Shoulder pain is one of the most common complain for which many people have to visit their doctor. The shoulder joint is a complex joint consisting bones, tendons and cartilage which allow smooth functioning of shoulder. Severe shoulder pain is classical example of a condition called shoulder impingement syndrome. It occurs when the tendon or a bursa in shoulder joint is impinged by bones of shoulder joint.
Frequent overhead repeated activities are often responsible for pain in shoulder joint. For example swimming, painting, lifting, playing tennis, where the person uses his arm overhead repeatedly is vulnerable to shoulder impingement syndrome.
Shoulder pain can affect daily life of a person due to loss of strength and restricted movement. Rest, medication and physical therapy usually cure the condition. But persistent severe pain for a prolonged period may need surgical intervention.
Causes Of Severe Pain In Shoulder
Before we know the causes, let us have a bird’s eye view on the anatomy of shoulder joint. Understanding the basics will help to know the condition better. The shoulder joint is made up of three bones; the upper end of humerus, acromion part of shoulder blade and the end of collarbone.
Inflammation of tendon or bursa or impingement of the tendons from the bones can cause irritation and pain in the shoulder. People who repeatedly reach their arm overhead, for example swimmers, baseball players, tennis players, or painters and construction workers are at greater risk of suffering from severe pain in their arm due to repeated overhead work. The pain may also develop due to minor injury to the shoulder joint.
Symptoms Of Shoulder Joint Pain
Severe pain in shoulder joint after reaching overhead is one of the main symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome. Repeated strenuous movement can cause thinning of rotator cuff tendons which may tear at certain point leading to constant pain. Due to pain there is restricted movement of shoulder. The shoulder joint becomes weak.
Patient is unable to extend his arm upwards above the head or backwards. Simple actions such as elevating the arm to wear a coat or blouse may cause severe pain. Pain may radiate from front to the side of shoulder. Pain is aggravated at night. There is sudden onset of pain while lifting or while throwing or reaching for something overhead. In short all movements of shoulder are painful with restricted range of motion.
Diagnosis And Treatment For Shoulder Pain
Diagnosis for the cause of severe pain in shoulder after reaching your arm overhead is made with the help of medical history, physical examination and certain radiological tests. The doctor will note detailed medical history. He will also examine the area to check whether the area is tender to touch or there is any deformity.
He may move the arm in several directions to check the range of motion and strength. He will also advise for X-ray and MRI of shoulder joint. All the above tests and examinations will help him to diagnose the condition.
Once the cause is known, treatment is aimed to alleviate pain and restore the lost function of arm. Usually the treatment is conservative which includes rest to the arm for few weeks or months depending on the severity. Patient is also prescribed anti inflammatory medicines to reduce pain.
After few days, when pain has reduced physical therapy is initiated to improve range of motion and strengthen the joint. Sometimes steroid injection is administered into the joint to reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgical correction may be necessary in cases where the conservative treatment has failed.