Rotator cuff injuries are a common cause of pain and disability among adults. Each year, almost 2 million people in the United States visit their doctors because of a rotator cuff problem. This might seem like a new problem but it isn’t. In generations past, rotator cuff problems were often referred to as “bursitis” of the shoulder and was very common.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Injuries?

Most shoulder injuries occur in part because the underlying muscles are not working correctly. This contributes to dysfunction of the rotator cuff, degenerative labral tears, bone spurs and other shoulder problems.

These underlying muscular problems often trace back to improper body mechanics and other factors you can control. Some causes are hereditary. Some rotator cuff injuries happen suddenly to young, healthy people who have accidents.