The Shoulder and Upper Limbs
Shoulder problems are very common. In fact when it comes to musculoskeletal problems, the second most common reason (after back pain) that people visit their family doctor is with a shoulder problem. Most of the people we see in the Joint Clinic with shoulder pain have had their pain for 6 months or more as it typically comes and goes according to their activity level.
Usually, although the pain comes on with shoulder movements the pain is felt as arm pain, elbow pain or even hand pain. It often triggers neck pain as well.
The Shoulder Joint
Most problems with the shoulder fall into one of five basic categories. (Not in order of frequency)
- Arthritis of the shoulder joint
- Instability of the shoulder joint
- Adhesive capsulitis (Frozen shoulder)
- Rotator cuff problems
- Acromioclavicular problems (ACJ)
There are other rarer causes of shoulder pain like nerve entrapment and biceps tendon “inflammation” but most are related to these 5 most common complaints.
In order to understand the explanations you may want to look at the anatomy of the shoulder joint.
Also go to FAQ and common misunderstandings about the shoulder
Consultant: David Selvey
Click here for more information on the shoulder joint