Popping Sound In Shoulder When Throwing
Popping Sound In Shoulder When Throwing 4,6/5 1495 votes
I have a long story to narrate, and an MRI result to show.
This problem started off with clicking/popping/grinding in the shoulder when I did weighted or unweighted lateral raises. The popping would be more prominent with the thumbs pointed down. I have been strengthening the RC muscles by doing external/internal rotations and other band exercises for the past few months.
I showed this to a couple of doctors and they ordered x-rays to make sure there was no bone-on-bone grinding, which there wasn't, thankfully.
Then a doctor ordered a supraspinatus outlet-view x-ray and that revealed a bone spur on the acromion. I also got an MRI done without contrast. Here is the report of the MRI, which I'd appreciate if someone could comment on:
BEGIN MRI REPORT
Study: MRI of the left shoulder without contrast
Findings: The acromioclavicular joint is unremarkable.
There is diffuse thickening of the posterior aspect of the supraspinatus tendon, without focal tearing. The remaining portions of the supraspinatus tendon are unremarkable. The infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis tendons are unremarkable. No muscle atrophy of the rotator cuff is identified.
The biceps tenon is unremarkable. There is abnormal increased signal within the anterior labrum (axial sequence, images 12, 15) of unclear etiology. Further evaluation is limited owing to lack of significant joint effusion. There is no associated Hill-Sachs deformity.
The humeral head is normally situated. Normal marrow signal intensity is seen.
Impression:
1. Abnormal signal intensity within the anterior labrum of unclear etiology. Further evaluation is limited owing to lack of significant joint effusion. An MR arthrogram is recommended for further evaulation.
2. Mild tendinosis of the posterior aspect of the supraspinatus tendon, without tearing.
END MRI REPORT
According to the ortho, I have a tear in the labrum on the anterior side. He gave me a cortisone shot, to see if that reduces the thickening of the supraspinatus and told me that further evaluation will be done after a few weeks (to let the cortisone take it's effect).
Currently when I do normal activity (office work, etc.), there is no pain. When I do lateral raises there is a click at around 90 - 110 degrees abduction, especially audible when the thumbs are pointed down. Even with this click if it is unweighted, there is no pain. But the shoulder feels unstable if abducted at around 90 degrees in a lateral position. Moving the arm back and forth in this position produces clicking sounds and a slight pain if loaded. Wide grip chin-ups will also pain a bit at the lowest fully-extended position (along with the grind/click).
What I want to know is this:
Has anyone experienced something like this? What do you think of the ortho's conclusion? How much does an anterior labrum tear hurt? Could this just be the RC strumming against the bone spur? I am going to another ortho to get a second opinion in a few weeks.
This problem started off with clicking/popping/grinding in the shoulder when I did weighted or unweighted lateral raises. The popping would be more prominent with the thumbs pointed down. I have been strengthening the RC muscles by doing external/internal rotations and other band exercises for the past few months.
I showed this to a couple of doctors and they ordered x-rays to make sure there was no bone-on-bone grinding, which there wasn't, thankfully.
Then a doctor ordered a supraspinatus outlet-view x-ray and that revealed a bone spur on the acromion. I also got an MRI done without contrast. Here is the report of the MRI, which I'd appreciate if someone could comment on:
BEGIN MRI REPORT
Study: MRI of the left shoulder without contrast
Findings: The acromioclavicular joint is unremarkable.
There is diffuse thickening of the posterior aspect of the supraspinatus tendon, without focal tearing. The remaining portions of the supraspinatus tendon are unremarkable. The infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis tendons are unremarkable. No muscle atrophy of the rotator cuff is identified.
The biceps tenon is unremarkable. There is abnormal increased signal within the anterior labrum (axial sequence, images 12, 15) of unclear etiology. Further evaluation is limited owing to lack of significant joint effusion. There is no associated Hill-Sachs deformity.
The humeral head is normally situated. Normal marrow signal intensity is seen.
Impression:
1. Abnormal signal intensity within the anterior labrum of unclear etiology. Further evaluation is limited owing to lack of significant joint effusion. An MR arthrogram is recommended for further evaulation.
2. Mild tendinosis of the posterior aspect of the supraspinatus tendon, without tearing.
END MRI REPORT
According to the ortho, I have a tear in the labrum on the anterior side. He gave me a cortisone shot, to see if that reduces the thickening of the supraspinatus and told me that further evaluation will be done after a few weeks (to let the cortisone take it's effect).
Currently when I do normal activity (office work, etc.), there is no pain. When I do lateral raises there is a click at around 90 - 110 degrees abduction, especially audible when the thumbs are pointed down. Even with this click if it is unweighted, there is no pain. But the shoulder feels unstable if abducted at around 90 degrees in a lateral position. Moving the arm back and forth in this position produces clicking sounds and a slight pain if loaded. Wide grip chin-ups will also pain a bit at the lowest fully-extended position (along with the grind/click).
What I want to know is this:
Has anyone experienced something like this? What do you think of the ortho's conclusion? How much does an anterior labrum tear hurt? Could this just be the RC strumming against the bone spur? I am going to another ortho to get a second opinion in a few weeks.
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Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 3, 2020.
If you have snapping, popping, and other cracking noises in your shoulders, you might be wondering what's causing these sounds and what you can do to get.
- Care Notes
- Overview
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
What is a rotator cuff injury?
A rotator cuff injury is damage to the muscles or tendons of your rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder joint in place. The damage may include muscle stretching, tendon tears, or bursa inflammation. The bursa is a fluid sac around the joint.
What are the signs and symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?
- Pain that may be constant or come and go (such as only when you lie on the injured shoulder)
- Pain or stiffness in your shoulder that travels down your arm
- Trouble lifting your arm or placing it behind your back
- Trouble moving or using your shoulder
- A swollen shoulder that may be painful to the touch
- Numbness in part or all of your arm
- A popping noise along with pain when you lift your arm
How is a rotator cuff injury diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask if you have had an injury or surgery on your shoulder. He or she will examine your shoulder, and test the strength and movement of your arm. You may need other tests to show what is causing your symptoms:
- Ultrasound pictures may show fluid or swelling around your rotator cuff.
- X-ray, CT scan, or MRI pictures may show an injury or other problems causing your symptoms. You may be given contrast liquid to help your shoulder show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with any metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
How is a rotator cuff injury treated?
- Medicines may be needed for pain or inflammation.
- A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help improve shoulder movement and strength, and decrease pain. You may learn changes to daily activities that will help decrease stress on your tendons.
- Surgery may be needed if your injury is severe or your symptoms do not improve. Surgery may be used to clean away damaged tissue or fix a tear. A piece of another tissue or muscle may be used to fix a badly torn tendon. The bone of your shoulder joint may be reshaped so it stays in place. An artificial joint made of metal and plastic may be put into your shoulder.
How can I care for my rotator cuff injury at home?
- Rest may help your shoulder heal. Overuse of your shoulder can make your injury worse. Avoid heavy lifting, putting your arms over your head, or sports that need an overhead or throwing motion. Any of these movements can cause or worsen a rotator cuff injury.
- Put ice on your shoulder every few hours for the first several days. Ice helps decrease pain and swelling. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Wrap a towel around the bag before you put it on your shoulder. Apply ice for 15 minutes every hour, or as directed.
- Put heat on your shoulder when directed. After the first several days, heat may help relax the muscles in your shoulder. Use a heat pack or heating pad. Apply heat for 20 minutes every hour, or as directed.
When should I call my doctor or orthopedist?
- You suddenly cannot move your arm.
- The pain in your shoulder or arm is not improving, or is worse than before you started treatment.
- You have new pain in your neck.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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