The shoulder is the point where your neck bones and hand bones connect. The joint enhances the flexible movements of your hand. The shoulder also consists of muscles and tendons that take part in motion. Damage to the muscles or tissues around your shoulder causes shoulder pain. As a result, you may experience discomfort and limited mobility, affecting your daily life activities. The shoulder pain Brunswick specialists at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine offer customized treatments to relieve pain and restore your shoulder’s function. Read on to learn more about shoulder pain.
What is shoulder pain?
Like back pain and neck pain, shoulder pain is also common. The shoulder enhances the widest range of motion than any other body joint. The function of enhancing mobility makes the shoulder susceptible to various injuries and diseases, causing pain.
The shoulder joint is the meeting point for three bones, including the shoulder blade, collarbone, and upper arm bone.
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that offer protection to the joint, while tendons, known as the rotator cuff, enhance flexibility. Damage to the tendons or cartilage leads to shoulder pain.
What are the causes of shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain can result from various health conditions, including the following:
· Fractures and dislocations
· Shoulder impingement
· Frozen shoulder
· Pinched nerve
· Chronic shoulder instability
· Rotator cuff tears or tendinitis
· Bone spurs
· Cartilage tears
· Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
· Bursitis
Shoulder pain may develop suddenly or may occur over some time. Sports injury, a fall, overuse, degenerative issues, and repetitive stress may cause shoulder pain.
When to seek medical care for shoulder pain?
If your shoulder pain stays longer than a few days, it may be time to call your provider for a consultation. You should also see a health care provider if your shoulder pain has the following:
· Swelling
· Fever
· Redness
· Skin discoloration around the shoulder area
· Persistence pain for more than two weeks
Diagnosis of shoulder pain
Your provider conducts a thorough evaluation to diagnose your shoulder pain accurately. The team at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine also reviews your medical history, perform a physical exam, and takes diagnostic tests, such as:
· MRI
· CT scan
· X-rays
· Musculoskeletal ultrasound
· Nerve conduction study
They may also perform shoulder arthroscopy, which involves a non-invasive procedure that uses a thin, flexible camera to view the inside of your joint. Your provider may also use arthroscopy to repair the problem if any is present. Another effective non-invasive procedure that can be performed is red light therapy for shoulder pain which can bring fast-acting and effective relief without the long list of negative side effects.
Treatments for shoulder pain
Your provider uses your diagnostic results to create a treatment plan. The team at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine offers the following treatment options for shoulder pain.
· Stem cell therapy
· Activity modification
· Pain-relieving medications
· Platelet-rich plasma
· Joint injections
· Tenex minimally invasive procedure for chronic tendon pain
· Prolotherapy
If conservative treatments do not provide pain relief and the comfort you deserve, your provider may suggest surgery.
The shoulder is critical in various motion functions, making it prone to damage and pain. The pain occurs due to damage to the muscles and tissues in your shoulder. Shoulder pain causes limited mobility and may interfere with your daily activities. Call Performance Pain and Sports Medicine today to schedule your consultation.
