The shoulder is the seat of joint pain very often, due to its complex structure and the large number of movements it is able to perform. The human being uses the upper limb in different tasks, some of which may be the cause of the symptom. Below you will find some interesting information on this subject.

Characteristics of shoulder pain

The various ranges of mobility of this joint and its amplitude make inflammatory or degenerative complaints common. The set of painful symptoms derived from them is called painful shoulder syndrome or, generically, omalgia.

The movements of the shoulder are flexion, extension and external or internal rotation. In addition, it performs abduction of the arm, when it moves away from the medial plane, and adduction when it approaches. All these actions depend not on one, but on the three joints that compose it, connecting the humerus, scapula and clavicle.

The rotator cuff deserves a separate mention. It is made up of a set of tendons and muscles that keep the head of the humerus fixed to the glenoid cavity, which corresponds to the scapula. It is a structure that provides stability, but is particularly susceptible and easily injured.

Shoulder ailments

Shoulder discomfort may be continuous or occur only when you move your arm, and the gesture that triggers it suggests which anatomical element is injured. Depending on their specific cause, conditions are classified as follows:

• Osteoarthritis, also called osteoarthritis.
• Compression.
• Joint instability.
• Arthritis.
• Inflammatory processes: bursitis and tendinitis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis is an irreversible degenerative process of the joints. In the case of the shoulder, it occurs due to natural aging or repeated subluxation of the humerus. In other cases it is due to chronic inflammation, infections or excessive use in work or sports activities.

Symptoms are chronic pain that is exacerbated by movement, stiffness and progressive loss of function. Immobility aimed at pain relief sometimes leads to what is called adhesive capsulitis, a condition also called “frozen shoulder”. Movement is restricted because of thickening of the joint’s connective tissue capsule.

Compression

The acromion, a portion of the scapula, is more developed in some people than in others and compresses the adjacent anatomical elements when the arm is raised. The mechanical effect inflames the rotator cuff and the synovial bursa, with intense pain that limits movement. In the long term the consequence is tendon tears.

Instability

When the fixation of the humerus to the scapula is unstable, the movements produce an exaggerated displacement of the humeral head. Subluxation then occurs, with partial departure from the normal position, or dislocation when it is complete.

Dislocation can also result from trauma, for example, if you fall forward. The joint is deformed and the pain is very intense due to tendon traction.

Subluxation, on the other hand, is much less painful and is usually caused by tendon weakness. Finally, repeated episodes of dislocation or subluxation eventually lead to osteoarthritis of the shoulder.

Rheumatoid or other types of arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain of variable intensity as a result of inflammation of the articular elements. When we talk about rheumatoid arthritis, it is the synovial membrane that protects the joint that is affected, due to an autoimmune process.

Another type of arthritis is post-traumatic, after an injury such as a rotator cuff tear. Avascular arthritis occurs when bone and joint tissue die due to lack of blood supply.

Bursitis

Bursae are joint structures made up of fluid-filled synovial membrane sacs. They are found inside the joints and function as shock absorbers that reduce friction and facilitate movement.

Overuse of the arm causes them to become inflamed, which is called bursitis. Subacromial bursitis is a frequent case, in which the bursa located between the rotator cuff and the acromion of the scapula becomes inflamed.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is the inflammatory process of the tendons, which in the shoulder is frequently observed in the biceps tendon and in the four tendons related to the rotator cuff. Acute cases occur when you perform the same movement many times in a row. In the long run, chronic tendonitis occurs.

Tearing is another common injury and, if acute, is usually the result of an accident. When it is chronic, it is due to degenerative changes related to repetitive use or age.

Joint pain in the shoulder is frequent due to the complexity of the joints located in this anatomical region. Accidents, wear and tear due to age and excessive or improper use are the main causes. Enter the Phytogen Medical Foods website to learn more about this and other health issues.