Shoulder Pain

Do you have problems lifting or raising your arms above your head? Have you injured your shoulder throwing a ball or trying to prevent yourself from falling? Does your shoulder ache before and during a rainstorm, and when there’s colder weather? Shoulder pain can present itself in many ways. Read the details below if you answered yes to any of these questions. Click on these links to learn about various shoulder injuries.

Causes

● Overuse
● Trauma (falls, collisions, MVAs)
● Arthritis
● Gout
● Infections
● Dislocations
● Fractures (scapular, clavicle, and humerus)
● Bursitis
● Impingements
● Rotator Cuff Tears
● Rotator Tendonitis
● Neck injuries (pinched nerves)
● Shoulder Sprain (Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Separation) and Shoulder Strain
● SLAP Tear (Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior Tear)

Symptoms

● Numbness
● Dullness
● Achiness
● Tingling
● Discomfort from side sleeping
● Soreness from throwing a ball
● Pain from trying to prevent yourself from falling
● Electrifying sensations that radiate into your shoulders (left, right, or both), and sometimes your scapula

Diagnosis

● To have a better understanding of what may be the root cause of your shoulder pain, please follow-up with your primary care physician for an X-ray and an MRI/ CT.

Treatment

● Depends on the results of your X-rays, MRI, or CT
● General pain: NSAIDS (Tylenol for Arthritis, Advil, ibuprofen, Aleve, or Naproxen)
● Moist heat for joint stiffness and improved movement
● Ice for swelling
● Rest