What Are The Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries?
A wide range of factors can cause shoulder injuries. Some potential risk factors include genetics, smoking, and alcohol use. Additionally:
Aging
Age increases the risk of suffering from shoulder pain, even without injury or illness. According to the Future of Medicine, 21% of older adults have shoulder disorders. Dealing with chronic pain also increases the risk of disability and depression.
Trauma
In younger adults, shoulder pain is the most common cause of trauma from an accident or a sporting mishap. Such trauma can lead to a wide range of shoulder injuries, such as:
Dislocation
When the shoulder is rotated too far or pulled back with too much force, it can be dislocated. Dislocation can cause the top part of the arm to dislodge from the socket resulting in weakness and pain. Dislocated shoulders are treated by taking pain relievers and resting. However, if the dislocation is severe, your doctor may recommend minimally invasive surgery.
Separation
This injury affects the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, where the shoulder blade and collar bone come together.
Fracture
If your hit forcefully or fall, one of the bones in the shoulder area can crack or break. The humerus and collarbone are the most susceptible to fractures. Such injuries are excruciating and may result in loss of arm mobility.
Cartilage Tear
Repeating similar motions for an extended period can wear out the cartilage's rubbery padding covering your shoulder joint.
Frozen Shoulder
In some cases, adhesions may accumulate in the shoulder, thus limiting your range of motion. When severe, this can result in a frozen shoulder. Treatment for frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, can include motion exercises, a numbing medication, corticosteroids, and, at times, arthroscopic surgery.
Rotator Cuff Tear
Within the shoulder is a group of muscles and tendons that help you hold your arms in position or lift them, called the rotator cuff. As you age, it experiences wear and tear. It can also be injured by overusing or impact. In most cases, rotator cuff injuries can heal with home-based care. However, it may require a procedure called shoulder arthroscopy.
Shoulder Bursitis
Repeating similar motions can cause the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint, to become swollen. Bursitis is associated with pain when moving the shoulder. Depending on the severity, treatment for bursitis may require minimally invasive surgery.
Shoulder Impingement
This condition refers to when tendons in the rotator cuff are caught between the shoulder's bones. It often occurs after lifting the arms above the head many times and results in pain and swelling. Treatment for impingement can involve acromioplasty and subacromial decompression.