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The shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body, leaving it prone to numerous injuries and conditions that may cause pain. At Desert Pain Specialists, Roland Reinhart, MD, and Meaghan Berglund, PA-C, diagnose and treat all types of shoulder pain at the office in Rancho Mirage, California. To effectively relieve your shoulder pain, call the office or request an appointment online today.
Shoulder Pain Q & A
What causes shoulder pain?
Your shoulder is a complex joint that’s comprised of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle). The round head at the top of your humerus rests in a shallow socket in your scapula called a glenoid. A group of muscles and tendons, called the rotator cuff, hold your humerus in place and help you lift and rotate your arms.
Damage to any one of these structures can lead to shoulder pain. Common injuries and conditions that cause shoulder pain include:
- Arthritis of the shoulder
- Rotator cuff tear
- Biceps tendinitis
- Rotator cuff tendinitis
- Shoulder impingement
- Shoulder fractures
- Shoulder dislocations or instability
You may also feel pain in your shoulder from a pinched (compressed) nerve in your upper spine. Conditions such as tumors or infections may put pressure on a nerve.
How is shoulder pain diagnosed?
To diagnose the cause of your shoulder pain, your Desert Pain Specialists provider begins with a physical exam and review of your medical history. They may ask when the pain first started and whether it improves or worsens with specific activities.
They also carefully examine your shoulder and check for areas of tenderness. They may ask you to perform different arm movements to assess your shoulder strength and range of motion.
Your physician may also take tests, including:
- X-ray
- MRI
- CT scan
If they suspect a nerve problem, the team at Desert Pain Specialists may measure your nerve function with an electromyogram (EMG).
How is shoulder pain treated?
After the team determines the underlying cause of your shoulder pain, they can recommend the best course of treatment for your specific condition.
Most cases of shoulder pain improve with nonsurgical treatments, such as avoiding activities that irritate the shoulder and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Depending on your needs, your provider may also recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Physical therapy
- Prescription pain medications
- Steroid injections
Certain shoulder problems, such as rotator cuff tears and recurring dislocations, may require surgery.
To learn how you can find relief from shoulder pain, call Desert Pain Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.