A one-time shoulder pop can be overlooked. However, continuous popping accompanied by shoulder pain when lifting the arm can indicate a problem. In this blog, we will begin by explaining the causes of shoulder pain and popping and how you can manage them effectively.
Why Does Popping Happen?
Popping or clicking sounds in the joints, medically known as crepitus, can occur due to several reasons, such as:
- The release of gas bubbles in the joint fluid (cavitation)
- Tendons or ligaments snapping over bones
- Friction from injury or arthritis
Occasional, painless popping is usually harmless. However, if it’s accompanied by pain, it may indicate an underlying issue that requires medical assessment.
Reasons for Shoulder Pain and Popping When Lifting an Arm
Let’s look at the reasons why your shoulder may pop along with pain when you lift your arm:
1. Cavitation (Harmless Joint Popping)
Sometimes, a popping sound happens when air bubbles in the joint fluid burst as you move your arm quickly. This is similar to cracking your knuckles and is usually harmless if there’s no pain.
2. Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help keep your shoulder stable. Injuries like tears or inflammation (tendonitis) can cause pain, weakness, and a popping or clicking sound, especially when you lift your arm.
3. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
This happens when the rotator cuff tendons get pinched between the bones in your shoulder. It causes inflammation, sharp pain, and sometimes a popping feeling when you raise your arm above shoulder level.
4. Labral Tears
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps hold the shoulder joint in place. If it tears—often due to injury or repeated motion, you might feel pain, hear popping, or experience a shoulder lock.
5. Scapulothoracic Bursitis
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction in the shoulder. When they become inflamed due to overuse or injury, they can cause pain and a popping sound when you lift your arm.
6. Osteoarthritis
As the cartilage in the shoulder wears down over time, the bones may start to rub together. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and popping or grinding sounds when you move your arm.
7. Osteochondroma
This is a non-cancerous bone growth that can develop near the shoulder. It may cause popping or clicking noises, as well as pain or numbness, if it presses on nearby tissues.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If your shoulder pops and you also experience pain, weakness, swelling, stiffness, or trouble moving your arm, it’s essential to consult a doctor. Getting checked early can help prevent problems like rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, or arthritis from worsening.
Final Word
Shoulder popping and pain when lifting your arm can happen for many reasons. While some are harmless, like cavitation, others might indicate an underlying issue, such as impingement, cuff tears, labral tears, osteoarthritis, and more.
If you are experiencing pain while lifting your arm, consult our experts at Genesis Pain Clinic by calling us at (913) 871-9888.