Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain afflicts many, with rotator cuff issues being the most common shoulder malady, afflicting an estimated 25% of people over the age of fifty. The shoulder joint, due to its mobility, allows for a lot of freedom of movement; this freedom, however, comes at a price. The mobility of the shoulder joint also makes it not very stable, which can make it prone to injury. Additionally, the four muscles of the rotator cuff that attach at the shoulder joint aid in mobility, but are also a common source of pain, discomfort, and injury.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is most often caused by repetitive, overhead movements like pitching, lifting heavy objects, or playing tennis. Another common cause of shoulder pain is rotator cuff impingement. This occurs most frequently in athletes and middle-aged adults. Rotator cuff pain can cause swelling and stiffness when raising the arm, as well as loss of strength and decreased range of motion.
Shoulder pain can also be caused by:
- Shoulder dislocation
- Abnormal shoulder structure
- Fracture
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Tendon tears
Symptoms
Shoulder pain has a wide range of symptoms and can range in severity from a dull, gradual ache to a sharp, severe pain.
Common symptoms of shoulder pain include:
Pain or discomfort when raising the arm over the head
Pain through the elbow, but not into the hand
Tenderness or weakness
Reduced range of motion
Muscle spasm
Numbness
Swelling
Tingling
Diagnosis
When diagnosing shoulder pain, a visit to a pain management specialist as early as possible is a vital step in preventing more serious injury. In addition to reviewing your medical history and conducting a thorough physical examination, your pain management specialist may administer one or all of the following tests:
• X-ray
• MRI
• ECG to rule out cardiac issues
• CT scan
Possible Treatments
Treatment for shoulder pain typically starts with shoulder exercises to help strengthen the muscle. Hot and cold therapy and anti-inflammatory medication (both OTC and prescription) may also be implemented to help alleviate the pain. Additional treatment options for shoulder pain include:
At 360 Pain Treatment, our mission is to provide compassionate pain relief, restore prior function and activity levels, and optimize the quality of life for all.
360 Pain Treatment aspires to create a culture of care in our communities by helping those suffering with pain to live more pain-free and thus improving their quality of life.
- Compassion for all who are ailing and in need of help.
- Advancement of minimally invasive healthcare procedures that firstly considers patient wellbeing.
- Respect and inclusion for everyone we serve in our communities.
- Excellence and efficiency in all that we do.
Success Stories
- Bob Johnson