Almost everyone has aches and pains that they deal with everyday. One of the most common of which is shoulder stiffness. It is an extremely common condition that many people suffer from, especially as they age. However, this does not mean that it should be ignored. In some instances, stiffness of the shoulder can be a symptom of a much more serious condition. In these cases it is crucial that you seek prompt medical attention in order to prevent a lifelong injury.

Benign Causes of Shoulder Stiffness

Oftentimes, stiffness of the shoulder is nothing at all to worry about. It can develop due to poor posture, prolonged activity, or normal muscle tightness. It can also be a symptom of a minor strain or temporary inflammation. None of these are serious medical conditions. Shoulder stiffness that is caused in these ways will usually resolve itself in a matter of days. At most, rest, icing the affected area, and over-the-counter pain relievers are all that is needed in the way of treatment.

When Shoulder Stiffness Becomes Concerning

So, how do you know if your shoulder stiffness is something to be worried about? Well, there are signs to watch out for. First, you should be concerned if the stiffness in your shoulder worsens instead of improves, or if you lose range of motion in multiple directions. Additionally, any shoulder stiffness that lasts longer than a few weeks is concerning. Finally, you should keep an eye out for any pain that interferes with sleep or other daily activities. If any of these describe the shoulder stiffness you are experiencing, it is likely caused by a serious condition that requires medical attention.

Serious Conditions That Cause Shoulder Stiffness

Narrowing down exactly what condition is causing your stiffness is best left to a medical professional. However, knowing some of the serious conditions that often cause shoulder stiffness can give you a good place to start.

Adhesive Capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis, also known as “frozen shoulder”, is a condition affecting the shoulder joint. It causes the connective tissue surrounding the joint to become thick, inflamed, and scarred. This causes a painful, progressive stiffening and loss of motion in the shoulder joint. Eventually, those suffering from adhesive capsulitis find it almost impossible to use the shoulder joint to lift or rotate their arm at all, hence the “frozen shoulder” moniker.

Adhesive capsulitis treatment usually focuses on pain relief and restoring range of motion through physical therapy. Some cases may require the patient to undergo anesthesia so that a doctor can manually manipulate the shoulder joint, helping to break up scar tissue. The most severe cases may require surgery, which entails the surgical removal of scar tissue using arthroscopy.

Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that work together to stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear is when any of the tendons in this group are damaged, frayed, or torn. When this happens, it has a detrimental effect on one’s ability to lift or rotate their arm, often described as a feeling of stiffness in the shoulder.

Treatment for a rotator cuff tear is focused on restoring function and reducing pain. This can often be done using conservative methods, including physical therapy, NSAIDs, and corticosteroid injections. However, for the most severe tears, surgery may be necessary.

Shoulder Arthritis

Arthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage in a joint becomes worn down. When present in the shoulder, arthritis leads to feelings of pain, stiffness, and inflammation. This often makes completing daily tasks difficult.

The first line of treatment for shoulder arthritis is the use of NSAIDs, heat/ice therapy, and physical therapy to manage pain and improve function. When these conservative options fail, surgery may be considered. This can involve arthroscopy to clean out the joint or a full joint replacement.

How Shoulder Conditions Are Diagnosed

Diagnosing a shoulder condition is usually a relatively simple and straightforward procedure. The doctor will begin with a physical examination of your shoulder, while also asking questions regarding your symptoms. If deemed necessary, they will have you undergo certain imaging tests, such as an X ray or MRI. This is usually all that is needed to reliably diagnose a shoulder condition.

When to See a Doctor for Shoulder Stiffness

It is always in your best interest to see a doctor as soon as you suspect your shoulder stiffness may be more than rudimentary muscle soreness. If stiffness worsens instead of improving or if it lasts longer than 2 weeks, it is time to schedule an appointment. Treatment has a higher rate of success the earlier it begins.