Pain in your shoulder when lifting your arm overhead often indicates a problem with your rotator cuff.
Here's a breakdown of why this happens:
Understanding the Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons:
- Stabilize the shoulder: They keep the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) securely within the shoulder socket.
- Enable a wide range of motion: They allow you to lift, rotate, and reach with your arm.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain When Lifting
When you lift your arm overhead, the rotator cuff muscles and tendons work to control the movement and keep the shoulder joint stable. Pain can occur due to several issues:
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Rotator Cuff Tendinitis/Tendinopathy: Inflammation or degeneration of the rotator cuff tendons. This can be caused by overuse, repetitive movements, or age-related wear and tear. Lifting the arm overhead may compress the inflamed or damaged tendon, causing pain.
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Rotator Cuff Impingement: This occurs when the rotator cuff tendons get compressed or pinched beneath the acromion (a bony projection of the shoulder blade). Lifting the arm elevates the humerus, potentially further compressing the tendons and leading to pain.
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Rotator Cuff Tear: A tear in one or more of the rotator cuff tendons. Tears can range from partial to full thickness. Lifting the arm can put stress on the torn tendon, causing pain and weakness.
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Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the tendons and bones in the shoulder. Lifting the arm can compress the inflamed bursa, resulting in pain.
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Shoulder Instability: If the shoulder joint is unstable, the rotator cuff muscles have to work harder to keep the humerus in the socket. This can lead to pain when lifting the arm.
Other Potential Causes
While rotator cuff problems are common, other conditions can also cause shoulder pain when lifting the arm, including:
- Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of the cartilage in the shoulder joint.
- Labral Tear: A tear in the labrum, a ring of cartilage that stabilizes the shoulder joint.
- Referred Pain: Pain originating from another area, such as the neck or upper back.
What To Do
If you're experiencing shoulder pain when lifting your arm, it's important to:
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
- Ice: Apply ice to the shoulder for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Seek Medical Advice: Consult a doctor or physical therapist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They can assess your condition, determine the underlying cause of your pain, and recommend appropriate treatment options. This might include physical therapy, medication, injections, or, in some cases, surgery.
