What causes shoulder pain?

The causes of shoulder pain may be more complicated than you think. As one of the most flexible joints in the human body, the shoulder is responsible for everything we do, so it is also vulnerable to injury. Shoulder pain may be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strain, arthritis, frozen shoulder, or rotator cuff injury. Understanding these causes can help us better deal with and prevent shoulder pain.

Let's start with the most common cause, muscle strain. This often happens when we perform repetitive movements, such as using a computer mouse for a long time or lifting weights. Imagine that you type for hours in the same posture. The muscles in your shoulders are like a stretched rubber band, and you will naturally feel sore over time. Proper rest and stretching can effectively relieve this pain.

Another common cause is frozen shoulder, also known as "frozen shoulder." This condition is more common in older people and can limit the range of motion of the shoulder, making even simple movements like getting dressed difficult. The causes of frozen shoulder are not completely understood, but are often related to prolonged inactivity or a shoulder injury. Physical therapy and exercise can help restore shoulder mobility.

Rotator cuff injuries are a common problem for athletes and manual laborers. The rotator cuff is a structure composed of four muscles and their tendons that are responsible for stabilizing and moving the shoulder joint. If you are a badminton enthusiast or like to swim, rotator cuff injuries may become a problem for you. Symptoms include shoulder weakness and pain during movement. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Arthritis is also a major cause of shoulder pain, especially in older people. Arthritis develops as the cartilage in the shoulder joint gradually wears away. It can cause stiffness and pain in the shoulder, especially in the morning or after a long period of inactivity. Maintaining moderate exercise and a healthy lifestyle can slow the progression of arthritis.

Regardless of the cause of shoulder pain, it is a wise choice to seek professional medical help in time. Doctors can confirm the specific cause through physical examinations and imaging examinations, and give targeted treatment plans. At the same time, maintaining good living habits and paying attention to shoulder warmth and exercise are important measures to prevent shoulder pain. Although shoulder pain is common in life, we can effectively manage it through scientific methods and maintain a healthy lifestyle.