A variety of reasons and diseases can cause shoulder pain. The most prevalent cause is rotator cuff tendinitis. Swollen tendons distinguish this disease. Impingement syndrome is another frequent cause of shoulder pain, in which the rotator cuff becomes stuck between the acromion (the region of the scapula that surrounds the ball) and the humeral head (the ball portion of your humerus). Furthermore, injury to another part of your body, the neck or biceps, can cause shoulder pain Brunswick: This is called referred pain. However, referred pain does not usually worsen as you move the shoulder.
How to diagnose shoulder pain
Your specialist will begin with a physical exam to rule out any structural issues and anything involving your spine or neck. They will then evaluate your range of motion to see how strong and flexible your shoulder is. This will include moving your arms in different directions, like above your head, across your body, or behind you, and rotating them 90 or 180 degrees. Also, your physician may suggest one or more imaging tests to obtain a better look:
- X-rays: These can assist your doctor in determining the presence of bone spurs, arthritis, and other bone-related reasons for your shoulder discomfort. Your specialist may also consider an arthrogram, which involves injecting dye into the joint to make the details more visible.
- An MRI scan: This device creates detailed photos of your shoulder using radio waves and a strong magnet.
- CT scan: This is a sequence of X-rays captured from various angles. Combined, they can give your doctor a complete picture of what’s going on with your shoulder.
- Electromyography (EMG): This evaluates the electrical activity in the muscles to discover if there are any nerve abnormalities.
Treatment options for shoulder pain
The origin and severity of the shoulder discomfort will determine the course of treatment. Physical or occupational treatment, sling or shoulder immobilizer, and surgery are among the possibilities of therapy. Your specialist may also prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory medications that can be either orally or injected into your shoulder by your doctor. Minor shoulder discomfort is treatable at home. For many days, icing the shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes three or four times a day might help relieve pain. Because placing ice directly on your skin can cause frostbite and burns, use an ice bag or wrap ice in a towel. Resting your shoulder for several days before returning to normal activities and avoiding any movements that may cause discomfort may be helpful. Also, limit extraneous work or hobbies.
Shoulder pain can range from minor to severe and appear abruptly or gradually. Fractures, tissue inflammation or rips, joint or ligament instability, and arthritis are all potential causes of shoulder discomfort. It can also be caused by problems that have nothing to do with the shoulder. The treatment for shoulder discomfort can differ based on the situation. Rest, medicine, and physical therapy are all possible treatments. Additionally, surgery may be necessary for some difficult situations.
If you fall or feel a sharp tug, you should visit your doctor immediately since it might be a torn tendon. Also, inform your doctor if your discomfort persists despite a solid treatment plan. Call Performance Pain and Sports Medicine or book your consultation online to determine which shoulder pain therapy works for you.