The Complexity of Shoulder Pain

There are many reasons why shoulder pain or discomfort occurs. The shoulder is a very large and complex muli-faceted joint. Like any other joint, trauma, repetitive motion and age can all contribute to shoulder issues. The shoulder is formed by the humerus (upper arm bone) and attaches to the scapula the (shoulder blade). It is a ball and socket joint comprised of many tendons, ligaments and muscles. It is capable of more motion than any other joint but it is considered unstable, therefore more vulnerable to injury.

 Some of the most common conditions are Frozen Shoulder inflammation causing pain and stiffness which can severely limit motion. Osteoarthritis occurs with aging or wear and tear, bone on bone. Gout a form of arthritis where crystals form in the joint causing pain and inflammation. Rotator Cuff Tear a tear in one of the muscles or tendons surrounding the joint. Caused by sudden injury or overuse. Shoulder Impingement inflammation or an injury to the rotator cuff traps a nerve and causes pain when the arm is lifted. Shoulder Dislocation the humerus (upper arm bone) or other bones of the joint slips out of position causing pain and a popping sensation. Tendonitis inflammation of one of the tendons in the rotator cuff. Bursitis of the bursa (a small sac of fluid) that cushions the rotator cuff tendons. Labral Tear a tear in the cartilage the covers the head of the humerus.

So now you understand with so many different pathologies of the shoulder why we call it the shoulder COMPLEX. With the proper stretches and strengthening exercises a lot of symptoms can be resolved without surgery. But in some cases where there is full blown trauma or joint degeneration, surgery might be the only option.When shoulder issues are present neck pain may be the culprit too. It is the question of what came first the chickenor the egg. Neck pain can lead to shoulder pain. Mal-alignments in the cervical spine (neck) can impinge nerves that radiate down the shoulder and into the arm. So the alignment of your upper spine and lower spine may reduce pain symptoms.

Women over 40 years of age must be especially careful when lifting heavy weights overhead. Remember the shoulder is an unstable joint and as we age joint degeneration adds to the instability that can produce painful injuries. In my world of anatomy and Pilates fitness training the first thing I look at in a body is posture and physical training habits. Poor posture causes an array of physical symptoms. Add poor physical training, heavy weight lifting and a pounding exercise routine and you are asking for trouble. No pain to gain is an out dated slogan for getting in shape. It is not necessary to push our bodies to pain to stay fit. So the next time your at the gym swinging a heavy barbell or dumbbell over head remember the complexity of the  shoulder joint.  Simplicity...Work smarter not harder.