Why does my shoulder hurt when I lift my arm?
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Benjamin Wilson
Works at the International Air Transport Association, Lives in Montreal, Canada.
As a healthcare professional with a focus on musculoskeletal health, I often encounter patients with shoulder pain, which is a common complaint. There are several reasons why your shoulder might hurt when you lift your arm, and understanding the underlying causes can help in addressing the issue effectively. Here's a detailed look at some of the potential causes:
1. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help keep it stable. Tendinitis occurs when the tendons become inflamed, often due to overuse or injury. Lifting the arm can exacerbate the inflammation and cause pain.
2. \[Impingement Syndrome\]**: This is a condition where the tendons of the rotator cuff get compressed or "pinched" as they pass through the narrow space of the shoulder. When you raise your arm, the space between the acromion (a bony projection on the shoulder blade) and the rotator cuff tendons narrows. The **acromion** can rub against (or "impinge" on) the tendon and the **bursa**, causing irritation and pain. The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that helps to reduce friction between the tendon and the bone. It can become inflamed and swell with more fluid, causing pain.
**
3. Bursitis: Similar to tendinitis, bursitis involves the inflammation of the bursa. The bursa, as mentioned, is a sac that cushions the shoulder joint. When it becomes inflamed, it can fill with excess fluid, leading to pain and tenderness, especially with movement.
4. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)**: This is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, with a significant limitation in both active and passive range of motion. It can occur due to injury, surgery, or even without a clear cause.
**
5. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the shoulder joint, leading to pain and stiffness. The cartilage that cushions the bones in the joint wears away, causing the bones to rub against each other, which can be quite painful.
6. Ligament Injuries**: The ligaments are the tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other. If they are injured or sprained, lifting the arm can cause pain.
**7.
Fractures: A broken bone in the shoulder or upper arm can cause severe pain when attempting to lift the arm.
8. Nerve Impingement or Compression**: The nerves that run through the shoulder area can become compressed or impinged, leading to pain that may radiate down the arm.
**9.
Muscle Strains: Overstretching or tearing of the muscles around the shoulder can result in strains, which are painful and can limit movement.
10. Postural Issues**: Poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances and strain on the shoulder joint, causing pain over time.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Treatment may include physical therapy, medication, injections, or in some cases, surgery. Additionally, maintaining good posture, avoiding repetitive motions that can lead to overuse injuries, and incorporating strength and flexibility exercises into your routine can help prevent shoulder pain.
1. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help keep it stable. Tendinitis occurs when the tendons become inflamed, often due to overuse or injury. Lifting the arm can exacerbate the inflammation and cause pain.
2. \[Impingement Syndrome\]**: This is a condition where the tendons of the rotator cuff get compressed or "pinched" as they pass through the narrow space of the shoulder. When you raise your arm, the space between the acromion (a bony projection on the shoulder blade) and the rotator cuff tendons narrows. The **acromion** can rub against (or "impinge" on) the tendon and the **bursa**, causing irritation and pain. The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that helps to reduce friction between the tendon and the bone. It can become inflamed and swell with more fluid, causing pain.
**
3. Bursitis: Similar to tendinitis, bursitis involves the inflammation of the bursa. The bursa, as mentioned, is a sac that cushions the shoulder joint. When it becomes inflamed, it can fill with excess fluid, leading to pain and tenderness, especially with movement.
4. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)**: This is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, with a significant limitation in both active and passive range of motion. It can occur due to injury, surgery, or even without a clear cause.
**
5. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the shoulder joint, leading to pain and stiffness. The cartilage that cushions the bones in the joint wears away, causing the bones to rub against each other, which can be quite painful.
6. Ligament Injuries**: The ligaments are the tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other. If they are injured or sprained, lifting the arm can cause pain.
**7.
Fractures: A broken bone in the shoulder or upper arm can cause severe pain when attempting to lift the arm.
8. Nerve Impingement or Compression**: The nerves that run through the shoulder area can become compressed or impinged, leading to pain that may radiate down the arm.
**9.
Muscle Strains: Overstretching or tearing of the muscles around the shoulder can result in strains, which are painful and can limit movement.
10. Postural Issues**: Poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances and strain on the shoulder joint, causing pain over time.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Treatment may include physical therapy, medication, injections, or in some cases, surgery. Additionally, maintaining good posture, avoiding repetitive motions that can lead to overuse injuries, and incorporating strength and flexibility exercises into your routine can help prevent shoulder pain.
2024-04-09 05:34:27
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Studied at University of Oxford, Lives in Oxford, UK
The bursa can become inflamed and swell with more fluid causing pain. Impingement. When you raise your arm to shoulder height, the space between the acromion and rotator cuff narrows. The acromion can rub against (or "impinge" on) the tendon and the bursa, causing irritation and pain.
2023-06-21 07:46:23
Harper Hughes
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
The bursa can become inflamed and swell with more fluid causing pain. Impingement. When you raise your arm to shoulder height, the space between the acromion and rotator cuff narrows. The acromion can rub against (or "impinge" on) the tendon and the bursa, causing irritation and pain.
