What hurts when my shoulder hurts
General Information
The shoulder is a complex joint and presents a very frequent and varied pathology. Being the most mobile joint in the body, it is also the most prone to injury. It is the joint that dislocates most frequently and especially in young people and athletes, which can leave instability and risk of frequent dislocation as a consequence.
About shoulder pain
Shoulder pain is one of the most frequent medical consultations, affecting up to 25% of the population at some point in life. It is pain that affects the shoulder joint, individually or together with nearby musculoskeletal structures.
Shoulder pain is also frequent in elderly people or those who perform heavy work and in some occasions, it can become a chronic problem, with permanent disability or limitation.
The most common symptoms of shoulder pain are local pain, radiating pain and loss of mobility. Characteristically the pain predominates on movement and at night.
It is always important to consider all symptoms that may accompany pain, such as swelling, weakness, numbness or changes in mobility. A healthcare professional, such as a physician or physical therapist, can perform specific evaluations and order additional tests if necessary. If the pain persists or is severe, it is recommended to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Shoulder pain can have a variety of causes, and the location and intensity of the pain can vary. Some possible reasons for shoulder pain include:
- Muscle or tendon injuriesThey can be caused by overuse, repetitive movements or acute injuries. Within this group, calcifications are often the cause, with the supraspinatus tendon being the most commonly affected. The most frequent age of onset is between 30-50 years old and it is characterized by an acute picture of constant intense pain, especially on mobilization and inability to move the arm. The most painful movement in this case is the separation/abduction of the arm.
- Ligament injuries: Ligaments connect different joints together and can be injured due to a fall or trauma, or when we suffer a shoulder dislocation.
- Articulation problems: The shoulder joint is a complex joint and can be affected by conditions such as osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis. In this group we highlight the frozen shoulderfrozen shoulder, a very painful shoulder syndrome accompanied by functional limitation, due to different causes such as trauma, a recently operated shoulder or a chronic inflammatory pathology.
- Nerve compression: Compression of nerves passing through the shoulder region can cause pain. Such as compression of the brachial nerve.
- Systemic diseases: Systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout can affect the joints, including those of the shoulder.
- Cervical spine problems: Problems in the cervical spine, such as herniated discs, facet syndromes or cervical muscle contractures may refer pain to the shoulder and make diagnosis difficult.
Mivi Sant Cugat Pain Unit Doctor