The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the human body, allowing us to perform a wide variety of activities. However, this mobility also makes the shoulder more susceptible to injury and pain.

Shoulder pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages and can be caused by a variety of factors. In this article, we’ll explore the most common causes of shoulder pain.

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons work together to keep the shoulder joint stabilized and to allow for movement.

Rotator cuff injuries can occur in athletes who perform repetitive motions such as throwing a ball or swinging a racket. They can also occur in people who do manual labor or have a job that requires them to lift heavy objects. Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include pain, weakness, and a limited range of motion in the shoulder.

2. Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. This condition is most common in people over the age of 40 and is more common in women than in men.

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, but it is believed to be the result of an injury or trauma to the shoulder. Symptoms of frozen shoulder include pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion in the shoulder.

3. Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition in which the bursa, a small sac of fluid that cushions the joint, becomes inflamed. This can cause pain and discomfort in the shoulder.

Bursitis can occur as a result of overuse or repetitive motions, such as throwing a ball or lifting heavy objects. It can also occur as a result of an injury or trauma to the shoulder. Symptoms of bursitis include pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion in the shoulder.

4. Tendinitis

Tendinitis is a condition in which the tendons that attach the muscles to the bone become inflamed. This can cause pain and discomfort in the shoulder.

Tendinitis can occur as a result of overuse or repetitive motions, such as throwing a ball or lifting heavy objects. It can also occur as a result of an injury or trauma to the shoulder. Symptoms of tendinitis include pain, tenderness, and a limited range of motion in the shoulder.

5. Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition in which the joints become inflamed and painful. There are several types of arthritis that can affect the shoulder, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

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Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is caused by normal wear and tear on the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases that cause the body’s immune system to attack the joints. Symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion in the shoulder.

6. Fractures

A fracture, or broken bone, can occur in any of the bones in the shoulder, including the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), and humerus (upper arm bone).

Fractures can be caused by an injury or trauma to the shoulder, such as a fall or car accident. Symptoms of a fracture include pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion in the shoulder.

7. Dislocated Shoulder

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket. This can be caused by an injury or trauma to the shoulder, such as a fall or car accident.

Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder include severe pain, swelling, and instability in the shoulder joint.

8. Torn Labrum

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint, providing stability and support. A torn labrum can occur as a result of an injury or trauma to the shoulder, such as a fall or car accident.

Symptoms of a torn labrum include pain, instability, and a limited range of motion in the shoulder.

9. Impingement Syndrome

Impingement syndrome is a condition in which the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed against the bone of the shoulder joint. This can cause pain and discomfort in the shoulder.

Impingement syndrome can occur as a result of overuse or repetitive motions, such as throwing a ball or lifting heavy objects. It can also occur as a result of an injury or trauma to the shoulder. Symptoms of impingement syndrome include pain, weakness, and a limited range of motion in the shoulder.

10. Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve in the shoulder can occur when the nerves that run from the neck to the shoulder become compressed or irritated. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the shoulder and arm.

A pinched nerve in the shoulder can be caused by an injury or trauma to the shoulder, such as a fall or car accident. It can also be caused by poor posture or overuse of the shoulder.