A patient comes in with shoulder pain, it's not as simple as you think. Shoulder pain can result from a wide range of issues, including injuries, degenerative conditions, and systemic diseases. Here are some possible causes of shoulder pain which your Osteopath will consider as a cause to your symptoms :
Musculoskeletal Causes
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Tendinitis: Inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, usually due to overuse.
Tears: Partial or complete tears of the rotator cuff tendons, either from acute injury or chronic wear.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint that develop gradually over time, often without a clear cause.
Shoulder Impingement
Compression of the rotator cuff tendons or bursa during shoulder movements, leading to inflammation and pain.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction) in the shoulder, often due to repetitive motion.
Shoulder Arthritis
Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease causing the breakdown of cartilage.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation.
Shoulder Dislocation
The upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, typically due to trauma.
Labral Tears
Tears in the cartilage that lines the shoulder socket, often from injury or repetitive stress.
Fractures
Breaks in the bones of the shoulder, such as the clavicle or H88umerus, usually from trauma.
Nerve-Related Causes
Cervical Radiculopathy
Nerve root compression in the neck causing referred pain in the shoulder.
Brachial Plexus Injury
Injury to the network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand.
Systemic Conditions
Heart Conditions
Referred pain from conditions like angina or myocardial infarction can present as shoulder pain.
Gallbladder Disease
Referred pain from gallbladder issues can sometimes be felt in the shoulder.
Infections and Inflammatory Conditions
Infections
Septic arthritis or osteomyelitis (bone infection) can cause shoulder pain.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
An inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders.
Other Causes
Poor Posture
Chronic poor posture can strain the shoulder muscles and lead to pain.
Overuse Injuries
Repetitive activities, especially those involving overhead movements, can lead to overuse injuries.
Tumours
Rarely, tumours (benign or malignant) in or around the shoulder can cause pain.
Every patient is different and are always considered on an individual basis.
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