There are four muscles that make up the rotator cuff: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis muscles. The most commonly effected is the supraspinatus muscle because it is particularly susceptible to mechanical abrasion. With that, there are two common causes of rotator cuff tears: extrinsic compression and intrinsic degeneration.
Extrinsic compression occurs from lifetime wear and tear and the rotator cuff’s susceptible anatomy, which causes an impingement of the supraspinatus on the acromion bone. Intrinsic degeneration usually occurs when the blood supply to the tendons diminishes with age. Other causes may include a traumatic injury to the shoulder (dislocation) or an overuse injury from repetitive motions.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include:
- Pain and weakness when lifting, lowering or rotating the arm
- Atrophy of the shoulder muscles
- Crackling sensation with shoulder movement
Treatment for a rotator cuff injury depends on the extent of the injury and severity of symptoms. For minor tears that heal on their own, treatment may include rest, ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Moderate injuries may require steroid injections, physical therapy and a sling. If the tear cannot heal on its own, and pain is severe, surgery may be required to repair the rotator cuff’s muscles.
The pain management specialists at Tulsa Pain will likely administer a series of steroid injections to reduce swelling and pain from a rotator cuff tear. These injections contain an aesthetic and corticosteroid mixture to provide several weeks or months of relief. Talk to your pain management specialist at Tulsa Pain about treatment or pain management for your rotator cuff tear.
Highlights:
- The rotator cuff is made of muscles, ligaments and tendons that secure the head of the humerus bone into the shoulder socket.
- When the rotator cuff tears, it interferes with joint stability and prevents the arms from being able to lift and rotate correctly and efficiently.
- The pain management specialists at Tulsa Pain discuss different treatment options to manage pain from a rotator cuff tear.
Tulsa Pain is a pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 918-742-7030 or click here to Request an Appointment to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
