Shoulder Pain

Understanding Shoulder Pain

Your shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in your body, allowing for a wide range of motion. However, this mobility also makes it more vulnerable to injury and wear over time. The shoulder consists of three major bones—the humerus, clavicle, and scapula—along with a ball-and-socket joint cushioned by cartilage. It also includes key joints like the acromioclavicular and glenohumeral joints, which enable fluid movement.

The rotator cuff, made up of four tendons, plays a vital role in shoulder stability and movement. When these tendons become swollen or damaged, lifting your arm over your head can become painful and difficult. Shoulder pain can result from various causes, including sports injuries, repetitive motion, or underlying health conditions like heart or liver disease.

As we age, particularly after 60, the likelihood of experiencing shoulder pain increases due to natural wear and tear on the soft tissues. While some cases can be managed with home care, physical therapy, and medication, severe pain may require more advanced treatment options, including surgery.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Several factors can contribute to shoulder pain, with some of the most common being:

• Rotator cuff tendinitis– Inflammation of the tendons, often due to overuse
• Impingement syndrome– When the rotator cuff gets pinched between the humerus and the acromion
• Frozen shoulder– Stiffness and limited range of motion due to inflammation
• Dislocated shoulder– When the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket
• Torn rotator cuff– A partial or complete tear in the tendons of the rotator cuff
• Pinched nerves– Compression of nerves in the shoulder or neck causing pain and weakness
• Arthritis– Inflammation and degeneration of the shoulder joint
• Bone spurs– Extra bone growth that can cause irritation and limit movement

Some cases of shoulder pain may also stem from unrelated conditions, such as a heart attack, which requires immediate medical attention. If you suddenly experience shoulder pain along with dizziness, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, or pain in the jaw or neck, call 911 immediately.

Diagnosing Shoulder Pain

To accurately diagnose your shoulder pain, our specialists will begin with a thorough physical examination and a review of your medical history. We’ll assess joint stability, range of motion, and areas of tenderness. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs may be needed to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain.

If your pain persists despite home treatments, physical therapy, or medication, or if you experience symptoms like swelling, fever, or the inability to move your shoulder, it’s crucial to seek medical attention.

Shoulder Pain Treatment Options

At Precision Care, we offer a variety of treatment options tailored to your specific needs:

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Activity modification– Avoiding movements that aggravate pain
• Physical therapy– Strengthening exercises to improve mobility and prevent further injury
• Immobilization– Wearing a supportive brace or sling to reduce strain
• Medications– NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain

Surgical Treatments (for severe cases)

• Arthroscopy– A minimally invasive procedure to repair damaged tissue
• Rotator cuff repair– Surgical correction of torn tendons
• Shoulder joint replacement– Used for severe arthritis or irreparable damage