Pain in the front of the shoulder – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Causes:

• Biceps Tendinitis: Inflammation of the biceps tendon, often causing pain in the front of the shoulder, especially with overhead activities or lifting.
• Rotator Cuff Tears: Tears in the rotator cuff tendons can cause pain in the front of the shoulder, particularly with lifting, reaching, or rotating the arm.
• Shoulder Impingement: This occurs when tendons are compressed by bone, leading to pain in the front of the shoulder, often worsened by overhead movements.
• AC Joint Arthritis: Arthritis in the acromioclavicular joint can cause pain in the front of the shoulder, sometimes radiating to the neck or chest.
• Labral Tears: Tears in the labrum, a ring of cartilage that stabilizes the shoulder joint, can cause pain, clicking, or popping in the front of the shoulder.
• Shoulder Instability: A shoulder that partially or fully dislocates can lead to pain and a feeling of looseness in the front of the shoulder.
• Referred Pain: Less commonly, pain from other areas, like the neck or heart, can sometimes be felt in the front of the shoulder.

Diagnosis:

• Physical Exam: Assessing range of motion, tenderness, and specific movements that reproduce the pain.
• Patient History: Gathering information about the onset, duration, nature of the pain, and any related injuries or activities.
• Imaging: X-rays to rule out fractures or arthritis. MRI scans may be used to visualize soft tissues like tendons and ligaments.

Treatment:

• Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.
• Ice/Heat: Applying ice or heat to the affected area.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
• Surgery: May be necessary in some cases, such as severe rotator cuff tears or labral tears.

Important Considerations:

• Consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe pain.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are important. If you experience sudden, severe chest pain along with shoulder pain, seek immediate medical attention as it could indicate a heart attack.