From trying to scratch your back to tossing a ball for your dog, you may not realize how much you need your shoulder until it’s in pain. Shoulder pain is common and often resolves on its own with at-home treatments. However, if you have pain in your shoulder that seems to be getting worse or is lasting longer than expected, then it may be time to consult with a pain physician like Trung Ha, MD. At Quantum Pain & Sports Medicine in Irving, Texas, we strive to provide top-quality care to get you back to full function as quickly as possible. Call today or visit our contact page to set up a comprehensive treatment plan and consultation!
What causes shoulder pain?
Your shoulder is a complex and flexible joint made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage. An injury or disease that affects any of the components of your shoulder can lead to pain and discomfort.
Common causes include:
Tendonitis
Tendonitis refers to inflammation of your tendon, which is the thick fibrous tissue that holds your muscles to your bones. Shoulder tendonitis can develop from an acute injury or develop as a result of degeneration of the tissue that can happen over time.
Tendon tears
Like tendonitis, a tear in a tendon tear may develop from an injury or degenerative changes. A rotator cuff tear is a type of tendon tear.
Bursitis
Your shoulder joint contains fluid-filled sacs referred to as bursae that provide additional cushioning in the joint. Overuse of your shoulder can lead to inflammation and swelling of the bursae, a condition called bursitis.
Impingement
Impingement is a condition that occurs when the top of your shoulder blade rubs and irritates the soft tissue in your shoulder when you raise your arm.
Arthritis
Like any other joint in your body, your shoulder is susceptible to inflammation and pain, which is generally referred to as arthritis.
You may also experience pain if your shoulder is dislocated or broken.
What can I expect during an evaluation?
At Quantum Pain & Sports Medicine, we take a holistic approach to pain management and conduct a comprehensive examination when you come in for care. Your concerns may be specific to your shoulder pain, but we want to understand your whole health so that we can provide the most effective treatment to alleviate your pain and reduce the chance of any recurrences.
During your evaluation, the team will review your symptoms, medical history, family history, and lifestyle. A physical exam will then be conducted focusing on the function and structure of your shoulder.
To further evaluate your health and your shoulder pain, we may also request further diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork, X-rays, or MRIs.
What are the treatments for shoulder pain?
The team at Quantum Pain & Sports Medicine develops an individualized treatment plan to manage your shoulder pain based on the underlying cause of your discomfort, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health.
Treatment may include:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Activity modification
- Joint injections
- Regenerative medicine (Platelet Rich Plasma & Stem Cell Therapy)
Although rare, surgery is sometimes needed for the treatment of shoulder pain.
For expert care of your shoulder pain, call Quantum Pain & Sports Medicine or request an appointment though our contact page today. We look forward to hearing from you!