Shoulder Pain

What is shoulder pain?

Your shoulder joint connects your upper arm bone to your torso. It’s made up of muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones. 

Shoulder pain feels uncomfortable and may prevent you from completing simple everyday tasks. See the Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine team if shoulder pain is severe or doesn’t go away with at-home care.

What does shoulder pain feel like?

Shoulder pain could appear as:

• Sharp pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Dull, aching discomfort
• Inability to raise your arm above your head
• Reduced range of motion
• Inability to lift objects
• Bruising
• Redness
• Warmth
• Instability
• Weakness

Your pain could be mild and go away over time, or severe and crippling. Treatment at Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine can speed up healing and reduce the risk of further damage. 

What are the risk factors for shoulder pain?

Common causes and risk factors for developing shoulder discomfort include:

• Rotator cuff injuries
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Bone spurs
• Dislocation
• Fractures
• Shoulder separation
• Frozen shoulder
• Poor shoulder mechanics or posture
• Tendon overuse
• Tendonitis
• Sprains
• Torn cartilage 
• Tendon ruptures

You might sustain a shoulder injury while lifting something heavy, being in a car accident, playing sports, falling down, or getting injured at work.

How does my doctor diagnose the cause of shoulder pain?

To find and treat the root cause of shoulder pain, the experts at Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine discuss your symptoms and medical history with you. They check your vital signs and complete a physical exam to assess your shoulder joint structure and function.

They might order blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, as well as arthroscopy if necessary to view the inside of your shoulder joint. 

How is shoulder pain treated?

To reduce shoulder pain, the specialists at Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine could recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• Rest
• Ice or heat packs
• Sling
• Regular exercise
• Dietary supplements
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Cortisone injections
• Lubricating injections
• Electrical nerve stimulation 
• Surgical joint repair
• Joint replacement surgery

The Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine team personalizes each shoulder pain treatment based on your needs, lifestyle, and preferences. They can make changes to your plan as needed to fully restore the structure and function of your shoulder joint. 

To prevent future shoulder injuries, use proper lifting techniques, get regular exercise, eat nutritious foods, and stretch and warm up properly before physical training.

To find the root cause of shoulder pain and get the relief you deserve, call your nearby Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine office or book an appointment online today.