Shoulder Pain

What is shoulder pain, and how is it treated?

Are you experiencing discomfort or immobility in your shoulder? Shoulder pain can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to perform simple tasks. At OrthoNeuro, we understand how debilitating shoulder pain can be, and we’re here to help you regain your comfort and mobility.

OrthoNeuro has multiple locations in Columbus, Ohio, and our team of specialists is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for your shoulder problems. Whether you’re dealing with mild discomfort or severe pain, we offer a range of treatments to meet your needs. Contact us today!

Understanding Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can arise in various areas around the shoulder, including the shoulder joint itself, the muscles and tendons surrounding it, or even the shoulder blade. The shoulder is a complex structure composed of bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments that work together to provide a wide range of motion.

When any of these components are injured or inflamed, it can lead to significant discomfort and limited movement. Common areas where you might experience shoulder pain include:

The shoulder joint
The rotator cuff tendons
The shoulder blade (scapula)
The upper arm bone (humerus)

What Are the Causes of Shoulder Pain?

Understanding the causes of shoulder pain is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment. Here are some common shoulder pain causes:

AC Joint Injuries

AC joint injuries (also known as shoulder separation) are where the clavicle separates from the acromion of the shoulder blade.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Injuries to the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder, are among the most frequent causes of shoulder pain. Rotator cuff tendinitis and rotator cuff tears can result from overuse, trauma, or degeneration.

Bicep Tendon Injuries

The bicep attaches at the elbow and shoulder. A tear or rupture can cause sudden weakness and pain in the shoulder.

Bankart Lesions

A Bankart lesion (or a Bankart tear) is a tear in the glenoid labrum in the anterior joint. Tears can lead to a greater risk of recurrent dislocation.

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are compressed or pinched during shoulder movements, leading to inflammation and pain.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder (also known as adhesive capsulitis) involves stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, often resulting in a limited range of motion.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder joint, can cause significant pain and swelling.

Shoulder Dislocation

A shoulder dislocation happens when the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket, often due to trauma or an accident.

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs (or bony projections that develop along the edges of bones) can cause irritation and pain in the shoulder area.

Arthritis

Several types of shoulder arthritis can affect the shoulder joints. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and rotator cuff tear arthropathy.

Fractures

Shoulder fractures can occur in the upper arm bone, clavicle, and less often in the scapula.

SLAP Tears

A Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) tear is an injury to the fibrous tissue found in the shoulder socket that helps to provide depth and stability. It can occur as a traumatic injury or in forceful overhead movements.

Brachial Neuritis

Brachial neuritis is a condition that affects the nerves that travel from the central nervous system along the chest, shoulder, arm, and hand. It can cause a lot of pain and numbness in the shoulder.

Referred Pain

Sometimes, shoulder pain may be referred from other areas, such as the neck or upper back, or even be a sign of a heart attack.

It’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience:

Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest
Sudden swelling or bruising
Inability to move the shoulder
Pain that persists for more than a few days
Signs of infection, such as fever or redness

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage and help you recover quickly.

How Do Doctors Examine and Test for Shoulder Pain?

Diagnosing the cause of shoulder pain involves a comprehensive approach that includes:

Physical Exam: Your doctor will perform a physical exam to assess your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and stability. They will also ask about your medical history and any recent injuries.
Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may be used to get a detailed view of the shoulder’s bones and soft tissues. These tests help identify issues like rotator cuff tears, bone spurs, and other structural abnormalities.
Lab Tests: In some cases, blood tests or other lab tests may be ordered to rule out infections or other underlying conditions that could be causing your shoulder pain.

How is Shoulder Pain Treated at OrthoNeuro?

At OrthoNeuro, our multidisciplinary team consists of board-certified sports medicine specialists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists—each of whom collaborates to decide the best treatment plan for you based on your unique condition and lifestyle. We offer the latest in non-surgical as well as arthroscopic treatment options for shoulder pain, including:

Injection Therapy: We may prescribe corticosteroid injections or other injections to control swelling and pain.
Physical Therapy: This is often recommended to improve the shoulder’s strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Our physical therapists can design a personalized exercise program to address your specific shoulder problem.
Arthroscopic Surgery: Surgery may be necessary for some shoulder problems. At OrthoNeuro, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons use minimally invasive arthroscopy to repair damaged tissues.

Get Back to Your Best with OrthoNeuro

At OrthoNeuro, we’re committed to helping you overcome shoulder pain and get back to your daily activities. Our experienced team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back. We have multiple locations throughout Columbus, OH. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Medically reviewed by Scott A. Smith, MD, FAAOS

Sources

Shoulder Specialists

IF YOU HAVE SEVERE SHOULDER PAIN AND STIFFNESS THAT PREVENTS YOU FROM MOVING YOUR SHOULDER CORRECTLY, CALL ORTHONEURO IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC SHOULDER TREATMENTS.