Are You Shouldering the Load of a Rotator Cuff Tear?

The form and function of the shoulder is unlike any other in the human body. Unfortunately, pain and problems in this joint can also be unlike anything else you have ever experienced.

Anyone who has suffered from a shoulder problem knows that it can be extremely limiting and painful. Trying to determine whether you have a minor shoulder problem or a major one – such as a rotator cuff tear – can be challenging, to say the least. A visit to your chiropractic or medical doctor might not provide a definitive diagnosis of your condition. This being the case, hopefully you don’t expect to get an accurate diagnosis just by reading this or any other article. However, this valuable information can help you determine the best course of action in how to address your shoulder problem.

Your shoulder joint is very unique; it is held together by muscles and tendons moreso than by ligaments and bones, unlike most other joints in the body. This design allows for an incredible range of motion in your shoulder joint while at the same time providing considerable strength and resilience.

Since your shoulder isn't dependant on ligaments as much as other joints (the knee, for example), it is fairly uncommon to sprain your shoulder joint, with the exception of the A-C joint (acromioclavicular) at the top of the shoulder. More typically a shoulder injury will involve the tendons, muscles, nerves and blood vessels. Perhaps the most common shoulder problem you can experience involves the rotator cuff.

What is the Rotator Cuff?

The rotator cuff (commonly misspelled "rotator cup", "rotary cuff", "rotary cup" or "rotor cup") is located at the top of the upper arm bone (also known as the head of the humerus bone). It consists of a collection of four muscles and their tendons as they connect to the upper part of the humerus bone. The muscles and tendons wrap around the shoulder joint, effectively covering the front, top and back side of the bone.

The muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff enable you to raise your arm, reach behind your back and carry your arm through the entire throwing motion. The most common injury to the rotator cuff involves swelling or tearing of the tendons near their attachment into the bone of the upper arm. A rotator cuff tear can involve the actual attachment of the tendon into the bone and it can also extend past the tendon into the muscle itself.

What is a Torn Rotator Cuff?

A partial or complete rupture of one of the tendons of the rotator cuff is known as a rotator cuff tear or a torn rotator cuff. The tear can occur in one or a number of the tendons of the rotator cuff, with more severe rotator cuff tears involving more of the tendons. A torn rotator cuff can occur as a result of an injury or due to overuse/repetitive strain of the shoulder joint.

In younger individuals a torn rotator cuff is more commonly due to an injury, especially in contact sports or sports which utilize a racquet or a club (such as golf or baseball). In older individuals a rotator cuff tear is usually as a result of overuse or repetitive motion irritations.

How Common are Rotator Cuff Tears?

Rotator cuff tears become more common with age. Some studies have found that as much as 70% of individuals over the age of 80 have a torn rotator cuff, while in those under 70 the percentage decreases to 30%. Many times a torn rotator cuff can be asymptomatic, meaning that there is not a great deal of pain or loss of ability that accompanies the problem.

Often times, however, a rotator cuff injury can cause intense pain and significant loss of function. Getting proper diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner is essential to obtain the fullest recovery possible.