If your shoulder aches when you lift your arm, you might be dealing with shoulder impingement syndrome. It’s a common issue, especially for older folks who already battle chronic back pain or limb pain. At The Pain Center, we see this a lot—pain that hits when you’re moving your shoulders, making daily tasks like reaching for a shelf feel impossible. So, what’s going on in your shoulder joint, and how can you fix it? Let’s dive into the causes, signs, and treatment options to get you back to feeling good.
How do you fix shoulder impingement?
Shoulder impingement syndrome happens when the rotator cuff tendon—a key player in your shoulder muscles—gets squeezed under the arm bones. Picture this: every time you raise your arm, that tendon rubs or pinches against a bone spur or tight space in the shoulder joint. Over time, this friction irritates the muscles and tendons, causing pain and swelling. It’s sometimes called swimmer’s shoulder because repetitive overhead motions, like swimming, can kick it off.
For older adults, wear and tear from years of use often sparks this problem. It’s not just swimmers—anyone with a medical history of shoulder strain might feel it.
Does shoulder impingement go away on its own?
The root cause usually ties back to something crowding your shoulder joint.
Here’s what might be behind it:
- Bone spur: A little bony growth on your arm bones that narrows the space for your rotator cuff tendon.
- Rotator cuff tear: A worn or torn tendon from aging or injury, making it easier to pinch.
- Pinched nerve: Tight nerves in the shoulder can add to the pain mix.
- Weak shoulder muscles: If they’re not strong, your joint doesn’t move right, leading to rubs.
Things that worsen it? Overdoing it by moving your shoulders, lifting heavy stuff, or sleeping on your side too much. Avoiding these can make a difference.
What is the root cause of shoulder impingement?
The symptoms of shoulder impingement are hard to miss.
Look out for:
- Pain when lifting your arm, especially overhead.
- A stiff range of motion, like you’re stuck halfway up.
- Weakness in your shoulder muscles, making it tough to carry things.
- A nagging ache at night that won’t let you sleep.
During a physical examination, your doctor might ask you to move your arm in different ways to spot the trouble. Sometimes, it’s confused with a frozen shoulder—where the joint locks up—or even a rotator cuff tear. A pro can tell the difference between tests like X-rays and an MRI.
What worsens shoulder impingement?
Mild cases might ease up if you rest and stop moving your shoulders in ways that hurt. But for most, especially older folks with ongoing limb pain, it won’t just vanish. Ignoring it could lead to a full rotator cuff tear or chronic pain. That’s why catching it early with a physical examination is smart.
How do you release a trapped nerve in the shoulder?
A pinched nerve in the shoulder can tag along with impingement, adding sharp pain or tingles. Physical therapy often loosens it up—stretches and moves that free the nerve. If it’s stubborn, steroid injections might calm the swelling around it. A doctor’s check during a physical examination pinpoints if a nerve’s trapped.
How do you tell if your shoulder is impinged?
The symptoms of shoulder impingement are clear once you know them:
- Pain when reaching up or out.
- A limited range of motion, like your arm, won’t go all the way.
- Nighttime aches that wake you up.
- Weakness in your shoulder muscles.
If this sounds familiar, a professional can confirm it with tests like an X-ray.
What can be mistaken for shoulder impingement?
Other issues mimic this pain. A frozen shoulder stiffens the joint completely, while a rotator cuff tear might feel sharper. A pinched nerve elsewhere could also trick you. A physical examination sorts it out—don’t guess on your own.
What not to do with shoulder impingement?
Don’t make it worse!
Skip these:
- Lifting heavy weights overhead.
- Reaching too far or fast with your arm.
- Ignoring the pain—pushing through can tear things up more.
Rest isn’t “do nothing”—it’s smart recovery with guided moves from physical therapy that The Pain Center can help with!
Relief for Chronic Pain at The Pain Center
At The Pain Center, we treat a host of chronic pain conditions through integrated approaches. Our treatment plans are tailored to your unique pain level and lifestyle, prioritizing your quality of life above all else.
Request our help today!
