocations, where the bones in the shoulder separate, are some of the most severe acute injuries.
What are Rotator Cuff Injuries?
There are 4 muscles that make up the rotator cuff – the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor. Each muscle has a function purpose to move the shoulder in many directions.
Repetitive strain conditions, trauma, weight lifting, frequent overhead storage can cause tendonitis or tendon tear. Chronic (long-term) conditions cause gradually worsening pain, weakness, and stiffness.
What is shoulder and acromioclavicular joint arthritis?
The shoulder aka glenohumeral joint is held in the socket by the 4 rotator cuff muscles. There is also an important secondary joint called the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. The AC joint is where the scapula meets the clavicle to form the roof over the rotator cuff muscles.
Arthritis is a frequent cause of chronic shoulder pain, particularly osteoarthritis, a widespread condition where the protective articular cartilage wears away from the ends of your bones.
Common causes are as follows: age-related wear and tear (osteoarthritis), previous shoulder injuries like dislocations or fractures, repetitive overhead motions from work or sports, family history, gender (women tend to be more affected), and certain medical conditions like avascular necrosis.
How is shoulder pain diagnosed?
The Bioinfinity Regenerative Medicine team has extensive experience diagnosing shoulder pain. They review your medical history, complete a physical exam, and ask about your symptoms. Imaging procedures like an MRI, CT scan, or X-rays are often needed to allow your provider to see the bones and tissues inside your shoulder joint so they can identify the cause of your pain.
