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What can I do About Shoulder Popping?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

Shoulder popping occurs for a number of different reasons. Thus, the best way to find out how to stop shoulder popping is to determine the cause of the problem. Inflamed muscles, tendon movement, postural problems, broken bones, arthritis, dislocation, and bursitis are all possible reasons why a shoulder may pop.

Since many of the aforementioned conditions can't be divulged with the naked eye, the best course of action is to visit with a medical professional. Through a series of x-rays and tests, a medical doctor should be able to determine the cause of shoulder popping. Broken bones, shoulder dislocation, and bursitis may all require medical prescriptions. However, pain caused by postural problems, tendon movement, and inflamed muscles can be eradicated by following a few simple steps.

Shoulding popping may be the result of inflamed muscles.
Shoulding popping may be the result of inflamed muscles.

First, make sure that any workspace area is ergonomically correct. Purchase a desk chair that was made to support the spinal area, and be sure that your computer keyboard is comfortably within reach. People who slouch, bend, or sit in an awkward position for long periods of time may experience should tension, which can lead to shoulder popping.

Next, give stretching a try. By joining a yoga class, or learning how to stretch properly, shoulder popping can be kept to a minimum. Frequently, tight muscles and tendons can cause a shoulder to pop, though stretching the area on a daily basis will help. Also, speak with a licensed physiotherapist about easy shoulder exercises. By strengthening the shoulder area, shoulder popping is less likely to occur.

Having bursitis is one reason that a person’s shoulder may pop.
Having bursitis is one reason that a person’s shoulder may pop.

Those people who experience inflammation and swelling due to shoulder problems should apply ice to the affected area. If swelling and inflammation occur frequently, medical attention should be sought. Some people may also find that shoulder pain develops while working with heavy weights. In this instance, a certain movement or weight could cause the shoulder to pop. If this happens, the best course of action is to stop performing any exercise that may create discomfort or pain within the shoulder area.

A series of X-rays can help a doctor determine the cause of a shoulder popping.
A series of X-rays can help a doctor determine the cause of a shoulder popping.

Whether or not popping a shoulder feels good, this action should be avoided. Continuous popping of the shoulder may cause serious inflammation and further damage. A shoulder that is dislocated is a shoulder that requires medical attention. If any of the above symptoms seem familiar, it is best to speak with a qualified doctor. This way, the root of a shoulder problem can be uncovered and fixed for good.

Discussion Comments

anon257419

I have a problem with my shoulder. I was a sports person. I used to play cricket but after some time, my shoulder just came out of the socket. I had to stretch my hand to bring it back to its normal position. It became worse as even I tried to yawn and mu shoulders would go back, it just came out of the socket.

I can't play cricket anymore because of this shoulder problem. I used to do regular exercises, so how could this happen to me?

hamje32

@Mammmood - I totally agree with you about the cortisone injections. I read that if you have shoulder weakness and you take too many cortisone shots, your shoulder muscles could tear. In a worst case scenario you would then require surgery.

You might want to visit an orthopedic specialist who will give you specific exercises to perform. He can also determine if there are other conditions which are exacerbating the problem, like tendinitis for example.

Mammmood

@DentalFloss - I have shoulder popping, and I know exactly why.

I have bursitis, one of the most common diseases that create this condition. This came about through years of bad posture while working on the computer. Eventually I developed an inflammation in the rotator cuff region of my shoulder (that’s what the doctor said, anyway) and that’s what causes the shoulder to pop.

I avoid medicines however. I prefer to ice the affected area when the inflammation and pain get to be too bad. Medicines like non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) have been known to create stomach problems over the long haul.

I also avoid cortisone shots, although my doctor did offer that once.

DentalFloss

One of my friends used to have trouble with his shoulder popping all the time. He thought it was just the way his shoulder was, but when he finally went to the doctor about it he had a serious problem with his posture; that shoulder was way weaker than the other, and it was throwing his whole body off balance.

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    • Shoulding popping may be the result of inflamed muscles.
      By: Syda Productions
      Shoulding popping may be the result of inflamed muscles.
    • Having bursitis is one reason that a person’s shoulder may pop.
      By: Dirima
      Having bursitis is one reason that a person’s shoulder may pop.
    • A series of X-rays can help a doctor determine the cause of a shoulder popping.
      By: Distinctive Images
      A series of X-rays can help a doctor determine the cause of a shoulder popping.
    • To avoid injury, weightlifters are recommended to use light weights and controlled movements when performing exercises such as lateral raises.
      By: queen21
      To avoid injury, weightlifters are recommended to use light weights and controlled movements when performing exercises such as lateral raises.
    • You should apply ice to your shoulder if you experience inflammation and swelling.
      By: Kzenon
      You should apply ice to your shoulder if you experience inflammation and swelling.
    • In some instances, a doctor may prescribe stretches and rotational movements that can help heal an injured shoulder.
      By: Africa Studio
      In some instances, a doctor may prescribe stretches and rotational movements that can help heal an injured shoulder.
    • Joining a yoga class may help teach a person how to stretch properly to avoid shoulder popping.
      By: lzf
      Joining a yoga class may help teach a person how to stretch properly to avoid shoulder popping.
    • Tight muscles can cause a shoulder to pop.
      By: Africa Studio
      Tight muscles can cause a shoulder to pop.