Whether you’re experiencing a constant dull ache or a sharp pain following an injury, shoulder pain can prevent you from going to work, exercising, or even lifting everyday objects in some cases. That’s why Florida Pain Medicine is available to diagnose and treat shoulder pain that may be stopping you from living your life to the fullest. Call or book an appointment online today for more information.
Your shoulder is an incredibly flexible joint, essential for everyday tasks from throwing a ball to carrying groceries. That's why experiencing shoulder pain can be so incredibly frustrating; it impacts nearly everything you do.
While there are many reasons you might be experiencing shoulder pain, some of the most common culprits include:
Bicep Tendonitis: Pain at the front of your shoulder can often be attributed to bicep tendonitis. This typically starts as a gradual ache in your shoulder that radiates down your bicep muscle. If left untreated, it could lead to a bicep rupture, causing extreme swelling, worsening pain, and bruising around the shoulder.
Rotator Cuff Issues: You have four rotator cuff muscles crucial for proper movement. Three main types of rotator cuff problems to be aware of are tendonitis, bursitis, and rotator cuff tears. Tendonitis is inflammation of your tendons or shoulder muscles, while bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac in your shoulder. If your tendons completely tear from the bone, you may have a rotator cuff tear.
AC Arthritis: While less common than knee or hip arthritis, shoulder arthritis can lead to more serious problems like AC separation, where the shoulder ligaments separate from the AC joint, if not addressed.
Given the many potential causes of shoulder pain, it's important to talk to your doctor if your pain is preventing you from carrying objects or moving your arm properly.
If your pain gradually worsens, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. If further testing is needed, your doctor may order X-rays or an MRI to pinpoint the cause of your pain.
Some of the most common treatment options for shoulder pain include:
Rest: In addition to applying heat and ice to reduce inflammation and ease pain, doctors often recommend rest to help you regain mobility in your shoulder over time.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroid injections can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain while you recover from your shoulder injury. Steroid injections can be particularly effective when combined with physical therapy.
Physical Therapy: Supervised physical therapy can significantly help relieve shoulder pain and restore mobility after an injury.
Surgery: If rest, steroid injections, and other non-surgical approaches don't provide sufficient pain relief, shoulder surgery might be considered. This is typically a last resort, and doctors don't recommend it lightly.
For more information about shoulder pain causes and treatments, call Florida Pain Medicine or book an appointment online today.