Upper Shoulder Pain

painful shoulder conditions that limit the movements are frequent and are caused by problems with the shoulder joint and its surrounding structures. Your shoulder is more prone to accidents than other joints because of its wide range of movements.

Approximately 13.7 million people visited the doctor's office in 2003 for a shoulder problem, including 3.7 million visits for shoulder and arm sprains and strains. (Source: National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2003 National Survey of Ambulatory Care.)

One of the best ways to avoid injuries is to keep physically fit, with a balanced program of aerobic exercise, stretching and strengthening exercises for your entire body. There are a variety of exercise programs available in local fitness centers, online services and even downloads for your MP3 player or iPod.

There are several reasons that cause pain and restrict the movement of your shoulder joint, including:

1. Rotator cuff disorders

Inflammation can be caused by general wear and tear that occurs with age, activities that require constant movement of the shoulder or repetitive (especially above shoulder level), heavy lifting, trauma or poor posture. Serious injuries untreated and inflammation of the tendons can cause the rotator cuff tear.
The pain associated with problems of the rotator cuff is usually considered the front or outside of your shoulder, especially when you raise your arm or lift something above your head. You may also notice more pain when lying in bed. Serious injury can cause weakness of the muscles of the shoulder, limited shoulder movement and pain continues.

2. Rotator cuff

It is usually the rotator cuff tendons (thick bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone) that tear, but sometimes the tear occurs in the muscle. Serious injury can cause several tendons and muscles to tear. There are tests that your doctor special move can be used to help determine which muscle or tendon was torn.

3. Frozen Shoulder

frozen shoulder, is characterized by pain and progressive stiffness of the shoulder. The pain is felt deep in the shoulder joint and may worsen during the night due to inactivity.

The exact cause of this condition is not known, but it sometimes develops as a result of other shoulder injuries. Rest pain, shoulder hurt for too long can cause shoulder muscles and connective structures to stiffen, so when a shoulder injury to make an effort to keep losing without putting much strain on her.

Frozen shoulder can develop spontaneously, especially if you have thyroid problems or diabetes appear to be at increased risk. Most people with frozen shoulder tends to improve in two years, with or without treatment. In the meantime, however, it can be very painful.

4. Dislocated shoulder and shoulder instability

A dislocated shoulder is visibly distorted or out of place, and there may be swelling or bruising around the joint. Your shoulder movement will be severely limited. Your doctor can usually put the shoulder bone back into place using gentle maneuvers.

If you have a break, bear in mind that the shoulder joint may become unstable and susceptible to repeated disturbances. This causes pain and instability when you lift your arm or away from your body. Your shoulder may feel as if it slips out of place when you lift your arm over your head.

5. Arthritis

Arthritis causes progressive joint pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis affects the shoulder jo.