- What’s Causing Your Shoulder Pain?
- 1. Rotator Cuff Disorders
- 2. Shoulder Bursitis
- 3. Osteoarthritis
- 4. Shoulder Instability
- 5. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
- Finding the Right Solution for Your Shoulder Pain
Whether you are struggling to lift your arm above your head or dealing with a dull ache that keeps you awake at night, shoulder pain is a massive disruptor of daily life. If you are currently suffering, you are likely looking for answers.
The first thing you should know is that you are not alone. About 1 in 6 people (16%) experience shoulder pain in the general community at any given time, making it one of the most common regional pains, surpassed only by back pain. In fact, lifetime prevalence rates range from about 7% up to 67%, highlighting just how widespread this issue is.
At Sano Specialty Care, we help patients navigate these issues every day. While many people worry that shoulder surgery is immediately on the horizon, the first step is understanding why it hurts. You may discover that there are other ways to relieve your pain, even without surgery.
What’s Causing Your Shoulder Pain?
If you have shoulder pain that persists after resting and icing, you should talk to a doctor about how to get relief and start a treatment plan. Quality of life with shoulder pain can slowly dwindle due to lack of sleep and ability to do everyday tasks. Here are some of the reasons that can cause shoulder pain. Do any of these sound familiar?
1. Rotator Cuff Disorders
If we look at the numbers, this is the most likely culprit. Rotator cuff injuries—including tears and tendinopathies—are the single most frequent cause of shoulder pain. These are consistently cited across epidemiological studies as the leading diagnosis among patients with shoulder complaints.
- Key Sign: Pain at Night
Unlike other shoulder issues, rotator cuff tears often cause a dull ache deep in the shoulder that disrupts sleep, specifically when you lie on the affected side. You may also notice specific weakness when trying to lift your arm.
It isn’t just an injury for athletes; incidence for rotator cuff tendinopathy alone is also common. When these tendons become inflamed or torn, simple movements like brushing your hair or reaching behind your back can become agonizing.
2. Shoulder Bursitis
Often occurring alongside rotator cuff tendinitis, bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa—a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between your bones and the soft tissues. When the shoulder is overused, this sac can become inflamed and swollen, causing pain whenever you move your arm.
- Key Sign: Pain Present Outside of the Shoulder
Patients with bursitis often feel tenderness when pressing on the upper outer part of the arm. The pain typically worsens when lifting the arm overhead or to the side, but unlike a tear, strength usually remains intact.
3. Osteoarthritis
While often associated with knees and hips, arthritis is a major cause of deep, aching shoulder pain. As the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of your bones wears down over time, the bones begin to rub against one another. This often leads to stiffness and a “grinding” sensation during movement.
- Key Sign: Grinding or Clicking Sound
Known as crepitus, you may actually hear or feel a crunching sensation within the joint when you move your shoulder. The pain is often constant and deep, rather than sharp.
4. Shoulder Instability
This condition occurs when the ball is forced out of the shoulder socket. This can happen as a result of a sudden injury (dislocation) or from overuse. Once the ligaments, tendons, and muscles around the shoulder become loose or torn, dislocations can occur repeatedly, leading to chronic pain and instability.
- Key Sign: A Sensation of “Giving Way” or Slipping Out of Place
Unlike the stiffness of arthritis, instability creates a feeling that the shoulder is loose or slipping out of place. You might feel apprehension or fear that the shoulder will pop out during specific activities, such as weight lifting or reaching overhead.
5. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
If your shoulder feels incredibly stiff and your range of motion is limited, you may have “frozen shoulder.” This occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens. It often develops gradually and can take months or even years to resolve without proper treatment.
- Key Sign: Your Shoulder Joint Feels Stuck
With other injuries, you might stop moving your arm because it hurts. With frozen shoulder, the joint is mechanically prevented from moving. Even if someone else tries to lift your arm for you, it will not move past a certain point.
Finding the Right Solution for Your Shoulder Pain
Whether your pain is new or chronic, identifying the root cause is essential for recovery. At Sano Specialty Care, we specialize in diagnosing the source of your pain and creating a personalized treatment plan. While shoulder surgery is an effective option for structural repairs, many conditions improve significantly with conservative care.
Ready to find relief? Contact Sano Specialty Care today to schedule your appointment.
