Shoulder Pain

What causes shoulder pain?

Your shoulder pain could be due to a wide range of injuries and degenerative conditions. The complex structure of your shoulder and the extensive range of motion increase your risk of shoulder injury, especially if you’re an athlete or if you have a physically demanding job. If you injure your shoulder on the job, your doctor at South Lake Pain Institute can complete your workers’ compensation paperwork.

Shoulder injuries usually fall into four categories:

• Soft tissue inflammation like tendinitis or bursitis
• Instability or dislocation
• Arthritis
• Fractures

Less common problems such as nerve impingement can also cause shoulder pain.

How is the cause of shoulder pain diagnosed?

At South Lake Pain Institute, your doctor diagnoses the cause of your shoulder pain with a detailed physical exam and consultation about your medical history and symptoms.

Your doctor may order diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs or CT scans to see the inside of your shoulder in more detail. They may also recommend arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that allows your doctor to examine your shoulder in even more detail.

The team at South Lake Pain Institute also provides electrodiagnostic studies such as electromyograms to evaluate your nerve function

How is shoulder pain treated?

The doctors at South Lake Pain Institute practice a holistic approach to pain management. In addition to relieving your pain, they aim to heal the condition responsible for your discomfort and restore your overall wellness. Your treatment is completely customized to address your needs, and it may include a variety of treatments.

Shoulder pain is often due to degenerative conditions like arthritis or overuse injuries that cause inflammation in the joint. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce your swelling. Steroid injections are also an effective anti-inflammatory treatment.

You may also benefit from wearing a sling to stabilize and support your shoulder. As your injury or condition heals, your doctor prescribes physical therapy to help you rebuild your strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

If shoulder pain is disrupting your normal activities and doesn’t subside after a few days of rest, call or schedule an appointment online for expert pain management services.