Shoulder Pain? Understanding Common Causes Of Rotator Cuff Injuries

What’s Behind Your Shoulder Pain?

For some people, shoulder pain can come on without warning, while others may experience pain after an unfortunate incident. Whatever the reason, shoulder pain can limit overall functioning, impacting lifting, throwing, or performing simple daily activities. Shoulder pain is often hard to diagnose and treat. Several muscles, ligaments, and tendons work with the ball and socket joint to allow the arms to operate effectively. A rotator cuff injury is the most common source of shoulder pain. Understanding the possible causes, symptoms, and treatments can reduce pain and improve long-term shoulder health.

Your rotator cuff may be damaged

The rotator cuff is a combination of muscles and tendons that wrap around the upper part of the shoulder joint. This group of tendons and muscles stabilize the ball and socket joint while facilitating a full range of motion (ROM) when the arm moves. There’s also a tiny sac called a bursa that reduces friction. Rotator cuff injuries occur from irritation or damage to at least 1 of these tendons or muscles. Someone with a rotator cuff injury can feel a sharp pain, especially when moving the shoulder or arm overhead. Other symptoms include a clicking sound, muscle weakness, or pain preventing sleeping on the shoulder. Common rotator cuff injuries include tendinitis, bursitis, or rotator cuff tendon tears.

Overuse is the biggest culprit

Most rotator cuff tears occur in adults who overuse the joint. The tendons or muscles are prone to damage, leading to a rotator cuff injury. Jobs that require repeated overhead movements, such as painting, warehousing, construction, or assembly line work, can contribute to injury. Athletes are also prone to rotator cuff injuries. Baseball players, swimmers, quarterbacks, golfers, and tennis players perform repetitive, high-powered shoulder or arm movements. Inflammation or tears can lead to injury. Overuse injuries are particularly dangerous as patients typically work through the pain, leading to additional complications later.

With age comes degeneration

People who do not perform high-risk activities can experience rotator cuff tears. With age, tendons and muscles weaken and degrade. As a result, older adults can experience pain, stiffness, and muscle weakness. These rotator cuff conditions do not happen to everyone at an advanced age. Genetics and pre-existing medical conditions increase the risk. For instance, people with conditions like osteoarthritis, obesity, or diabetes are more likely to experience rotator cuff injuries.

Accidents and injuries can cause rotator cuff tears, too

Rotator cuff injuries can occur suddenly due to acute damage. For instance, weightlifting can lead to a sudden injury due to poor technique or lifting heavier weights. The sudden impact of a car accident or fall can also cause a rotator cuff tear. Athletes involved in on-field collisions or falls can experience shoulder injuries. The individual will notice sharp, severe pain, swelling, and instability. This injury can also occur with a dislocated shoulder or fracture. See a doctor immediately for the proper diagnosis and treatment.

Here are your treatment options

A doctor, such as an orthopedic surgeon, can confirm a rotator cuff injury with physical tests and imaging. These checks will help doctors understand the severity of the injury and develop the best possible treatment plan. Most rotator cuff injuries can be managed or resolved without surgery. A combination of pain medication and physical therapy (PT) limits inflammation while strengthening the rotator cuff. Consistent PT will produce fantastic results. Some patients need additional treatment in the form of corticosteroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a form of regenerative medicine. If these fail, doctors may suggest surgery. A minimally invasive procedure can help reattach tendons or remove damaged tissue. After rehabilitation, patients should see a reduction in pain and improved function.

Take action to keep shoulder pain at bay

Shoulder pain can be distressing, limiting work, sports, or daily activities. Seek medical help immediately if the pain is sudden or chronic and impacting the quality of life. The appropriate treatment, either non-surgical or surgical, is to address damage to the rotator cuff. Pay attention to the common causes and risk factors. Take steps to reduce the chances of injury. With quick, consistent action, shoulder pain, and rotator cuff injuries can be a thing of the past.