by E. Kerns

Created on: May 13, 2008

A common complaint among many people today is shoulder pain paired with a lack of knowledge concerning the causes or solutions for it. Experiencing pain, of any sort, can be uncomfortable and in some cases, debilitating. Shoulder pain ranks among the top locations of pain on the body that seem to ache and hurt quite frequently, with little or no actual insight as to the causes.

Although shoulder pain may be common, the possible causes of it are actually quite varied in degree and number. The following are short explanations of some of the most common causes of shoulder pain, and some suggested treatments:

* Frozen Shoulder, also referred to as 'adhesive capsulitis', affects the joints with stiffness. Treatment includes proper stretching and careful physical therapy.

* Torn Rotator Cuff is a result of the tendons attached to the rotator cuff actually separate or 'tear' from the bone. Often requiring surgery, this condition is painful and necessitates professional medical attention.

* Shoulder Instability is quite literally what it sounds like. Either suffering from a previous injury that has served to weaken the shoulder, or a degenerative condition, the joint becomes loose and no longer supports the shoulder as it should.

* Shoulder Tendonitis/Bursitis is perhaps the most common diagnosis given to patients suffering from shoulder pain. This translates simply as the presence of inflammation at some location in the shoulder joint.

* Shoulder Dislocation occurs when the arm bone is disconnected from the scapula (shoulder bone). Also painful, this injury includes re-locating the bone into it's proper location and specific medications to ease the inflammation and pain.

* Arthritis in the shoulders is not as frequently reported as in other joints throughout the body, but is just as painful. Sever cases have, in the past, required surgery for joint replacement.

* Rupturing of the Biceps Tendon is the painful result of the tendon for the bicep suffering a rupture close in proximity to the joint.

There are numerous other ailments and injuries that cause massive amounts of shoulder pain and should be treated by a physician, especially under certain conditions. Minimum pain should be taken care of with the use of mild pain relievers and limited usage of the affected arm and shoulder. For more intense pain such as lack of strength in the arm, inability to lift any objects or your arm, continuous pain (day and night) or any swelling and/or bruising patterns located on the arm or joint area, medical assistance should be sought as soon as possible. Your health should be monitored carefully for signs of infection including but not limited to raised level of overall warmth, fever or heated areas of redness surrounding the affected site.

As with any physical ailment or condition, seeking the advice and care of a certified health care practitioner is advised. Your shoulder pain might not seem very serious to you now, but continued neglect could cause future trouble resulting in severe damage to your body.

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