Shoulder pain is not something to take lightly. It can be caused by injury in an accident or fall, strains from overextension, shoulder joint instability, or damage to the network of nerves that carry signals back and forth between the arms and spinal cord. Also, some diseases such as heart disease or gallbladder disease may cause pain in the shoulder. Due to the many causes, it is important to seek a proper diagnosis when symptoms or pain occur.
Causes
Examples of medical conditions that may be the source of shoulder pain include the following:
- Arthritis in the shoulder joint
- Bone spurs
- Bursitis, inflammation of a fluid-filled sac protecting the joint
- Dislocated Joint
- Torn rotator cuff
- Broken shoulder bone
- Frozen shoulder
Another factor to consider is something called “referred pain.” Similar to experiencing a heart attack, this occurs when the pain is located away from the actual injured location. To diagnose where the pain is derived from, one should seek medical attention. In some cases an MRI, CT scan or X-rays may be required to identify the exact cause and the best treatment for your case.
Treatments
There are a number of possible treatments for shoulder pain. Treatment options can include anything from physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxers and corticosteroid injections to surgery for rotator cuff repair or even total shoulder replacement. If you are experiencing stiffness, loss of motion or sever pain in your shoulder, it is important to contact a physician.
