Your shoulders have a wide and flexible range of motion. However, when an issue arises with your shoulder, it can limit your freedom of motion, lead to noticeable pain & discomfort, and make most activity very uncomfortable (if not painful).

Virginia Joint & Spine Center is your ideal destination. Our team of medical providers and healthcare doctors collaborate together within a single facility to offer our patients the most effective combination of care for osteoarthritis patients.

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Got Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain is a common problem that affects many people. In fact, it’s one of the top reasons people visit a doctor or a physical therapist. Studies have shown that up to 70% of adults will experience shoulder pain at some point in their lives. This type of pain can occur for a variety of reasons, such as injuries, overuse, or conditions like arthritis. It’s important to understand that shoulder pain can happen to anyone, regardless of age or activity level.

When shoulder pain occurs, it can make everyday tasks, like lifting a grocery bag, reaching for a high shelf, or even getting dressed painful and challenging. This can greatly impact your daily life, making it hard to work, participate in hobbies or sports, or simply spending time with family and friends.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is a unique joint that allows for a wide range of motion, but this also makes it less stable than other joints. Injuries can happen because the upper arm’s ball is bigger than the shoulder socket. To help keep the shoulder in place, it relies on soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These tissues can be easily damaged from overuse, underuse, or accidents.

Here are some common causes of shoulder pain:

  • Dislocation: When the shoulder joint pops out of place, it can cause pain and limit movement.
  • Separation: This happens when the bones in the shoulder get pulled apart, often from a fall or a hit.
  • Impingement syndrome: When shoulder tissues get pinched, it can cause pain and make it hard to lift the arm.
  • Tendinosis: This is when the tendons in the shoulder become weak or damaged, often from overuse.
  • Rotator cuff tear: A tear in the shoulder’s rotator cuff can cause pain and make it difficult to move the arm.
  • Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder): This condition makes the shoulder stiff and painful, limiting its movement.
  • Fracture: A broken bone in the shoulder can cause severe pain and make it hard to move the arm.
  • Inflamed bursae: Swelling in the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint can lead to pain and discomfort.
  • Arthritis inflammation: When the joints in the shoulder become inflamed and worn down, it can cause pain and stiffness.

Understanding these common causes can help you recognize when you might need to seek help for your shoulder pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your shoulder, at Virginia Joint & Spine Center, we can help you find relief from shoulder pain and get you back into action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain can develop for several reasons, including rotator cuff irritation, tendon problems, bursitis, joint stiffness, arthritis, instability, or referred neck pain. The location of pain alone does not always identify the source. A focused history and examination can help distinguish a local joint or soft-tissue problem from referred pain, nerve involvement, or a condition that needs medical testing.

When should I seek care for shoulder pain?

Schedule an evaluation when pain reaching overhead or behind the back, weakness, clicking, night pain, or loss of motion persist, recur, limit sleep or daily activity, or follow an injury. Seek urgent medical attention for severe trauma, fever, unexplained weight loss, new weakness, loss of coordination, chest pain, or loss of bowel or bladder control.

How is shoulder pain evaluated?

An evaluation typically includes questions about when symptoms began, activities that worsen or relieve them, prior injuries, and relevant medical history. The provider may assess mobility, strength, sensation, balance, posture, or movement patterns. Imaging or referral may be recommended when the examination suggests it is necessary.

What non-surgical treatments may help shoulder pain?

Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include education, activity modification, chiropractic or manual care, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation, and medical treatments when appropriate. The plan should focus on identifying the involved tissue, restoring motion, improving shoulder-blade control, and building strength. No single treatment is right for every patient.

How long does improvement from shoulder pain take?

Recovery time varies with the cause, severity, duration, overall health, work or activity demands, and consistency with the care plan. Some symptoms improve within a few visits, while long-standing conditions may require more time. Progress should be reassessed using pain, mobility, strength, and functional goals.