Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is very common. The shoulder is one of the largest joints in the human body. It doesn’t even have to bear weight to become damaged, but it is prone to both strains and injuries.
If your shoulder hurts, you are not alone. The key to treating shoulder pain is to understand what the most likely causes of the pain are and what treatment options are available.
The first step is understanding what causes shoulder pain. Let’s start with the most common causes and at the end of the chapter we’ll run down some of the rare things that can lead to shoulder pain.
Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. It may be caused by bursitis, an inflammation or small, fluid-filled sacs known as bursae. When you strain or overuse your shoulder, the bursae can become inflamed. It can also be caused by inflamed tendons, the connective tissues that hold your skeleton together.
Instability
The next category of injury is joint instability, which can be caused by sudden movements, overuse, or the deterioration of the joint. Instability occurs when the ball end of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket.
Arthritis
There are several kinds of arthritis, and all of them can result in shoulder pain. The most common type is known as osteoarthritis, or “wear and tear” arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation, may also lead to shoulder pain.
Fractures
Fractures can cause shoulder pain. The bones in the shoulder area that can contribute to shoulder pain are the collarbone, upper arm bone, or shoulder blade. The most common cause of a fracture of one of these bones is falling from a great height.
Treating Shoulder Pain
If you have shoulder pain, we can help. Contact Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center today!