Lifting heavy physical loads is a common cause of shoulder pain. The shoulder, the most mobile joint in the body, is made up of tendons, joints, muscle, bone and soft tissues. Circumstances as diverse as aging to arthritis disorders and poor weightlifting form can cause or irritate an existing shoulder condition.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis affects approximately 27 million Americans over the age of 25, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Osteoarthritis is a painful joint disease that causes swelling and can lead to loss of motion with cartilage degeneration. Cartilage is the smooth, slick tissue that covers bones inside the joints, absorbs shock and allows bones to rotate smoothly. While weightlifting won't cause osteoarthritis, repetitive motions and lifting your arms over your head stresses joints and can worsen symptoms. When younger people develop osteoarthritis, it's usually a result of a joint injury.
Rotator Cuff Injury
Weightlifters are prone to rotator cuff injuries, according to board-certified sports medicine specialist Dr. Gabe Mirkin. The rotator cuff is the protective shoulder-socket and arm-bone covering made up of tendons and muscles. Repetitive activities such as weightlifting along with constant overhead lifting can cause tearing and swelling in shoulder tendons. Usually, a rotator cuff injury is felt in the front of the shoulder and feels worse when your arms are over your head.
Muscle Strain
Age has a lot to do with diagnosing shoulder pain. In younger patients, doctors are more likely to blame sports and activities such as weightlifting for shoulder problems rather than diseases associated with aging such as arthritic disorders. If you're experiencing shoulder pain while strength training and you're under the age of 40, you could have a sprain or strain. An incorrect pose or movement and improper instruction along with lack of attention during the activity can create mechanical problems in muscles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Treatment
Before making a doctor's appointment, give your shoulder a chance to heel by taking a break from weightlifting for one or two weeks. At the onset of pain, apply an ice pack to the shoulder. Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin can reduce swelling and ease pain. If the pain persists for more than a week, call your doctor. You can help prevent injuries in the future by giving your muscles a rest. Avoid working out the same muscles two consecutive days. Warm up for about 10 minutes before lifting weights. The MayoClinic.com reports that cold muscles are more likely to get injured compared with warm muscles.
References
- "Occupational and Environmental Medicine"; Occupational Risk Factors for Shoulder Pain; DA van der Windt; July 2000
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Osteoarthritis
- DrMirkin.com: Rotator Cuff Injuries; Gabe Mirkin, MD; August 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Exercise Complications
- MayoClinic.com; Weight Training: Do's and Don'ts of Proper Technique; Mayo Clinic Staff
