Is your shoulder pain severe, but you can’t think of anything you did to make it hurt? You didn’t fall, get into a fight, or have a marathon gym session, so what is causing your shoulder pain? In fact, there are several pain conditions that cause shoulder pain that aren’t caused by a traumatic injury. By seeing an orthopedist to identify what’s wrong, you can help alleviate your shoulder pain and feel better.
Shoulder pain not caused by an injury may be due to:
- Bursitis: This type of inflammation occurs when the small bursae, or fluid-filled sacs cushioning the bones and other moving parts that help the joint move smoothly, become swollen, irritated, or inflamed.
- Tendinitis: inflammation of a tendon, most commonly from overuse/repetitive movements but also from infection or rheumatic disease.his is another type of tendon inflammation that can be either acute or chronic, and it occurs when the tendons become irritated or damaged. It can be caused by age-related degenerative changes within the tendon from normal daily activities.
- Chronic instability: Repeated shoulder dislocations don’t always happen from traumatic injury; they can also be the result of repetitive motions causing the upper arm bone (humerus) to come partially out of its socket. Recurring dislocations lead to an increased risk of shoulder arthritis.
- Arthritis: If you experience swelling, pain, and stiffness in one or both shoulders that develops slowly and worsens over time, you may have a form of arthritis called osteoarthritis, also called the “wear and tear” form. There are many types of shoulder arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common, and it is especially prevalent starting in middle age.
- Less common causes: Tumors, nerve-related problems, and infections may also cause shoulder pain without previous injury.
Seeking Relief from Shoulder Pain
Generally, orthopedic surgeons advise patients who experience shoulder pain to undergo Physical Therapy treatment and with no known injury to wait before considering drastic options like surgical treatment. If shoulder pain gets to the point where it keeps your awake at night, it’s a good idea to get it checked out, as it could indicate a problem where you would benefit from orthopedic treatment.
To book an appointment with Comprehensive Spine Institute, please call (727) 300-2537.