Calcified shoulder | Pain in the shoulder and arm

Calcified shoulder

The calcified shoulder describes the calcification of the shoulder joint. It often occurs in middle age, between the ages of 30 and 50. With the calcified shoulder, there is a deposit of lime crystals at the attachments of the tendons.

It usually affects the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles (shoulder muscles). The reason for the deposit is probably the reduced blood circulation in the shoulder. If the arm is now moved, friction of calcium on the tendons occurs.

Pain in the shoulder occurs here, especially when the arm is moved over the head. The additional deposition within the bursa is also possible. When the bursa is calcified, there is more pain.

Neuritis

Neuritis is the inflammation of nerves. The reason for the inflammation is in most cases a pressure load on the nerves. Especially at the shoulder, where the musculature is often active, there can be a strong pressure on the nerves.

The risk of neuritis is particularly high when working for a long time on one side. If the nerve is inflamed, the pain often radiates into the entire arm and is felt as very intense. Often, neuritis affects an entire muscle group which is innervated (supplied) by this nerve.

Often there is also a tingling sensation or the feeling that the hand is falling asleep. It is important for the treatment to find the cause. If the neuritis is caused by chronic strain (such as wood chopping), this activity should be stopped and the shoulder should be spared.

Damage to the rotator cuff

The rotator cuff is a functional muscle group that is responsible for the various degrees of shoulder movement and keeps the shoulder in position. It surrounds the shoulder like a “coat” and consists of four muscles: Musculus supraspinatus, musculus teres minor, musculus infraspinatus and musculus subscapularis. These muscles can also cause tears in the tendons, which then lead to acute pain. Tears of the tendons can occur partially or completely. The damage to the rotator cuff is also related to impingement syndrome, since the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle is chronically trapped here and can eventually tear due to friction.

  • Humeral head (humerus)
  • Shoulder height (Acromion)
  • Shoulder corner joint
  • Collarbone (Clavicle)
  • Coracoid
  • Shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint)

Read next article in this series:

All articles in this series:

  1. Pain in the shoulder and arm
  2. Calcified shoulder
  3. Shoulder contusion
  4. Diagnosis
  5. Duration of pain in the shoulder
  6. Pain in the shoulder and elbow
  7. Pain in the night