Shoulder problems and shoulder pain are very common.
Every year about four million people in America and many millions more
worldwide seek help or treatment for a shoulder condition.
The shoulder is probably the body's most mobile joint. The bones, muscles and ligaments that make up the shoulder are in constant daily use. Almost every activity of daily life involves movement of the shoulder.
Pain from the shoulder joint complex can be felt around the shoulder or it may be felt as if spreading down the arm. Sometimes disease from elsewhere in the body (such as gallbladder, liver, or the heart) can send pain to the shoulder area. Problems in the neck can also trigger shoulder area pain
The pages below explore treatment for the most common shoulder conditions
Frozen Shoulder
This is a common condition - seen more in women than in men. It can
result in a prolonged spell of pain and stiffness but full recovery
almost always occurs
Exercises for Frozen Shoulder
One of the commonest questions that a doctor will be asked is whether exercises can help in the treatment of the pain and stiffness. Can you learn to do these exercises online or from a book? Will frozen shoulder exercises help ease your pain and discomfort? Is there any risk attached to them?
Adhesive Shoulder Capsulitis
Capsulitis is inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule. The capsule
is the bag of gristle that surrounds the joint. Capsule inflammation
leads to a frozen shoulder
Shoulder Arthritis
Arthritis is not common in the shoulder but it can occur in a few unlucky individuals.
Shoulder Bursitis
The bursa is a bag of lubricating fluid that surrounds the shoulder
muscles and lies over the top of the joint. Inflammation in the bursa is
called bursitis and is usually triggered by injury to the tendons or
the muscles of the rotator cuff
Shoulder Blade Pain
Somewhat confusingly - pain in the region of the scapula or shoulder
blade is nearly always due to a problem in the neck or in the upper
back. The nerves from the neck send pain to the region of the scapula.
The nerves from the shoulder send pain down the arm.
Shoulder Calcification
Calcium around the shoulder joint or in the nearby muscles and tendons
is the end result of previous injury or inflammation. It can cause
significant pain and problems with function
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
If the muscles or tendons are inflamed - or if there is calcium or
calcification in the rotator cuff - then the various parts of the
shoulder joint complex will nip against one another during movement.
This nipping is called impingement
Neck and Shoulder Pain
The neck and the shoulder regions are closely related in many ways.
They share muscles in common and the nerves from the neck run down
towards and through the shoulder region. Pain from a problem in the neck
is often sent to the arm and can be felt by the brain as if it were
shoulder pain
Frozen Shoulder Treatment
The pain and stiffness of this horrible condition can last for up to 18 months. Getting the right kind of help and information at an early stage can be crucial if you want to find relief quickly and effectively. Check out the link for support from a frozen shoulder doctor and get back on the road to recovery today.
Shoulder Dislocation
Dislocation can be the result of an accident such as a motor vehicle
collision, a sporting activity, or a fall onto an outstretched arm.
Recovery from a dislocated shoulder can take months before normal
function is regained
Shoulder Tendonitis or Shoulder Tendinitis
Tendonitis or tendinitis is the name given to inflammation of the tendons. The tendons attach the muscles to bone. Tendinitis usually arises after injury but can be the end result of a period of overuse
Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is not common in the shoulder joint but it sometimes
arises as a result of previous damage to the rotator cuff muscles or to
the ligaments that surround the joint
Shoulder Muscle Pain
A group of muscles surrounds the joint and helps to both control
movement and provide stability. These muscles work in co-operation with
each other. Pain arises as a result of injury or due to unaccustomed
overuse.
Other Resources
If you need more information about shoulder pain then you can find it by following some of these links:
Frozen Shoulder and Shoulder Pain
This is a site with a comprehensive coverage of shoulder pain. It's
written in a concise and easy to understand style. Topics covered
include frozen shoulder pain, the cause of frozen shoulder, frozen shoulder and diabetes, diagnosis of frozen shoulder and frozen shoulder treatment.
About guide to shoulder pain
A good introduction and overview to the topic of shoulder pain and shoulder surgery
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Shoulder Pain Guide
Written in simple and clear terms - a guide to how your shoulder works