What is shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, along with back pain, neck pain, and knee pain. The shoulder has a broader range of motion than any other joint in your body. However, this extensive mobility leaves the shoulder vulnerable to many injuries and illnesses that cause pain.
Three bones come together at your shoulder joint: the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and collarbone (clavicle).
Cartilage and fluid-filled sacs called bursae cushion the joint, while a group of four tendons known as the rotator cuff allows you to move your arm in various directions. Shoulder pain may arise from damage to any of these structures.
What causes shoulder pain?
The team at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine treats the full spectrum of conditions that can cause shoulder pain, including:
- Rotator cuff tears or tendinitis
- Fractures and dislocations
- Chronic shoulder instability
- Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Shoulder impingement
- Bursitis, or inflammation of the bursa
- Frozen shoulder
- Cartilage tears
- Pinched nerve
- Bone spurs
Shoulder pain can begin suddenly, like from a fall or sports injury, or it may develop gradually. Overuse, repetitive stress, and age-related changes can all lead to shoulder pain.
How is shoulder pain diagnosed?
The team at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine conducts a comprehensive and individualized evaluation to accurately diagnose the cause of your shoulder pain. In addition to a physical exam and medical history review, they may take one or more of these diagnostic tests:
- X-ray
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Nerve conduction study
In some cases, they may perform shoulder arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a thin, flexible camera to see inside your joint. If your surgeon detects a problem during arthroscopy, they may repair it in the same procedure.
How is shoulder pain treated?
After they diagnose the cause of your shoulder pain, the team at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine creates a customized treatment plan. Depending on your specific needs, treatment for shoulder pain may include:
- Activity modification
- Pain-relieving medications
- Joint injections
- Stem cell therapy
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Prolotherapy
- Tenex minimally invasive procedure for chronic tendon pain
If you continue to experience shoulder pain after trying conservative treatments, the team at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine may recommend surgery.
For comprehensive care of shoulder pain, call your nearest Performance Pain and Sports Medicine office today.
