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Contents
  • Understanding the AC Joint
  • Common AC Joint Disorders
  • Diagnosing AC Joint Problems

What's Causing Your Shoulder Pain? Understanding Acromioclavicular Joint Disorders

What's Causing Your Shoulder Pain? Understanding Acromioclavicular Joint Disorders

The Big Picture

Shoulder pain can be tricky, especially when it stems from the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. This article helps you understand the various conditions affecting the AC joint, so you can recognize symptoms and seek proper care.
Contents
  • Understanding the AC Joint
  • Common AC Joint Disorders
  • Diagnosing AC Joint Problems

Understanding the AC Joint

The AC joint connects the collarbone to the shoulder blade and is supported by ligaments and muscles. Over time, this joint naturally wears down, often without causing pain. However, when it does become painful, it's usually due to conditions like arthritis or injuries.

Common AC Joint Disorders

AC joint disorders can result from acute injuries, such as falls, or chronic issues like arthritis. Symptoms often include shoulder pain and tenderness at the top of the shoulder. Repetitive stress and overuse can also lead to these disorders.
Conditions affecting the AC joint, which connects the collarbone to the shoulder blade, often leading to shoulder pain and tenderness.

Diagnosing AC Joint Problems

Diagnosing AC joint issues involves a thorough physical exam, and sometimes imaging like X-rays or MRIs. Special tests, such as the cross body adduction test, help pinpoint the problem. In some cases, a local anesthetic injection can confirm the diagnosis.

FAQs

What is the AC joint?

It's where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade.

What causes AC joint pain?

Injuries, arthritis, and repetitive stress can cause pain.

How is AC joint pain diagnosed?

Through physical exams and imaging tests.

Can AC joint issues heal on their own?

Some mild cases improve with rest and care.

Key Takeaways

Identifying AC joint problems early can prevent long-term complications.
Get started on understanding your shoulder pain by discussing it with Doctronic.
Additional References
  1. Renfree KJ, Wright TW. Anatomy and biomechanics of the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints. Clin Sports Med 2003; 22:219.
  2. Montellese P, Dancy T. The acromioclavicular joint. Prim Care 2004; 31:857.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.