Shoulder pain is a common problem, causing variable amounts of pain, restricted movement and disturbed sleep. Symptoms can be due to dysfunction of the Acromio-clavicular joint, the upper ribs and in the shoulder joint itself. Referred pain can arise from the neck. Sometimes the cause is unknown, but can also be directly attributed to injury or repetitive strain.
Rotator cuff tears can be due to a sudden traction trauma or due to degenerative change of the shoulder cuff. As well as pain there can be difficulty in moving the arm away from the body.
Osteoarthritis of the Acromio-clavicular joint.
This is the joint between the end of the clavicle (Collar bone) and the Scapula (Shoulder blade), which forms the ‘roof’ of the shoulder joint. Initially there is pain on movement of the shoulder joint, but the pain becomes more persistent and movement becomes restricted due to pain.
Biceps Tendonitis can be due to repetative movement, direct impact and osteoarthritis of the Acromio-clavicular joint. There is inflammation of the tendons of the Biceps muscle causing pain on flexion of the joint. The condition can become chronic causing persistent pain, which can affect sleep and movement of the shoulder joint.