Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints among adults. It can range from an annoying ache to debilitating pain that prevents you from doing everyday activities. Understanding the different types of shoulder pain and their causes can help you manage your symptoms and get back to living your life. Shoulder pain is pain or discomfort in the shoulder area. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, and other injuries.

Shoulder pain can be caused by a wide range of conditions, including muscle strain, tendonitis, fractures, arthritis, and various neurological conditions. The most common symptom is localized pain in the shoulder, which can range from mild to severe depending on the underlying cause. Other symptoms may include muscle weakness, numbness, tingling in the arm and shoulder, shoulder instability, and difficulty moving the shoulder.

Common Types of Shoulder Pain

• Rotator Cuff Injury: Rotator cuff injury is a common cause of shoulder pain. A rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that connect the shoulder blade (scapula) to the upper arm (humerus) and provide stability and strength to the shoulder joint. When the rotator cuff is injured, it can cause pain in the shoulder, decreased range of motion, and difficulty performing activities that involve raising the arm.
• Impingement Syndrome: Impingement syndrome is a common condition that affects the shoulder and causes pain. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the space between the acromion (a bony structure in the shoulder) and the rotator cuff tendons (which help move the shoulder). This narrowing can cause the tendons to rub against the acromion, leading to pain and inflammation.
• Frozen Shoulder: Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by shoulder stiffness and pain. The shoulder joint becomes stiff, making even simple activities such as reaching for something or putting on a shirt difficult. Symptoms usually develop gradually, starting with mild pain and stiffness, and worsening over time.
• Dislocated Shoulder: A dislocated shoulder is a traumatic injury in which the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) is forced out of the glenoid cavity of the scapula (shoulder blade). This can be a very painful injury and can lead to restricted movement in the shoulder joint. Treatment typically involves manual reduction of the shoulder by a trained medical professional followed by immobilization of the shoulder in a sling or brace for several weeks.
• Bursitis: Bursitis on the shoulder is a condition that causes pain and inflammation of the bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and facilitate movement of the shoulder joint. Symptoms of shoulder bursitis include pain in the shoulder area, pain when moving the shoulder, tenderness when touching the shoulder, and a popping or grinding sensation when moving the shoulder.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common cause of shoulder pain. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joint wears down, resulting in bone-on-bone contact which can cause pain and stiffness. Other symptoms of shoulder osteoarthritis may include decreased range of motion, swelling, crepitus (a crackling feeling when the joint is moved), and/or a grinding sensation when the joint is moved.

Less Common Types of Shoulder Pain

Arthritis – Shoulder pain due to arthritis can be very debilitating, but there are ways to manage it. The first step is to identify the type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis are some of the most common types of arthritis.

Tendinitis – Tendinitis is a common cause of shoulder pain. It is caused by inflammation of one or more of the tendons in the shoulder. Treatment for shoulder pain due to tendinitis typically includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections and surgery may be necessary.

AC Joint Injury – Shoulder pain due to an AC joint injury can be managed with a combination of rest, ice, compression, elevation, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. Resting the shoulder is important to allow the joint to heal. Elevation can help reduce swelling.

Treatments for Shoulder Pain

1. Non-Surgical Treatments:

• Rest: Resting the shoulder for a few days can help relieve pain.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises can help reduce pain and improve shoulder range of motion.
• Heat/Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to the shoulder can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Cortisone Injections: Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that can help reduce shoulder pain and inflammation.

2. Surgical Treatments:

• Rotator Cuff Repair: This procedure repairs a torn rotator cuff by reattaching the torn tendon to the bone.
• Shoulder Arthroscopy: Arthroscopic surgery is used to diagnose and treat shoulder problems.
• Total Shoulder Replacement: This procedure replaces the damaged joint with an artificial joint.
• Shoulder Fusion: This procedure fuses the bones of the shoulder joint together to reduce pain.

Importance of Seeking Treatment by Shoulder Pain Specialist in Pune

Shoulder pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as overuse, injury, or arthritis. The best way to treat shoulder pain is to seek help from a shoulder pain specialist in Pune. A shoulder pain specialist has the experience and expertise to accurately diagnose your shoulder pain and create a tailored treatment plan to reduce your pain and help you regain full shoulder function.

Seeking treatment from a shoulder pain specialist can help you get the best possible outcome for your shoulder pain. A shoulder pain specialist can evaluate your shoulder pain and diagnose the underlying cause of your pain. They can suggest a range of treatments that can help reduce your pain and improve your shoulder mobility. They can also provide advice on how to prevent further shoulder injuries and improve your shoulder strength and stability.

Shoulder Pain Specialist can help you understand the cause of your shoulder pain and design a treatment plan that’s right for you. They can provide guidance on exercises and stretches that can help reduce your pain and improve your shoulder function. They can also recommend lifestyle modifications that can help reduce your pain and improve your overall health. Visiting a shoulder pain specialist in Pune at Painex Hospital can be beneficial if you’re suffering from shoulder pain.