THAT NAGGING SHOULDER PAIN COULD LINGER – AND MIGHT GET WORSE.

The shoulder is the most movable joint in the body – but its wide range of motion also makes it unstable and susceptible to injury. The resulting pain can be specific and focused, or it can spread throughout the shoulder and/or down the arm. Common shoulder problems include:

Bursitis

An inflammation of the bursa (lubricating) sacs that protect the shoulder; often caused by tendonitis and/or impingement syndrome (see below)

Tendonitis

Caused when the rotator cuff and/or biceps tendon become inflamed, usually due to being pinched by surrounding structures

Rotator Cuff Tear

Occurs when one or more rotator cuff tendons become inflamed from overuse, aging, a collision, or a fall onto an outstretched hand

Impingement Syndrome

Caused by excessive squeezing or rubbing of the rotator cuff and the shoulder blade; can lead to a torn rotator cuff

Adhesive Capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

A severely restrictive condition often caused by an injury that, in turn, leads to lack of use due to pain

Dislocation

Occurs when a substantial force separates the shoulder joint's ball (rounded, top portion of the humerus) from the joint's socket (glenoid)

Separation

Caused when the ligaments attached to the collarbone (clavicle) are completely or partially torn away from the shoulder blade (scapula)

Fracture

A partial or total crack or break in a bone, usually due to an impact