Shoulder pain is one of the common problems that occur in aged people. Shoulder is that part of the body which is made of several joints, bones and muscles and is involved with wide range of movement of the arm. Shoulder joint allows you scratch your back and also make a perfect throw. Shoulder pain is not the same for all. For some people it is acute and occurs only during particular movement but for some it can be chronic and continuous needing medical treatment.
Any injury or trauma to the underlying joints, ligaments or tendons can affect the shoulder causing pain. Any inflammation of the cartilages and bursae can strongly affect the movement of the shoulder. Accidents and falls can result in fracture of shoulder bones causing shoulder pain.
Anatomy
Shoulder consists of three bones namely humerus, scapula and collar bone or clavicle. The humerus (upper arm bone) would exactly fit into a cup like socket of the shoulder blade which is known as glenoid. The tissues that bind the bone are known as rotator cuff.
Symptoms
Shoulder pain can be mild to severe depending on the cause. For some people shoulder pain is present with other signs like pain in the forearm and back.
Shoulder Pain Causes
Four major causes of shoulder pain can be due to fracture, inflammation of tendons, arthritis and instability. Sometimes infection and nerve disorders in the shoulder can cause shoulder pain. Overuse of shoulder can cause excess of wear and tear resulting in breaking up of soft tissues. In rare cases shoulder pain can occur due to liver or gallbladder disease and heart attack.
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Inflammation Of Bursea
Several small sacs are found in the shoulder joints known as bursea. They are capable of preventing friction that may arise due to movement. Actually they are cushioning agents present between the soft tissues and bones. Inflammation (swelling) of bursea can occur due to overuse of shoulder and making wrong movement. This condition is known as bursitis.
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Inflammation Of Tendons
Tendons are subjected to wear and tear due to aging process and are common in old aged people. Degenerative disease can cause chronic problems in tendons leading to tendinitis. Sports personalities who are involved in repeated throwing are at high risk of developing tendinitis. Tendons in the rotator cuff region and biceps are often affected during tendinitis.
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Aging
It is quite normal for the body to undergo degenerative changes in old age. Wear and tear of the tendons can cause shoulder pain. Tearing of tendons can be acute or chronic. In some cases the tendons are totally pulled away and gets detached from the bone.
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Impingement
This occurs due to extra pressure builds-up on the shoulder blade damaging the underlying tissues of the shoulder. As one rotates his arm the shoulder blade would rub with the rotator cuff causing bursitis and shoulder pain. In severe cases it can restrict the normal movement of the shoulder. Sudden injury or fall can cause instability on the shoulder muscles wherein the upper arm bone gets detached from the socket.