Deep Shoulder Pain

Pain in the joints is one of the most common complaints among the young as well as older people. In older people, it occurs due to degeneration of joints, whereas in younger people it is seen to occur due to over use or improper use of the muscles and the joints. Apart from these, there are several other causes of deep shoulder blade pain. Let us have a look at it in detail.

Deep Shoulder Pain - Causes
Common causes of shoulder pain includes improper posture while sitting, working on the computer as well as while sleeping. These causes are extremely minor and do not require any treatment. However, sometimes the pain in shoulder is very sharp and excruciating, which can be a symptom of a serious medical condition. The following are the serious causes of deep pain in shoulder.

Bursitis
Bursitis of the shoulder is a significant cause of shoulder pain. This condition arises when the bursa or the liquid filled sacs in the joints get inflamed. The inflammation can occur due to an injury or due to any rheumatoid condition. Bursitis can also occur in the elbow or the knee joint, however, bursitis of the shoulder is the most common condition.

Rotator Cuff Injury
Among several causes of shoulder pain, rotator cuff is one of the most significant. The rotator cuff is a structure comprising muscles and tendons in the shoulder that enable human beings to move their arms. A fall, blows or other reasons can lead to injury to any of the four muscles leading to rotator cuff injury. Wear and tear, poor posture, injury, arthritis, bursitis, etc. are the common causes of injury to the rotator cuff. Sharp shoulder pain and weakness are the prominent symptoms of rotator cuff injury.

Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation is one of the most severe causes of deep shoulder pain. Shoulder dislocation occurs when the humerus (arm bone) gets separated from the scapula (shoulder blade) located in the ball and socket joint in the shoulder. This condition is very rare and can occur due to a fall, accident or an injury.

Shoulder Separation
Both the terms, shoulder separation and shoulder dislocation are used interchangeably, which is incorrect. Shoulder separation occurs when the joint between the scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collarbone) gets disrupted. Shoulder separation also occurs due to trauma or an accidental injury. Direct blow on the shoulder during sports activity is yet another common cause of this condition.

Apart from these, tendinitis (also known as tendonitis), arthritis, biceps tendon rupture, etc. are the other causes of deep pain in the shoulder. If one experiences pain in the shoulder blade, upper back or in the arms, that persists for a longer time, he should consult the doctor as early as possible for a quick diagnosis. Let us have a look at the treatment methods for shoulder pain in brief.

Deep Shoulder Pain - Treatment
Examination of the shoulder and X-ray are effective means used for diagnosis of the cause of pain in shoulder. Bursitis is treated with the help of several methods depending on its severity. In minor cases, ice packs or cold compresses are helpful while in other cases, aspiration using injections and pain relieving medications are used for treating bursitis. Rotator cuff injury treatment may include mere physiotherapy, medication or even surgery; depending on the amount and severity of the injury. Both shoulder dislocation and shoulder separation need surgery in severe cases. However, in minor ones, ice packs or cool compresses, anti-inflammatory, and pain reliever medication can be useful. There are several shoulder exercises that help in treatment as well as prevention of shoulder pain.

This was brief information on the causes and treatment of deep shoulder pain. As a concluding note, one should remember that all the causes of shoulder pain can be effectively treated if timely treatment is undertaken.