Pain when the arms are extended above the head – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Causes:

• Rotator Cuff Tears: Tears in the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles are a common cause of pain with overhead reaching.
• Shoulder Impingement: This occurs when tendons are compressed by bone during overhead movements.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) in the shoulder can lead to pain with reaching overhead.
• Biceps Tendinitis: Inflammation of the biceps tendon can also cause pain when raising the arm.
• Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): This condition restricts shoulder movement, making overhead reaching painful.
• AC Joint Arthritis: Arthritis in the acromioclavicular joint can cause pain with overhead activities.
• Neck Problems: Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve) can sometimes cause referred pain in the shoulder and arm.
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This condition affects nerves and blood vessels in the space between the collarbone and first rib, sometimes causing pain with overhead arm movements.

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 or MRI scans to visualize bones and soft tissues.

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, like severe rotator cuff tears.

Important Considerations:

• Consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe pain.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are important.