Pain when lifting the arm, lowering the arm from a raised position, or when reaching – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Causes:

Several factors can trigger this type of pain:

• Rotator Cuff Tears: Tears in the group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint are a common cause, leading to pain with lifting, lowering, and reaching.
• Shoulder Impingement: This occurs when tendons in the shoulder are compressed by bone, causing pain with overhead movements.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the shoulder joint, leading to pain with movement.
• Biceps Tendonitis: Inflammation of the biceps tendon at the front of the shoulder can cause pain that worsens with lifting and reaching.
• Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): This condition causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, limiting movement and making lifting, lowering, and reaching difficult.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint pain and stiffness, impacting shoulder movement.
• Neck Problems: Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck) can sometimes cause referred pain in the shoulder and arm.

Diagnosis:

A healthcare professional will typically diagnose the cause through:

• Physical Examination: Assessing range of motion, tenderness, and specific movements that reproduce the pain.
• Patient History: Understanding the onset, duration, and nature of the pain, as well as any related activities or injuries.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays can rule out fractures or arthritis. MRI scans can visualize soft tissues like tendons and muscles to identify tears or inflammation.

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

• Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain is crucial for healing.
• Ice and Compression: Reducing inflammation and pain.
• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help manage pain.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the shoulder.
• Injections (e.g., Corticosteroids): To reduce inflammation in some conditions.
• Surgery (Rare): May be necessary for severe rotator cuff tears or other structural problems.

It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for any persistent or severe shoulder pain that limits movement. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term problems and restore function.