4 Possible Causes of Chronic Shoulder Pain

Chronic shoulder pain can be a real challenge, interfering with everything from your daily routine to getting a good night’s sleep. While it can be tough to figure out exactly what's causing the pain, understanding some of the most common reasons can point you toward relief.

The expert team at Summit Primary Care in La Junta, Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Englewood, Colorado, offers the following potential causes of ongoing shoulder discomfort, along with tips for how to relieve the pain.

1. Rotator cuff injuries

The rotator cuff is made up of tendons and muscles that help keep your shoulder stable and allow you to move it freely. When these tissues become inflamed or torn, you can experience ongoing pain.

Rotator cuff injuries are often the result of repetitive motions, especially in activities like tennis or swimming. But it’s not just athletes who are at risk — everyday actions like lifting something  heavy or reaching up high can also cause wear-and-tear over time.

These injuries can vary in severity, from minor inflammation to full tears. Symptoms may include a dull ache deep in the shoulder, weakness, or trouble lifting your arm overhead. If you think you might have a rotator cuff injury, address it early with rest, ice, and physical therapy to help avoid further damage and restore movement.

2. Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis is another common culprit of chronic shoulder pain, especially in older adults. Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form, occurs when the cartilage cushioning the bones in your shoulder joint wears away. This can lead to stiffness, swelling, and pain as your bones begin to rub against each other.

Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, can also cause shoulder pain by attacking the lining of your joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, which develops over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause sudden flare-ups of pain and inflammation. 

Arthritis treatment options typically include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and in severe cases, joint replacement surgery.

3. Bursitis

Bursae help reduce friction between tissues in your body. When they become inflamed — a condition known as bursitis — you might experience chronic pain in your shoulder, particularly when moving the joint. 

Shoulder bursitis is often caused by repetitive movements or prolonged pressure on the joint, and it’s common in people who perform manual labor or participate in high-intensity sports.

Symptoms include sharp pain when you press on the shoulder, limited mobility, and tenderness. The good news is that bursitis often responds well to conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. In more persistent cases, you may need steroid injections to reduce inflammation.

4. Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons, the tissues that connect muscles to bones. In the shoulder, this condition often occurs due to overuse or repetitive stress on the joint. Athletes and people with physically demanding jobs are particularly prone to developing shoulder tendonitis. 

Tendonitis symptoms typically include a dull, aching pain, especially when moving the arm, and mild swelling around the joint.

Early intervention helps manage tendonitis. Try resting your shoulder, applying ice, and doing gentle stretches or exercises recommended by a physical therapist to help reduce pain and prevent further injury. If left untreated, tendonitis can lead to more serious conditions, such as a tendon tear or chronic inflammation.

Finding relief for shoulder pain

Proper diagnosis is necessary to customize the right treatment for chronic shoulder pain. Whether your pain is due to injury, arthritis, or inflammation, early intervention and care are key to pain relief. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to find out how to take the appropriate steps toward recovery.