Your shoulder is one of the most commonly used joints in your body, so it's an easy one to recognize when there's a problem. If you're struggling with discomfort in your shoulder, it's important that you recognize the many potential causes to try to determine the source of your problem. The sooner you address your shoulder pain, the better your chances are of a full recovery if it is caused by an injury. Here's a look at some of the things that you need to understand about shoulder pain causes and ways to address it. 

Dislocation

If you're dealing with significant pain in your shoulder, have trouble moving it, and it doesn't appear to be properly positioned, you may have dislocated it. This can happen as a result of a fall or impact on your shoulder. If this is the case, it's in your best interest to reach out to a health care provider for support. They can help you realign your shoulder and restore your range of motion. Just follow their recommendations for immobilization for a few days afterward.

Muscle Pain

If you struggle with shoulder pain first thing in the morning, it could be muscle pain from the way that you sleep. Sometimes, you can put pressure on the shoulder joint or strain the muscle in your sleep, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable in the morning. If the problem persists, you should talk with your doctor to see if you can figure out what's causing it.

Arthritis

Arthritis affects the joints, and your shoulder is no exception. If you've been diagnosed with, or suspect you might have, arthritis and you are dealing with pain in your shoulder, it could be the result of an arthritis flare-up. If you've never had arthritis pain in your shoulder before, though, it's worth a call to your doctor to have them make sure there's nothing more going on.

Bursitis

The bursa is a pocket of fluid in your joint that helps encourage smooth, normal movement. Repetitive motion and strain can cause the bursa to inflame, creating a condition called bursitis. This can lead to pain and discomfort when you move your shoulder. Your doctor can determine if it's bursitis that's causing your pain with a thorough examination and some imaging requests.

These are just some of the most common causes of shoulder pain. Because of the importance of this joint, you should never ignore this type of discomfort. Talk with your doctor right away to determine the cause.

Contact a local health care service, such as Sports and Orthopedic Specialists, to learn more. 

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