Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care in the United States. In fact, almost 7.5 million visits are made annually to physicians' offices due to shoulder problems. If you have shoulder pain, some common causes include:

• Acromioclavicular (AC) sprain/strain: This injury occurs when ligaments that connect collarbone (clavicle) and shoulder blade (scapula) are stretched or torn.

• Arthritis: Inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness of the AC (acromioclavicular) joint formed at the junction of three bones: the collarbone (clavicle), shoulder blade (scapula), and arm bone (humerus).

• Bicep tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendon that connects bicep to bone, usually caused by overuse of the muscle.

• Labrum tears: This injury involves tearing of the ring of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the ends of the bones in a joint.

• Rotator cuff tears: This injury occurs when tendons that wrap around the front, back and top of the shoulder joint are torn.

• Rotator cuff tendonitis: This condition involves inflammation of the tendons that wrap around the front, back and top of the shoulder joint. The injury is linked to overuse rather than a specific incident.

• Shoulder dislocation/subluxation: If the shoulder is wrenched upward and backward as a result of a fall or collision, it can pop out of its socket, causing pain and disability. This condition is called “dislocation.” Sometimes the shoulder moves partly away from the joint but pops back – a problem called subluxation.

The orthopedic team at MetroSouth Medical Center has significant experience in diagnosing and then treating shoulder injuries and conditions using both non-operative as well as surgical treatments.  To schedule an appointment with a surgical specialist, call 708-489-7925.