Shoulder pain is a common complaint. Its most common cause is microloading leading to minor injuries, surrounding the joint, soft tissues (rotator cuff). They arise during everyday use of the hand or during sports activities requiring a high involvement of the shoulder (volleyball, throwing sports).

The basis of pain in the shoulder joint may degenerative changes. They occur with age as a result of “wear and tear” of the joint although this happens less frequently than in other joints. Sometimes shoulder pain may be the onset of rheumatic disease but rarely is it a manifestation of serious organ disease, m.in. a heart attack or a lung tumor.

Shoulder joint construction

The subcostal space is located under the shoulder appendage. This is a very important area because there are tendons of the muscles called the rotator cuff and calipers that allow the smooth movement of the joint structures during the lifting of the arm.

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles surrounding the shoulder-scapula. In addition to allowing rotational movements, they keep the head of the humerus in the correct position relative to the scapula.

Where do shoulder injuries come from?

If we perform frequent movements with our hands above the head (e.g. hanging curtains, painting) we can lead to compression of the tendons of these muscles and their damage, and eventually even break.

Overload damage to the rotator cone begins with a slight pain that increases over time, preventing free movement. Damage to the rotator cone can also be caused by injuries, even minor ones (e.g. sudden jerks while riding a tram).

If there is a “tightness” in the subcostal space (due to improper operation of the muscles or repetitive flexion and visitation movements above 90 degrees), the movement of slipping of the humerus under the shoulder appendix is blocked. This can lead to inflammation of the calcaneus or the formation of bone growths and further degenerative changes.

Shoulder pain-what to do?

The pain associated with calcaneal inflammation is very sharp and movements are limited. As a result, the rotator cone tendons and the vicious wheel may be damaged (cone damage – calcaneal inflammation – cone damage). Another cause of shoulder pain can be damage to the tendon of the long head of the biceps muscle. This tendon runs vertically in the anterior part of the humerus.

The pain accompanying the injury occurs precisely in this area and appears especially during movements with a bent elbow. The inflammation of the tendon sheath occurs in the case of its mechanical damage, as well as as a result of inflammatory diseases of the joints. Shoulder frozen is caused by shrinkage of the shoulder bag, which makes it impossible to perform a full range of movements.

The main symptom is a feeling of stiffness in the joint, although pain may also occur. If you feel pain in the shoulder, it is best to immediately go to an experienced physiotherapist, who will perform the appropriate tests and plan a plan to return to fitness. Sometimes it will be necessary to perform ultrasound of the shoulder to see if there is microdamage.

Heart attack cause shoulder pain?

Frozen shoulder can occur as a result of damage to the structures of the shoulder (most often) or for other reasons also not related to the shoulder joint, for example, as a result of a heart attack. Most often, the ailments slowly resolve themselves, usually within 6-18 months.

The basis of treatment is appropriate exercise, sometimes it is necessary to perform injections of steroids, as well as the use of drugs. Shoulder pain should not be underestimated, because faster treatment will save the joint from serious consequences. Even a small pain can be the beginning of a more serious dysfunction. Consultation with a cardiologist and physiotherapist is recommended.

Visit to orthopedist, physiotherapist and radiologist

Due to the wide variety of causes of shoulder pain, it is best to see an orthopedic doctor. The doctor will conduct a thorough interview and examination and, if necessary, will order appropriate imaging (X-ray or ultrasound). A proper diagnosis will allow you to choose the best course of action: pharmacological treatment, physical therapy or exercise.

Appropriate exercises recommended by a physiotherapist are not infrequently the main form of shoulder therapy. Their regular performance both heals damaged tissue and restores proper movement in the joint and helps prevent recurrence of the disease.