Shoulder Pain
What typically causes shoulder pain?
The shoulder, one of the largest joints in the body, is a complex combination of bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Acute injuries cause sudden pain and loss of function when part of the shoulder breaks, tears, or over-stretches. Fractures (broken bones) and dislocations, where the bones in the shoulder separate, are among the most severe acute injuries.
What are Rotator Cuff Injuries?
There are four muscles that make up the rotator cuff – the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor. Each muscle has a specific purpose to facilitate shoulder movement in various directions.
Repetitive strain injuries, trauma, weight lifting, and frequent overhead motion can lead to tendinitis or a tendon tear. Chronic (long-term) conditions result in progressively worsening pain, weakness, and stiffness.
What is shoulder and acromioclavicular joint arthritis?
The shoulder, also known as the glenohumeral joint, is held in the socket by the four rotator cuff muscles. Additionally, there is an important secondary joint called the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, which is where the scapula meets the clavicle to form the roof over the rotator cuff muscles.
Arthritis is a frequent cause of chronic shoulder pain, particularly osteoarthritis, a prevalent condition in which the protective articular cartilage wears away from the ends of your bones.
Common causes include age-related wear and tear (osteoarthritis), previous shoulder injuries such as dislocations or fractures, repetitive overhead motions from work or sports, family history, gender (women tend to be more affected), and certain medical conditions like avascular necrosis.
How does BioInfinity diagnose shoulder pain
The Bioinfinity Regenerative Medicine team has extensive experience diagnosing shoulder pain. We review your medical history, complete a physical exam, and discuss your symptoms. Imaging procedures such as an MRI, CT scan, or X-rays are often needed to allow your provider to view the bones and tissues in your shoulder joint so they can identify the cause of your pain.
