Shoulder and Arm Pain Associated with Intrinsic and Cervical Lesions

Abstract

Shoulder and arm, pain may be associated with intrinsic lesions of the shoulder joint, such as calcareous deposits or lesions of the long head of the biceps tendon, or irritation of one or more nerve roots in the lower cervical spine. Degeneration of the lower cervical disks is a common occurrence in people over 35 years of age. This degenerative process may or may not be associated with lateral protrusion of cervical disk material or osteophyte formation causing nerve root pressure. Intrinsic lesions of the shoulder joint proper may cause a similar arm pain. These lesions are discussed from diagnostic and therapeutic points of view.