The shoulder is comprised of several joints that, along with tendons and muscles, permit a wide range of motion in the arm. Most of us feel pain in the shoulder from time to time, but if you are feeling stiffness or weakness that doesn’t go away after a few days, it may be time to see a doctor. There are several common problems that can cause shoulder pain.
- Rotator Cuff Tears. Pain or weakness that occurs when lifting your arm above your head or lifting something higher than shoulder height may indicate a rotator cuff tear. Feeling shoulder pain at night that prevents sleep is also a strong indicator. This injury can happen from a single event or from overuse as the rotator cuff weakens with age.
- Osteoarthritis. As we age, the cartilage in the shoulder deteriorates, causing pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis causes a deep ache in the back of the shoulder and eventual loss of the ability to reach behind the back.
- Tendonitis. Tendonitis refers to inflammation in the tendon and is often caused by overuse or as a result of arthritis due to aging.
- Bursitis. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs in the shoulder joint that cushion the space between bones and the overlying soft tissues, helping reduce friction between the bone and the muscles. Overuse can lead to inflammation of the bursa and result in pain when doing day-to-day activities.
If you are experiencing chronic shoulder pain and would like to make an appointment to be evaluated, please give us a call at Mapleview Chiropractic Centre today!