Shoulder pain is incredibly common in the United States, with millions of people seeking treatment for shoulder issues every month. One condition that affects countless individuals is known as shoulder impingement, and it’s an issue that can get worse if left untreated. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at shoulder impingement syndrome, and we explain how Dr. Holloway can help you find relief if it is the root cause of your shoulder discomfort.
The Causes And Symptoms Of Shoulder Impingement
To understand shoulder impingement, you first need to know a little bit about the formation of the shoulder joint. Your rotator cuff is made up of a group of muscles and tendons that cover the head of your upper arm bone, and that head of your upper arm bone sits inside a hollow groove in your shoulder blade. Nestled above your shoulder blade is a bony prominence known as the acromion, which serves as protection for your rotator cuff.
If part of your rotator cuff becomes swollen or inflamed, it can cause the soft tissues to become pinched or impinged between the upper arm bone and the acromion. Not only can this cause pain, discomfort and decreased range of motion, but this impingement can lead to more swelling and inflammation, further worsening symptoms.
But what causes an area of your rotator cuff to become swollen or inflamed in the first place? The most common cause for inflammation, which is the same for any joint in the body, is overuse or overexertion. Repetitive strain on the shoulder, especially stressful motions that require you to lift your arm above shoulder height, can lead to inflammation and impingement. Other underlying causes and risk factors include:
- Direct trauma to the shoulder
- Poor posture or lifting habits
- Prior injury that led to shoulder instability
- Certain genetic conditions that led to a narrow or a narrowing of the subacromial space
Symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome can vary, but most patients describe localized shoulder pain that varies in intensity, shoulder weakness and loss of range of motion in the joint.
Diagnosing And Treating Shoulder Impingement
If you’re dealing with any of the above symptoms or have reason to believe you’re bothered by shoulder impingement, set up an appointment with a shoulder specialist. Your doctor will begin by asking about your symptoms and performing a physical exam. They will have you manipulate your shoulder and arm into a few positions and see how it responds to motion. Once they have completed the physical assessment, they may request imaging tests in the form of an X-ray or MRI.
If the examination and imaging tests confirm that you’re dealing with shoulder impingement, your specialists will walk you through some treatment options. For mild to moderate cases, they’ll likely begin with conservative techniques that involve a combination of rest, activity modification or avoidance, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and corticosteroid injections. Many patients find that their rotator cuff inflammation decreases and the impingement resolves through a combination of these non-operative techniques.
If conservative techniques fail to provide relief, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are a few different types of surgery available depending on your root cause of impingement, including subacromial decompression and acromioplasty, a bursectomy or rotator cuff repair. Your surgeon can walk you through the specifics of each operation depending on your individual needs should it progress to this point.
So if you are bothered by shoulder weakness or chronic shoulder pain, connect with a physician and break free from this cycle of inflammation and impingement. For more information or for help with your shoulder pain, reach out to Dr. Holloway’s office today.
