What is the description for note pain in the lateral shoulder and posterior shoulder?

From the Guidelines

Pain in the lateral and posterior shoulder is most likely due to rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial impingement, or acromioclavicular joint pathology, and the patient should be evaluated with a thorough physical examination and imaging studies as needed, according to the American College of Radiology guidelines 1. The patient reports discomfort along the outer aspect of the shoulder extending to the back of the shoulder joint. Pain may worsen with overhead activities, reaching behind the back, or lying on the affected side. The patient describes the pain as aching, sharp, or burning in nature, potentially radiating down the lateral arm. Symptoms may include limited range of motion, weakness with certain movements, and nighttime discomfort. Examination reveals tenderness to palpation over the lateral deltoid region and posterior shoulder capsule, with possible pain reproduction during specific maneuvers such as Hawkins-Kennedy test, Neer's sign, or painful arc between 60-120 degrees of abduction. The patient may demonstrate weakness in external rotation or abduction against resistance, suggesting rotator cuff involvement. These findings are consistent with subacromial pathology affecting the structures beneath the acromion, including the supraspinatus tendon, subacromial bursa, and long head of biceps tendon.

Key Findings

• The prevalence of rotator cuff tears increases with age, with 54% of asymptomatic patients aged 60 years or older having sustained rotator cuff tears 1.
• Radiography is a useful initial screening modality for acute shoulder pain of all causes, and all radiographic shoulder studies should include frontal examinations 1.
• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has developed evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis, which includes recommendations for nonsurgical and surgical treatment options 1.

Recommendations

• A thorough physical examination and imaging studies, such as radiography, should be performed to evaluate the patient's shoulder pain 1.
• The patient's treatment plan should be individualized based on their age, severity of symptoms, radiographic findings, medical comorbidities, and patient characteristics 1.
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial impingement, and acromioclavicular joint pathology should be considered as potential causes of the patient's lateral and posterior shoulder pain, and treatment should be directed accordingly 1.

From the Research

Description of Note Pain in the Lateral Shoulder and Posterior Shoulder

• Note pain in the lateral shoulder and posterior shoulder can be caused by various conditions, including rotator cuff tears, impingement syndrome, adhesive capsulitis, and arthritis of the glenohumeral joint and acromioclavicular (AC) joint 2.
• The diagnosis of shoulder pain depends on a focused history and physical examination, as well as imaging tests such as radiographs, MRI, and ultrasound 2, 3, 4.
• Treatment options for shoulder pain include physical therapy, injections of corticosteroids into the joint space or bursa, and surgery 2, 3.

Causes of Lateral Shoulder and Posterior Shoulder Pain

• Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain, and can be diagnosed using MRI or ultrasound 5, 4.
• Impingement syndrome, which occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are compressed between the humeral head and the acromion, can also cause lateral shoulder pain 2.
• Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint 2.
• Arthritis of the glenohumeral joint and acromioclavicular (AC) joint can also cause shoulder pain 2.

Treatment Options for Lateral Shoulder and Posterior Shoulder Pain

• Intra-articular injection of corticosteroids can be an effective treatment for improving range of motion and reducing pain in patients with rotator cuff tears 5.
• Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also be used to manage rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, although the type of improvement perceived by patients may differ between these two medications 6.
• Ultrasound-guided injection and other techniques, including steroid injections, hydrodilatation, barbotage, and extracorporeal shockwave treatment, can be used to treat various conditions that cause shoulder pain 3.