Most Common Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries often happen with excessive use of the shoulder joints. This happens when too much stress is applied to the tissues that stabilize the shoulder. Even simple tasks such as gardening or cleaning the ceiling may place a person at risk for developing these injuries. The most common injuries in the shoulder are sprains, strains, and tears of the rotator cuff, which connects bone to muscles.

Signs of Shoulder Injury

• Inability to move the shoulder in any direction or pain during motion. 
• Pain that feels like shoulder sockets are popping or sliding out.
• Too weak for the shoulder to carry out daily activities.

Common Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket interface that connects the upper part of your scapula to the arm bone. There are several interconnected parts in this system, including an acromioclavicular (AC) point where it meets with the collarbone or clavicle as well as glenohumeral points, which connect all these different pieces together at one spot on each side for mobility. If a joint is subjected to too much weight, it will result in pain and inflammation.

Shoulder problems are typically categorized in the following way:

Instability

Shoulder instability happens when the shoulder joint lining (capsule), labrum, or ligaments distend, tear out, or detach, resulting in the humeral head (ball of the shoulder joint) moving partially or entirely out of its socket. This condition often occurs as a result of a sudden forceful injury such as a fall or accident. 

Impingement

Shoulder impingement is a condition that occurs when the top outer edge of the shoulder blade (acromion) rubs against or pinches onto the rotator cuff below it. With this pinching (impingement) comes pain, swelling, and inflammation. Shoulder impingement is often associated with other shoulder conditions, such as bursitis or rotator cuff tendonitis. Approximately 44% to 65% of all shoulder pain complaints are thought to be related to shoulder impingement syndrome.

Fractures

Shoulder fractures are a common injury, especially in athletes. It happens when there is a break in the continuity of bones, either partially or completely separating the bones. They can occur from a direct impact on the shoulder or from an indirect force that is transmitted through the arm. They can also happen as a result of repetitive stress, such as from playing sports. Symptoms of shoulder fractures include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the arm. 

Tendon Tears

Tendon tears in the shoulder often happen in the rotator cuff area. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder that allow a person to lift, move away from the body, and turn over. These particular groups keep ball-shaped bone (humerus) inside the socket with safety features, so it doesn’t slip out during activity or rest phases. When the rotator cuff muscles are overused or injured, it can result in tearing. This is a very common problem for people who work in jobs that require heavy use of their arms and shoulders.

Early detection

Shoulder injuries are common in both the general population and athletes. In fact, shoulder injury is the second most common type of musculoskeletal injury. This condition can be very debilitating, and if not treated properly, it can lead to long-term issues. It is therefore important to detect and address shoulder injuries as early as possible. 

N8 Family Chiropractic has the expertise and experience to help you with your shoulder injury. Schedule a consultation today!

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Resources: 

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/shoulder-pain-and-common-shoulder-problems/

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=832

https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/shoul