Shoulder Pain
Pain in the region of the upper arm, or shoulder, can come from problems in the shoulder joint, the muscles of the upper arm and neck, ligaments around the shoulder joint, or the tendons attaching the muscles to the upper arm, neck, and shoulder blade (scapula).
Shoulder Pain
Pain in the region of the upper arm, or shoulder, can come from problems in the shoulder joint, the muscles of the upper arm and neck, ligaments around the shoulder joint, or the tendons attaching the muscles to the upper arm, neck, and shoulder blade (scapula). Pain in the upper arm that comes from the shoulder joint usually gets worse with activities that involve the upper arm & shoulder joint.
It is important to understand that other, serious, medical conditions can cause “referred pain” into the upper arm or shoulder. Heart conditions, lung and diaphragm conditions, and even abdominal conditions such as gallbladder disease can “refer” pain into the shoulder. This type of pain typically is not significantly affected by movement of the upper arm or shoulder.
There is a long list of conditions that are associated with shoulder pain due to the shoulder joint, muscles, tendons, and ligaments associated with the shoulder.
Connective tissue problems that cause shoulder pain include rotator cuff tendinitis, bursitis (inflammation in the spaces between the muscles and the joint), and tears in the fibrocartilage in the shoulder joint (labral tear).
Nerve problems can also cause shoulder pain. The most common nerve problem causing shoulder pain is a pinched nerve in the neck. Other examples include injuries or conditions involving the brachial plexus (the large nerve bundle in the neck and upper arm), and compression of nerves under the first rib (this condition is called thoracic outlet syndrome).
Joint problems include osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, fractures, dislocations, and rare, but serious conditions such as septic arthritis (infection in the shoulder joint), rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica (inflammation in the muscles of the shoulder), and avascular necrosis (problems with the blood flow to the bone in the shoulder). Osteoarthritis commonly involves the shoulder joint, and is worse with shoulder movements, especially using the arm overhead. The condition of “frozen shoulder” is associated with severe pain and loss of motion in the shoulder joint.
When should I go to ROC for shoulder pain?
First of all, Call 911 or seek immediate emergency medical assistance if your shoulder pain is associated with chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, or radiates into the jaw.
Ask someone to drive you to the Emergency room if your shoulder pain is caused by an injury and is accompanied by a deformity in the arm or a visible bone, severe sudden pain, and any signs of infection such as fever and chills.
ROC is able to assist with shoulder pain associated with a new injury, new onset of shoulder pain without joint deformity, muscle tenderness, loss of normal range of motion, or a flare-up of a known pre-existing shoulder problem (for example, arthritis, tendinitis, or muscle spasms around the shoulder).
At ROC, we will perform a thorough assessment of the cause of the pain (detailed physical examination, X-ray when necessary), and advise for immediate treatment. This treatment may include analgesics, physical therapy, a shoulder sling or brace, shoulder or muscle injection, and referral for specialized Orthopaedic care, when necessary.