The spring and early summer is a common time for overuse injuries and other joint pain. Shoulder pain being one of the most common. It's that nagging ache in your shoulder that refuses to let up. Maybe it comes and goes, maybe it's a constant throb, but either way, it's starting to interfere with your daily life. Now you're here, asking the important questions: "Why do my shoulders hurt?" "What are the causes of shoulder pain?" and crucially, "What can I do about shoulder pain?"



The good news is, you're not alone. Shoulder pain affects millions of people worldwide, making it a public health concern. A study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science indicates that the prevalence of shoulder pain in the general population could be up to 66.7%.Takahashi, N., Aoba, Y., Shiozawa, H., & Aizawa, J. (2019). Effect of posture on shoulder muscle activity during smartphone use. Ergonomics, 62(10), 1316-1324. And just like you, many people are searching for answers.



Hopefully, by the end of this article, you'll have found most of those answers. If not, leave a comment or post your question.





The Complex Design of the Shoulder: A Blessing and a Curse



Your shoulder isn't just a singular entity. It's a complicated system, a mechanical marvel, that has been designed for an impressive range of motion. The shoulder is made up of three bones - the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the humerus (upper arm bone). These bones work together through four distinct joints, namely the glenohumeral, acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular, and the scapulothoracic joints.Ackland, D. C., Pak, P., Richardson, M., & Pandy, M. G. (2008). Moment arms of the muscles crossing the anatomical shoulder. Journal of Anatomy, 213(4), 383-390.



Surrounding these bones and joints is a network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This includes the rotator cuff, which comprises four key muscles providing stability to the shoulder joint, and the deltoid muscle, which powers the lifting of the arm.Lewis, J. S. (2016). Rotator cuff tendinopathy: a model for the continuum of pathology and related management. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(19), 1187-1191.



This complex structure enables your shoulder to perform a myriad of tasks every day. From reaching for a can on the top shelf, to throwing a ball, or even brushing your hair, few body parts offer such diversity of movement. However, this benefit comes at a cost.



This inherent mobility of the shoulder makes it susceptible to a range of injuries and conditions. Overuse, trauma, or strain can cause a variety of shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff tears, impingement, and frozen shoulder.



The intensive use of the shoulder in sports, especially those requiring repetitive overhead movements, further raises the risk of injuries.Yang, J. L., Chang, C. W., Chen, S. Y., Wang, S. F., & Lin, J. J. (2017). Mobilization techniques in subjects with frozen shoulder syndrome: randomized multiple-treatment trial. Physical Therapy, 97(10), 1003-1013.



While our shoulder's dynamic capability is a boon for performing diverse movements, it also increases the risk of injury and pain. In the following sections, we will delve into how everyday habits, such as posture, can further affect your shoulder health.



The Common Causes of Shoulder Pain



Understanding the causes of shoulder pain isn't always straightforward. While injuries and conditions related to the shoulder anatomy we've discussed are prevalent, there are other potential causes to consider.



Age-related wear and tear is a common cause. With time, the cartilage in our shoulders naturally deteriorates, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis. A research article in the American Journal of Sports Medicine confirms that age-related changes can predispose individuals to a host of shoulder disorders, including rotator cuff tears and glenohumeral osteoarthritis.Minagawa, H., Yamamoto, N., Abe, H., Fukuda, M., Seki, N., Kikuchi,