The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. Therefore, sudden injuries or excessive strain can cause severe pain in the shoulder. The main causes are:
Frozen Shoulder: This is a condition in which the tissues around the shoulder joints become stiff and inflamed. This reduces the mobility of the joints and causes severe pain that makes it impossible to turn the arms back or raise them. It is more common in diabetics.
Rotator Cuff Injury: Another cause is wear and tear of the muscles and ligaments that hold the shoulder joint (Rotator Cuff). Lifting heavy objects suddenly and participating in sports can lead to such injuries.
Bursitis: This is a condition in which a small fluid-filled sac (Bursa) that helps reduce friction between the joints is swollen. This problem usually occurs in people who are involved in jobs that require repetitive lifting of the arms.
Cervical spondylosis: When the nerves in the neck are compressed due to wear and tear, the pain can spread to the shoulders and arms. This is called ‘referred pain’.
Cartilage wear and tear and arthritis: As we age, it is normal for the cartilage in the joints to wear and tear. This causes pain and noise when moving the shoulder.
