Shoulder pain can be caused by various factors, including injuries, medical conditions, and repetitive strain. Here are some common causes of shoulder pain:
Rotator cuff injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint and motorise the shoulder. Injuries to the rotator cuff, such as strains, tears, or tendinitis, can result in shoulder pain.
Frozen shoulder
Also known as adhesive capsulitis or “肩周炎”. Frozen shoulder is a condition characterised by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It often develops gradually and can limit the range of motion.
Shoulder impingement
This occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed between the bones of the shoulder, causing pain and inflammation. It is commonly caused by repetitive overhead activities or poor posture. Overhead activities can include freestyle swimming, playing badminton/tennis can cause impingement.
Shoulder dislocation
A dislocation happens when the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the shoulder socket. It is usually caused by a traumatic injury and can result in severe pain and instability. It can sometimes still present with pain after the shoulder has been reduced.
Bursitis
Bursae are small sacs filled with fluid that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles around joints. Inflammation of the bursa, known as bursitis, can cause shoulder pain and limited movement.
Osteoarthritis
This degenerative joint disease can affect the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It commonly occurs with age and wear and tear on the joint.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis refers to inflammation of the tendons, which connect muscles to bones. In the shoulder, tendinitis often affects the biceps tendon or the tendons of the rotator cuff, causing pain and discomfort. Calcium can deposit in these tendons and this can cause acute severe shoulder pain.
Fractures or bone injuries
A fracture or break in the bones of the shoulder, such as the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), or proximal humerus (upper arm bone), can result in intense pain and require medical attention. Fractures around the shoulder joint tends to be exquisitely painful with attempted movement of that joint and there tends to be a lot of skin bruising in the affected arm.
Overuse or repetitive strain injuries
Continuous overhead movements, such as those involved in sports like swimming, tennis, or weightlifting, can lead to overuse injuries like tendinitis, bursitis, or muscle strains.
Referred pain
Sometimes, shoulder pain may actually be caused by issues in other parts of the body, such as the neck, diaphragm, or organs like the heart or gallbladder. This is known as referred pain. A pinched nerve in the cervical spine is a common cause of shoulder referred pain.
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and shoulder pain can have other less common causes. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe shoulder pain, it’s advisable to consult the nearest healthcare professional in Singapore for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate shoulder pain treatment.