The pain you're experiencing when lifting your arm above your head could be due to several reasons, with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) being a common culprit.
Possible Causes of Pain When Lifting Your Arm
Here are a few potential causes for pain when lifting your arm above your head:
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Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (SIS): This occurs when tendons of the rotator cuff muscles are compressed as they pass through the narrow space under the acromion (outer end of the shoulder blade). The main symptom is pain when lifting the arm overhead or reaching backward. The pain can be located in the shoulder, upper arm, or even down the outside of the arm. It's often worse at night or when lying on the affected shoulder.
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Rotator Cuff Tendinitis/Tear: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. Inflammation or tearing of these tendons can cause pain, especially when lifting or rotating your arm.
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Bursitis: Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Inflammation of these bursae in the shoulder can lead to pain with movement, particularly when raising your arm.
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Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): This condition causes stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually and worsens over time.
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Other Potential Issues: Less common causes include osteoarthritis, shoulder instability, or nerve impingement.
What to Do
It's important to see a doctor or physical therapist to get a proper diagnosis. They can perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests (like X-rays or MRI) to determine the cause of your pain.
Treatment options will depend on the diagnosis but may include:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain.
- Ice/Heat: Applying ice packs or heat to reduce inflammation.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve range of motion.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a torn rotator cuff or relieve impingement.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
While most shoulder pain isn't an emergency, seek immediate medical attention if:
- You have sudden, severe pain.
- You are unable to move your arm.
- You have numbness or weakness in your arm or hand.
In summary, pain when lifting your arm above your head can have several causes, the most common being shoulder impingement. Consulting a medical professional is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
