Shoulder Pain

Your shoulder is an incredibly mobile joint, which makes it useful and flexible, but also subject to injury and pain. Adam Shestack, MD, and Cy Blanco, MD, pain management specialists at Florida Pain Management in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, understand how shoulder pain can interfere with daily life and make simple tasks like putting away groceries or brushing your hair difficult. Get help with managing your shoulder pain by calling the office for an appointment or by using the online tool to book.

When should I see a doctor for shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain is of concern when it interferes with daily chores, makes it hard to sleep, or prevents you from doing activities you want to do. Shoulder pain may be constant or show up only during certain activities. 

Symptoms that suggest you need medical attention for shoulder pain include:

• Pain when raising your arm to the side or overhead
• Shoulder stiffness
• Limited range of motion
• Pain while sleeping on one side
• Swelling or redness around the joint

Don’t delay in getting care for shoulder pain. Early intervention often means fewer complications and better pain management. 

What are the causes of shoulder pain?

Your shoulder is vulnerable to instability and injury.  Some of the most common reasons people experience shoulder pain include:

• Torn rotator cuff
• Sprain or strain
• Arthritis
• Dislocation
• Frozen shoulder
• Joint inflammation
• Tendonitis

Issues with the vertebrae in your neck can also cause shoulder pain. If nerves become compressed due to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, it can result in radiating pain through the shoulder and arm.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

Your doctor at Florida Pain Management Institute does a thorough physical exam and reviews your health history to narrow down the possible reasons for your shoulder pain. Because the shoulder is a complex joint, they consider all possible reasons for pain that may include soft tissue, muscle, joint, bone, or spinal issues.

You may require imaging tests, such as MRIs and X-rays, or run lab tests to get an accurate diagnosis. The right diagnosis is important to get treatment that successfully reduces your pain and restores function. 

How is shoulder pain treated?

Shoulder pain can often be managed using conservative interventions, like over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or prescription pain relievers. Cortisone injections reduce inflammation and the resulting stiffness to improve how your shoulder feels and its function. 

Depending on the cause of your shoulder pain, other therapies like epidural steroid injections, trigger point injections, and nerve blocks may help. Your specialist customizes your treatment plan to get you the relevant and effective relief you need. 

If you’re ready to find relief from shoulder pain, give Florida Pain Management Institute a call or use the online tool to book your appointment.