Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of factors including injuries, overuse, and degenerative conditions. The types and causes of shoulder pain include:

  1. Rotator cuff injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. Injury to the rotator cuff can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder. Causes of rotator cuff injuries include repetitive overhead movements, trauma, and degenerative changes.
  2. Shoulder impingement syndrome: Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff muscles or other soft tissues in the shoulder become compressed between the bones of the shoulder. This can cause pain, weakness, and limited mobility.
  3. Frozen shoulder: Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. It can be caused by injury, surgery, or medical conditions such as diabetes.
  4. Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. Shoulder bursitis can cause pain and swelling in the shoulder and is often caused by repetitive motions.
  5. Arthritis: Arthritis is a degenerative condition that can affect the shoulder joint, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
  6. Tendinitis: Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, which can cause pain and limited mobility. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive motions.
  7. Shoulder instability: Shoulder instability occurs when the ball and socket joint of the shoulder become unstable, causing pain and a feeling of looseness or dislocation.
  8. Fractures: Shoulder fractures can occur due to trauma or injury, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
  9. Referred pain: Referred pain occurs when pain in one area of the body is felt in another area. Shoulder pain can be referred from the neck, back, or chest.
  10. Other causes: Other less common causes of shoulder pain include tumors, infections, and nerve damage.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the specific cause of shoulder pain and to receive appropriate treatment. Some treatments may include:

  1. Epidural steroid injection: This procedure involves injecting a steroid medication into the epidural space, which is the area around the spinal cord. The medication can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
  2. Nerve block: A nerve block is a procedure in which a local anesthetic or other medication is injected near a specific nerve to block pain signals.
  3. Radiofrequency ablation: This procedure involves using radiofrequency energy to damage the nerve fibers that are transmitting pain signals.
  4. Spinal cord stimulation: This procedure involves implanting a device that delivers electrical signals to the spinal cord to block pain signals.
  5. Facet joint injection: This procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic or other medication into the facet joints, which are small joints located between the vertebrae in the spine.
  6. Kyphoplasty: This procedure is used to treat vertebral fractures that are causing back pain. It involves injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it and reduce pain.
  7. Laminectomy: A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the lamina, which is the bony arch on the back of the spine. It is often used to treat spinal stenosis, a condition in which the spinal canal becomes narrow, putting pressure on the nerves and causing pain.
  8. Discectomy: A discectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of a damaged or herniated disc in the spine. It is often used to treat herniated discs, which can cause pain and other symptoms.