This Joint Holds a Humerus Ball
The Shoulder Joint is the most flexible in the body because the joint is a loose ball and socket. Or really, more like an egg against a curved palm. The upper arm bone (the humerus) connects to the shoulder by a series of tendons and ligaments. Together, these are called the rotator cuff. They surround almost the entire joint.
When your arm is lifted above your head, there is a lot of strain on these tendons and ligaments. Anytime your arm is above shoulder height, the joint is very open. It is as if you had an egg resting in your palm, and then tipped the egg on its end. That’s what happens to your shoulder joint when you raise your arms: the joint opens up. That’s what it was meant to do, but repeated lifting your arm above your shoulder, or sleeping with your arm over your head puts extra stress on the rotator cuff (tendons) that hold the shoulder in place. Over time, this stress can cause inflammation and small tears in the shoulder connections.
There are many common shoulder problems.
One is tendonitis. This is when the tendons become inflamed. The tendons connect the muscles like the biceps to the shoulder joint. There is a number of tenders that wrap around the shoulder. Inflammation of these or any tendon is known as tendonitis. It can be painful.
Another form of inflammation that can happen in the shoulder (or other joints) is inflammation of the cushioning sacks in the joint. The inflammation of these fluid sacks that cushion the joint is known as bursitis, also painful.
It is also possible to tear the connective tissues. Most often the tears are not complete, but partial. Although a tear will not heal on its own, it is possible to reduce the pain and regain strength with non-surgical treatments like injections, medication and physiotherapy. Tears of the shoulder tendons are known as torn rotator cuffs. If the tear is severe enough, surgery is the only remedy.
Arthritis is also a potential painful condition of the shoulder. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage protecting the joint wears down. This results in painful bone on bone movement.
One danger of not treating shoulder pain is the reduction of range of motion. Reduced range of motion can cause fibres to grow in the joint area, which further restricts range of motion.
The shoulder area is also susceptible to trigger point pain. This is pain in the muscles that radiates from the top of the shoulder blade down the arm. It can result from lots of overhead work or even poor posture when sitting. With trigger point pain, an area near the top of the shoulder blade on the back will be painful when poked.
One factor that makes shoulder joints more susceptible to pain and slow recovery is the weak blood supply to the joint.
To protect your shoulder, avoid repetitive overhead activities. Take care when putting heavy weight on your arm when your arm is extended out from the shoulder.
If you do have shoulder pain that has lasted more than a few weeks and is not getting better, a trip to the doctor is in order. The doctor will likely take an X-Ray to check for any tearing, arthritis or other inflammation.
If your shoulder is feeling good, be sure to take care of it. Do shoulder exercises to keep it strong and flexible. One simple exercise that can help is to get in the pushup position - and then raise your rear as high as you can. Do this 10 times at least 3 times a week. This will keep the fun in your humerus.
