The shoulder is a complex structure with many different parts that can become injured. The most common causes of shoulder pain involve tendons, muscles, ligaments, and cartilage. Athletes and people whose jobs require repetitive shoulder motions are particularly likely to sustain these types of injuries. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it could be because of one of these three common shoulder injuries:
Clavicle Fracture
The clavicle (collarbone) is one of the most important bones in the shoulder. A break in this area is called a clavicle fracture. This injury is a common one, often caused by a fall onto the shoulder or the impact of a car crash.
Clavicle fractures or broken collarbones can be quite painful and make it difficult to move the affected arm. People of all ages can fracture their clavicles. Most fractures occur in the shaft, or middle portion, of the bone; however, breaks sometimes occur where the bone attaches to the shoulder blade or ribcage. The bone may crack slightly, or it may break into multiple pieces.
Besides pain and difficulty moving the arm, other symptoms of a clavicle fracture may include a grinding sensation upon lifting the arm, inability to lift the arm, and swelling or bruising over the clavicle. Often, the only treatment is using a sling while the bone heals, but surgery may be required for severe injuries.
Pectoralis Tear
The pectoralis muscle, the large muscle in the chest, extends from the middle of the chest across the shoulder to the upper arm. This muscle helps supply power to the upper arm. Sometimes, the pectoralis muscle can rupture. This injury occurs almost exclusively in men between 20 and 50. There are partial tears (less common) and complete tears (more common).
Pectoralis tears typically occur during forceful activities such as weightlifting, wrestling, football, and other hobbies that can cause traumatic injuries. Symptoms of this injury include sudden pain or a tearing sensation when the injury occurs, pain in the chest or upper arm, bruising in the chest or upper arm, and difficulty pushing the arms out in front of the chest. There may also be a pocket or dimpling where the rupture occurs.
Treatment for complete tears usually involves surgery. Partial tears may respond well to non-surgical treatments.
Shoulder Tendinitis
Shoulder tendinitis is a common cause of shoulder pain. This condition involves inflammation of the tendons within the shoulder. Shoulder tendinitis is often the result of a sports injury, overuse, or repetitive use. Improper form in any sport is one of the most common causes of tendinitis. Also at risk are people with jobs that require a lot of heavy or overhead lifting. A fall on an outstretched arm and other types of impacts to the shoulder can also lead to inflammation.
Treatment focuses on decreasing inflammation and pain, restoring mobility, and preventing future recurrence. There is a range of treatments to try, including rest, wrapping, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy, steroid injections, and surgery are also options. Your doctor can help you determine the best treatment plan for you.
At Landa Spine & Orthopedic Center, we can treat all these issues and many others. If you are experiencing shoulder pain or have sustained an injury to your shoulder, contact us for an evaluation.