A back injury to the shoulder can cause inflammation and pain, often due to a tear in the labrum. A SLAP injury affects the upper section of cartilage and can cause total shoulder pain. Treatment includes rest, ice, medication, physical therapy, and surgery in severe cases.
In general, a back lesion is some kind of injury that causes damage to an area located towards the back or caudal side of the body. Specifically, the term back injury is usually used to describe an injury to a particular section of the shoulder positioned towards the back of the body. This type of injury can cause symptoms of inflammation including swelling, tenderness, and pain when moving. Although a shoulder injury can result in pain located exclusively in the back of the shoulder, due to the complex nature of the shoulder joint, a back injury is often the result of problems involving a tear in the labrum causing shoulder symptoms. .
The labrum is a sleeve-like section of cartilage, or fibrous tissue that conforms to the plate-shaped shoulder joint called the glenoid. This extension of the shoulder joint cradles the humerus, or upper arm bone, and provides a secure attachment of the upper arm to the trunk. This sheath gives the shoulder stability by allowing the arm to move in more ways than most other parts of the body. The tear to the lip often includes both the front and back of this protective sheath, a condition called anterior-to-posterior upper lip tear (SLAP).
A SLAP injury results from damage to the upper section of the cartilage. This affects the area where the biceps or front muscles of the upper arm engage the shoulder complex. This injury often extends to the back or rear section and causes total shoulder pain.
Commonly the result of a shoulder strain injury from repetitive overhead activities or a fall with an outstretched arm, a posterior shoulder injury can result in decreased shoulder stability. It can also cause movement difficulties or dysfunctions and a “cogwheel” effect with attempts at shoulder movement. A cogwheel effect is the sensation of the shoulder jumping or locking up during movement, especially overhead movements with this type of shoulder injury.
Treatment of a posterior shoulder injury depends on the severity of the injury. Rest and ice are indicated for the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury, with anti-inflammatory medications to manage the side effects of swelling and inflammation. Physical therapy management involves pain-relieving techniques followed by an exercise and stretching routine to help return pain-free and unrestricted movement to the shoulder. In severe cases, surgery is needed to repair the damaged cartilage and restore stability and motion to the shoulder.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
