Shoulder popping can often be harmless, linked to gas bubbles or tendon movement, but significant pain may indicate underlying injuries like labral or rotator cuff tears.
Effective treatment options range from conservative methods like rest, ice, and physical therapy to surgical interventions for severe cases.
You may hear a clicking sound when the tendons or ligaments in your shoulder rub against a bone.
Here, I will cover the causes, symptoms, and solutions to help you manage a pop in the shoulder.
Shoulder Popping
Shoulder popping is those noises popping, clicking, or cracking you hear when you move your shoulder. It’s the ball-and-socket joint, a complex mix of muscles, tendons, and bones.
Most of the time it’s just gas escaping from the joint, and it doesn’t hurt at all.
But sometimes a pop means something else entirely. From gas bubbles to tendon movement or even injuries like labral tears, knowing why your shoulder pops can help you manage it better.
Common Causes of Shoulder Popping
Shoulder popping can be caused by many things that can cause discomfort or limited movement. Here are some common culprits:
- Gas in the joint space
- Tendons moving over bone
- Labral tears
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Dislocated shoulder: This can cause painful clicking and needs to be evaluated by a professional.
Knowing these causes will help you choose the right treatment and avoid further injury to your shoulder. Well, let’s talk about it in detail.
1. Gas in the Joint
When you move your shoulder, those popping sounds are often from cavitation—gas bubbles forming and bursting in the joint. Good news: it’s harmless!
2. Tendon Movement
During certain shoulder movements, especially those that require a lot of motion, tendons can rub against nearby bones and cause those popping sounds.
3. Labral Tear
A labral tear is damage to the cartilage in your shoulder and can cause popping and discomfort. This can limit your ability to lift your arm and make many movements. Sometimes surgery is needed to fix the labrum and get you back to normal.
4. Rotator Cuff Tears
Popping sounds when you move your shoulder can also mean rotator cuff tears. Those injuries can come with grinding or cracking sounds and mean a bigger problem in the joint. Healthcare professionals can use those sounds to diagnose the issue and recommend treatment.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Shoulder popping doesn’t always come with pain, but when it does, it’s a sign something needs attention.
That popping sound is called crepitus and is due to inflammation in the bursae, those fluid-filled sacs that help your shoulder move smoothly.
Watch for other symptoms like swelling, change in shape of your shoulder, or numbness in your arm and hand. If rest and over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, it’s time to seek professional advice.
Pain and Discomfort
Labral injuries can cause painful popping in your shoulder. If you have a rotator cuff tear, you may notice popping during movement and discomfort. This can really impact your daily life.
Limited Movement
Shoulder popping can limit your range of motion and make it hard to lift your arm or pick up things. Addressing these limitations quickly will prevent further problems.
Other Sounds
Clicking or popping sounds can mean mechanical changes in the joint due to rotator cuff injuries. Those sounds can help diagnose shoulder problems and guide treatment.
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Diagnosing Shoulder Issues
To address shoulder popping and related problems, healthcare providers will use a combination of diagnostic tests, including physical exams, imaging tests, and reviews of your medical history.
Treatments can range from rest and physical therapy to medication and surgery depending on the severity of the issue.
Physical Exam
The exam starts with a visual inspection, then palpation. Then they’ll check your range of motion and do strength tests. One common test is the empty can test, which can reveal injuries to the supraspinatus tendon.
Imaging Tests
To get a clear picture of what’s going on in your shoulder imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs and ultrasounds are used. X-rays are good for fractures, and MRIs are good for soft tissue issues like ligament or tendon tears.
Medical History
Your medical history is key to figuring out what’s causing your shoulder issues. This helps guide the diagnostic tests and treatment plans.
So now you know about shoulder popping. Go get help if you need it!
Treatment Options for Shoulder Popping
A variety of treatment methods are available to tackle the issue of shoulder popping, which include both non-invasive approaches and surgical procedures.
It is essential to ensure correct posture when seated or upright in order to prevent undue stress on the shoulder that can lead to popping during routine tasks.
Rest and Ice
Rest and ice are the two most effective ways to reduce pain and swelling. In fact, they are most effective in the first 24 to 72 hours after an injury. By applying ice, you can reduce inflammation and help your shoulder heal.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is another option. It helps you build strength and flexibility in your shoulder muscles, which is good for the joint.
You’ll be doing exercises that target the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles. This way you’re relieving stress on the joint itself.
Medications
If you need quick relief, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with shoulder popping.
They reduce swelling and inflammation so you can get back to what you love.
Surgical Interventions
Sometimes conservative treatments just don’t work. If your shoulder injury is severe enough, surgery might be an option. Always consult with a healthcare provider to see if that’s the right path for you.
8 Ways to Prevent Shoulder Injuries
You can take control of your shoulder health by incorporating warm-up exercises, strengthening routines, and ergonomic adjustments into your daily life.
- Proper Warm-Up
Before you start any physical activity, don’t skip the warm-up! Shoulder circles and arm swings are great ways to prepare your shoulder joint. They can improve shoulder function and reduce the risk of injury by 90%.
- Strengthening Exercises
Physical therapy can also increase your shoulder’s flexibility and strength. This can reduce that annoying popping noise.
Exercises like lateral raises and rows are great for stabilizing the muscles around your shoulder joint. Remember the upper arm bone connects to the shoulder blade, forming the shoulder joint, which relies on muscles, tendons, and ligaments for support.
- Ergonomic Adjustments
Setting up your workspace correctly can really reduce the stress on your shoulder during daily tasks. An adjustable chair and a properly positioned monitor can make a big difference, especially during long hours at the computer.
- Strengthen Muscles
Do exercises that target the rotator cuff and shoulder stabilizers to support the joint and prevent strain.
- Posture
Don’t slouch and keep your shoulders in line to reduce strain on the joint.
- Technique
Whether lifting or doing repetitive tasks, use the right form to not overload the shoulder.
- Take Breaks
Don’t overuse by giving your shoulders a break during repetitive or heavy activities.
- Avoid Heavy Overhead Lifting
Limit or adjust heavy lifting above shoulder level to not overload.
When to See a Doctor
Now if you’re experiencing shoulder popping with pain, it’s time to act. While popping alone is not alarming, persistent or worsening symptoms definitely see your healthcare provider.
