Your shoulders are complicated joints that involve multiple muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. These are also one of the most used joints of the body, so injuries are common at these joints.
However, knowing the causes of these joints may help you avoid such situations. That is why this article could be useful for you. We have mentioned the top four causes of shoulder pain.
Have a look.
Arthritis
This painful disease impacts your joints, normally causing pain and stiffness around the affected area. If said area happens to be your shoulder, the pain can increase by many folds.
Shoulder pain is often a product of rheumatoid or osteoarthritis.
What’s the difference?
Osteoarthritis happens when the protective cartilage around your bones wears out, causing severe pain in your hands, knees, hips, spine, and shoulders. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of
arthritis, with nearly 33 million Americans suffering from the disease.
On the other hand, Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the joints, resulting in damage around other parts of the body. This includes skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
In the case of your shoulder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs from an autoimmune disorder that targets the lining of your shoulder joint. The pain usually transfers to the other side of the body.
Angina
Arthritis does bite. But shoulder pain brought on by Angina suggests something much more frightening.
While the term may be new to you, this coronary artery disease serves as a warning sign of underlying heart problems. In fact, Angina is the most common cause of shoulder pain, with an estimated 10 million Americans suffering from it.
In simpler terms, it is the discomfort you feel when your heart muscle isn’t receiving enough oxygen-rich blood. Your arteries then experience a build-up in plaque, causing them to narrow. As a result, pain is felt in the chest region; it can also extend out to the neck, back, jaw and shoulders.
The two main types of Angina are stable and unstable. The former lasts around two months and usually occurs during times of stress. This puts pressure on your heart, causing all types of strains on your muscles. This is why your shoulder often hurts during this time.
Stable angina can be treated with some well-needed rest. On the other hand, Unstable Angina is much more unpredictable, with pain often setting in while a person is asleep.
This happens when the heart isn’t getting enough oxygen and serves as a warning sign of an oncoming heart attack.
Frozen Shoulder
Another funny-sounding condition. Frozen shoulder occurs as a result of tissue build-up in the joints. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, it’s
characterized by stiffness and pain, much like arthritis. Over time, you will find it difficult just to move your arm.
There are normally three stages to frozen shoulder:
- Freezing stage: The tissue begins to build up, causing your shoulder to become tense.
- Frozen stage: You feel less pain, but your arm becomes harder to move.
- Thawing stage: Your shoulder finally loosens up and becomes easier to move.
This all happens within the span of one to three years. While the exact causes behind the frozen shoulder are unclear, experts state it normally occurs after a person’s shoulder has been immobilized for an extended period of time, usually after an injury or surgery.
Bursitis
Bursitis affects the fluid-filled sacs known as the bursae. These work as a cushion for your tendons, joints, and bones.
When the sacs become inflamed, you experience pain in places around your hips, wrists, knees, and elbows. But the most excruciating pain of all will be felt when you try and move your shoulder.
This condition normally sets in after your muscles repeat the same function over and over. To treat bursitis, experts recommend
that you rest your shoulder and try to avoid physically demanding work.
If all goes according to plan, your symptoms should be gone within a few weeks.
Final Word
Pains like shoulder and neck pain hurt real bad. It’s best to seek expert attention if the pain persists for longer periods. You can consider northwest orthopedics spokane to get help with your shoulder pain condition.