Your shoulders are a hardworking body part. The shoulders connect to your neck and arms and are involved in so many of your daily activities—so it’s no wonder shoulder pain and injuries are common. But sometimes it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing your shoulder pain and to know whether it’s serious or not. Here are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain: 
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis—According to the National Institutes of Health, this is the most common cause of shoulder pain. This occurs when the shoulder tendons become trapped and compressed under the bony arch of the shoulder. The tendons may get inflamed or even damaged in severe cases. Tendonitis can be caused by injuries, normal wear and tear, or activities that require constant use of the shoulder, like tennis or pitching.
- Bursitis—Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that protects the shoulder joint and helps maintain fluid movement. Bursitis may be caused by overuse of the joint, infection, arthritis, or injury to the area.
- Overexertion—Overworking the shoulder muscles or tendons can cause a strain. Lifting too much weight, overusing the shoulders, or stretching/pulling in the wrong direction may cause strains.
- Arthritis—Shoulder pain from arthritis will not come on suddenly, as it is a gradual loss of the protective cartilage surrounding the joints. Without this protective cartilage, the bones of the joint rub together and can cause swelling, inflammation, pain and stiffness.
- Pinched Nerves—According to WebMD, pinched nerves are another common cause of shoulder pain. These usually occur in older adults, as a result of arthritis in the neck, and pain travels down to the shoulders. Pinched nerves can also be the result of trauma, such as whiplash from a car accident, or falls.
Treating Shoulder Pain
In cases where the underlying cause of shoulder pain can heal on its own, the pain may be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve or Motrin. In more severe cases, a doctor may also recommend corticosteroid injections. Depending on the injury, physical therapy or rehabilitation may be required in some individuals.
If you’re having shoulder pain that just won’t subside, talk to your doctor to see what your options for treatment are. To see how our specialists here at the Medical Center of McKinney can help you, visit us online or give us a call at (972) 548-5491.
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