Shoulder Pain Symptoms

Archive for October, 2011

Many adults have shoulder pain complains at some point in their lives. This especially gets common when they start to grow older. There are several causes behind should pain symptoms. A very important and common source is in the form of a pinched nerve or a herniated disc.  Some other uncommon sources are irritated diaphragm, carpal tunnel syndrome (in extreme severe cases), and heart attack. In short, the shoulder is the main cause itself. There are certain revealing signals such as excessive activities, stiffness, pain when lying on the shoulder and motion loss.

The following is a summary of the most common causes of shoulder pain symptoms:

• Rotator Cuff Tears

As we grow older, we become more vulnerable to severe physical conditions such as tearing a rotator cuff muscle or tendon.  A tear can be either complete or partial. There are several parts in which a tear can occur. For example, where the tendon attaches to the bone, in the muscle belly, or in the tendon itself. A partial tear is easy to treat and responds well to exercises, medicines and cortisone injections. However, you may have to go through a surgery to treat a major tear.

• Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

This is the result of repetitive overuse activities. It does not discriminate between young and old. Mostly it is athletes, like volleyball players, baseball players and basketball players, who are prone to this problem. In addition, professionals such as painters, mechanics and electricians also face the risk. As we age, our tendons and muscles are at a higher risk of developing small tears. This will begin the inflammation process and pain. Symptoms may be experienced as a dull ache in the upper arm. You will not be comfortable lying on the shoulder. The symptoms worsen with time and the function becomes slower. X-Rays will turn out to be negative too. Exercises will be the ideal way to tackle such physical condition.

• Bursitis

There is a fluid filled sac between the bones and the muscles known as bursa. It avoids the muscle from rubbing on the frame of the bone. When there is an irritation in the bursa, it causes pain (usually extreme) in the upper arm and the shoulder. The symptoms are very close to tendonitis and a rotator cuff tear. However, it can respond well to injections, medicines, rest and most importantly exercise. Bursitis is a stubborn medical condition and takes longer to heal.

There are only a few of the many symptoms that cause shoulder pain. If you experience any of these symptoms then rest your arms for a few days along with treating it with anti-inflammatory medication. In severe cases, visit your doctor for further assistance.