Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is a very complex part of the body–a combination of several joints, tendons, and muscles that allow you to move your arm in just about every direction. When just one component of the shoulder isn’t working properly, it can result in pain and dysfunction.
SHOULDER ANATOMY
Your shoulder is made up of three bones: the humerus (arm bone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone).
These three bones, which are connected by cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles create the ball and socket joint of the shoulder. This socket is called the glenoid cavity. A combination of muscles and tendons, called the rotator cuff, cover the head of your upper arm bone and attach it to your shoulder blade.
Common Shoulder Injuries
There are many parts in the shoulder, and it only takes one of them to be injured or worn out over time causing pain. It’s important to see an orthopedic specialist sooner rather than later, who can look at your shoulder and determine what is causing the problem. Shoulder surgery may not be necessary, or can be delayed, if treated early.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by ongoing stiffness and pain in the shoulder. Frozen shoulder is commonly seen in adults (mostly women) between the ages of 40 and 60 and has no specific cause.
Rotator Cuff Injuries & Conditions
Every time you lift or move your arm, your rotator cuff is at work. Over time, it can become painful. This type of shoulder pain could be caused by several conditions such as rotator cuff tendonitis, impingement, arthritis, or a rotator cuff tear.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Rotator cuff tendonitis refers to a condition where the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed or damaged. Shoulder pain, especially focused in the rotator cuff area, could be tendonitis in the rotator cuff. Tendonitis can be caused by several things, including overuse, impingement, and the accumulation of calcium deposits.
Rotator Cuff Arthritis
Arthritis pain is typically a dull ache. However, it can become extremely painful with everyday movements. It can be caused by everyday wear and tear or a previous shoulder injury.
Impingement and Rotator Cuff Problems
Rotator Cuff Impingement
Impingement happens when the top of the shoulder blade (acromion) puts pressure on the soft tissue (bursa and tendons) underneath. When you try to lift your arm, a bone spur on the acromion can put pressure on the rotator cuff tendons and bursa making it painful to move your arm. Over time, this can lead to tears of the rotator cuff.
Rotator Cuff Tear
In most rotator cuff tears, the supraspinatus tendon is torn away from the bone. But other parts of the rotator cuff may also be involved. Torn tendons begin by fraying. As the damage progresses, the tendon can completely tear. Activities such as lifting heavy objects are common causes.
Instability and Labrum Problems
Sudden Impact Injuries to the Shoulder
Most shoulder joint pain is chronic. However, there are times when pain occurs suddenly, often through a fall or through direct impact, over stretching, or overloading. It is important to have acute shoulder injuries treated as soon as possible. The most common types of sudden impact injuries to the shoulder are joint injuries, shoulder dislocation and fractures.
AC Joint Injuries
An acromioclavicular joint separation, or AC joint separation, is a very frequent injury among younger people who are physically active. Falling on the shoulder is the most common cause of an AC joint separation, which results in the clavicle (collar bone) separating from the scapula (shoulder blade).
Shoulder Dislocation
When the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket or dislocated from where it belongs, there can be bone, ligament, tendon and muscle damage in the area. Sometimes this injury leads to painful recurring partial or complete shoulder dislocations. This usually happens as the result of a sudden movement or impact.
Fractures
Fractures are typically caused by a sudden impact, sports injury, or fall. They can occur in any of the bones that make up the shoulder.
Shoulder Pain Therapy & Treatments
Depending on the injury there may be several options for treatment before surgery would be considered. Dr. Sparks will visit with you to assess which part of the shoulder hurts and the intensity of the pain. Diagnostic images such as an x-ray or MRI may also be needed in order to see inside your shoulder joint and look for tears, fractures, or other signs of injury.
Treatments & Procedures for Shoulder Problems
Orthopedic therapy and treatment options for the shoulder may include:
Activity changes
Medications
Physical therapy
BioTE
Surgery
Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing shoulder pain or loss of function and want to restore your quality of life, an orthopedic specialist can help. Dr. Sparks, located in Conroe, can help. Call 936-539-2663 to schedule an appointment.