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What can I do About Shoulder Popping?

By Harriette Halepis
Updated May 17, 2024
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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Discussion Comments

By anon257419 — On Mar 26, 2012

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?

By hamje32 — On Aug 08, 2011

@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.

By Mammmood — On Aug 07, 2011

@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.

By DentalFloss — On Aug 07, 2011

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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