| Shoulder arm pain symptoms are experienced by the | | | | as rest. Bursitis can be stubborn and may last a long |
| majority of adults at some point of another, especially | | | | time. |
| as they get older. There are several causes to these | | | | 4. Biceps Tendonitis and Tear - The bicep is the |
| symptoms. This article will summarize the main | | | | muscle in front of your upper arm. You can have a |
| sources of this problem. | | | | tendonitis in the upper tendon of this muscle which is |
| Pain in the shoulder can come from any anatomical | | | | located in the front of the shoulder. The pain will usually |
| structure within the joint. Another common source is | | | | be felt in the front part of the shoulder but can radiate |
| the neck in the form of a herniated disc or pinched | | | | into the upper arm. It can also mimic the shoulder arm |
| nerve. Less common sources of a painful shoulder are | | | | pain symptoms that a rotator cuff problem offers. This |
| carpal tunnel syndrome (only in severe cases), an | | | | condition can be treated conservatively with meds, |
| irritated diaphragm, or from a heart attack. Most | | | | exercise and rest. |
| commonly the shoulder itself is the culprit. There are | | | | In less common cases the biceps tendon can rupture |
| some tell-tale signs to watch for and these include pain | | | | or tear. This may cause a sharp pain initially and |
| when lying on the shoulder, pain with overhead | | | | weakness when trying to bring the hand to the |
| activities and general stiffness and loss of motion. | | | | shoulder or lifting the arm straight overhead. You will |
| Here is a summary of the most common causes of | | | | notice a "lump" in your upper arm when you flex the |
| shoulder arm pain symptoms: | | | | elbow. This is the bicep muscle as it bunches up |
| 1. Rotator Cuff Tendonitis - this is caused by repetitive | | | | because it is no longer attached by the tendon that |
| overuse activities. It can affect young and old alike. | | | | tore. Surgery is usually done if the person simply |
| Overhead athletes (baseball players, volleyball, | | | | doesn't like the look of the lump; otherwise most |
| basketball) are prone to this problem. Overhead | | | | people can function normally with this problem. |
| occupations (mechanic, painter, electrician) are also at | | | | 5. Frozen Shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitis - This is |
| risk. As we get older our muscles and tendons are | | | | characterized by severe loss of motion in all directions |
| more at risk of fraying and developing small tears. This | | | | of shoulder movement. This will usually develop |
| will start a pain and inflammation process. Symptoms | | | | because of another problem like a tendonitis or bursitis |
| may be experienced as a dull ache in the upper arm. | | | | that has not improved. When you have this problem |
| The symptoms will be worse when reaching overhead | | | | you have a lot of pain trying to move the shoulder. So |
| or out to the side or behind you. Lying on the shoulder | | | | you don't move it and the stiffness gets worse and |
| can be uncomfortable. The symptoms usually worsen | | | | worse from lack of use. The frozen shoulder can be |
| over time and your function becomes less and less. | | | | treated with rest and a carefully structured exercise |
| X-rays are usually negative. An MRI is the diagnostic | | | | program to restore the mobility in your shoulder. |
| test of choice. This condition will usually respond well to | | | | Injections may be used in stubborn, painful cases to |
| exercises. | | | | relieve symptoms so you maytolerate the exercises |
| 2. Rotator Cuff Tears - As we age the risk of tearing | | | | better. Recover is usually a long process. |
| a rotator cuff tendon or muscle becomes greater. A | | | | 6. Arthritis - You can develop arthritis in any joint and |
| tear can be partial (not completely torn through) or | | | | the shoulder is no exception. A mild form of arthritis |
| complete (completely torn through). The tears can | | | | may cause mild painful symptoms, similar to those of a |
| occur either where the tendon attaches to the bone, in | | | | tendonitis. You may experience some stiffness as well. |
| the tendon itself or in the muscle belly. If the tear is | | | | If the condition worsens your symptoms will worsen |
| partial or minor it may respond well to conservative | | | | as well. A more severe form of arthritis will develop |
| treatment (meds, exercises and possible cortisone | | | | into a frozen shoulder is not treated. |
| injection). A major tear (complete tear) may require | | | | As you can see there are several causes to shoulder |
| surgery to repair. | | | | arm pain symptoms. If you develop symptoms rest |
| 3. Bursitis - The bursa is a fluid filled sac that rest | | | | your arm for a few days and take some over the |
| between the muscles and the bones. It prevents the | | | | counter anti-inflammatories. After a few days you can |
| muscles from scraping on the edge of the bone. When | | | | attempt some gentle activity. If the pain continues it is |
| the bursa is irritated it can cause pain (often intense) in | | | | wise to contact your MD for evaluation. Shoulder pain |
| the shoulder and upper arm. It can cause symptoms | | | | left unattended can develop into a worse problem that |
| very similar to a rotator cuff tear or tendonitis. It can | | | | can cause significant loss of function. Don't ignore it! |
| be treated with meds, injections and exercises as well | | | | |