Shoulder Pain

Advanced shoulder pain treatment in Sugarland TX

Shoulder pain is any pain in or around the shoulder joint. The physical discomfort of the shoulder, including the joint itself or the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the joint. The shoulder is a very flexible joint that is made up of several tendons, ligaments, and muscles that all work together. Should pain can result from injuries, general wear and tear, and several inflammatory conditions. Shoulder bursitis and tendinitis are common causes of shoulder pain and stiffness. They indicate swelling (inflammation) of a particular area within the shoulder joint. (Shoulder pain treatment in Sugarland)

The shoulder comprises three bones:

• The humerus, which is the upper arm bone
• The scapula, which is the shoulder blade
• The clavicle, which is the collarbone

The top of the upper arm fits in to the glenoid, a round socket in the shoulder blade. A set of muscles and tendons called the rotator cuff keep the shoulder joint in place and provide mobility and stability.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

The most common cause of shoulder pain occurs when the rotator cuff tendon gets stuck under the bony area of ​​the shoulder. The tendon is inflamed or damaged. This condition is called rotator cuff tendonitis or bursitis.

Shoulder pain can also be caused by:

• Arthritis in the shoulder joint
• Bone spurs in the shoulder area
• Bursitis, which is inflammation of a fluid-filled sac (bursa) that normally protects the joint and helps it move smoothly.
• Broken shoulder bone
• Dislocation of the shoulder
• Shoulder separation
• Frozen shoulder, which occurs when the muscles, tendons, and ligaments inside the shoulder become stiff, making movement difficult and painful.
• Overuse or injury of nearby tendons, such as the bicep muscles of the arms
• Nerve injury that leads to abnormal shoulder movement
• Tears of the rotator cuff tendons
• Poor shoulder posture and mechanics

Shoulder pain can be caused by problems in other areas of the body, such as the neck or lungs. This is called referred pain. The pain is usually present at rest and moving the shoulder does not make the pain worse.

What tests are there?

Blood tests aren’t usually needed for most shoulder problems, but they’re sometimes used to rule out other conditions, including some types of arthritis.

X-rays are good for looking for problems with the bones in your shoulder and minor changes in the joints. However, small changes are quite common and may not be the cause of your trouble.

X-rays can only show bones and other hard substances, but they won’t show injuries to soft tissue like muscles.

An ultrasound scan can show swelling, as well as damage and problems with the tendons, muscles or other soft tissues in the shoulder. It uses high-frequency sound waves to examine and build pictures of the inside of the body.

You may be referred for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans if your doctor suspects a more complex problem with the soft tissue in your shoulder. An MRI uses radio waves to build a picture to show what’s happening to the bones and soft tissue, such as the muscles and tendons, inside your shoulder.

Sometimes dye is injected into the shoulder before the MRI to get a clearer picture – especially in cases of shoulder dislocation.

Nerve conduction studies can show whether your problems are being caused by the nerves in your arm being pinched or irritated.

They measure the electrical activity in the muscles and nerves. It’s common to feel slight pain or discomfort, like a tapping on the skin, but the test doesn’t last long.

How is shoulder tendinitis treated?

Treatment goals for shoulder tendinitis include reduction in pain and inflammation, as well as preserving mobility and preventing disability and recurrence. Treatments may include a combination of rest, wrapping, and use of ice packs for recent or severe injuries. Aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen are used to reduce swelling. Physical therapy, which includes range of motion exercises, is also part of the treatment plan. If pain is constant and severe enough, a cortisone injection can also be given into the shoulder to relieve symptoms.

Surgery is considered if the rotator cuff or biceps tendon has been partially or completely torn and the symptoms do not improve with other treatments. Surgery repairs the damaged tendon or tendons and removes inflamed bursae that may also be irritating the shoulder.

Home Care

Here are some tips for helping shoulder pain get better:

• Put ice on the shoulder area for 15 minutes, then leave it off for 15 minutes. Do these 3 to 4 times a day for 2 to 3 days. Wrap the ice in cloth. Do not put ice directly on the skin because this can result in frostbite.
• Rest your shoulder for the next few days.
• Slowly return to your regular activities. A physical therapist can help you do this safely.
• Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) may help reduce inflammation and pain.

Rotator cuff problems can be treated at home also.

• If you have had shoulder pain before, use ice and ibuprofen after exercising.
• Learn exercises to stretch and strengthen your rotator cuff tendons and shoulder muscles. A doctor or physical therapist can recommend such exercises.
• If you are recovering from tendinitis, continue to do range-of-motion exercises to avoid frozen shoulder.
• Practice good posture to keep your shoulder muscles and tendons in their right positions.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Sudden left shoulder pain can sometimes be a sign of a heart attack. Call your local emergency number if you have sudden pressure or crushing pain in your shoulder, especially if the pain runs from your chest to the left jaw, arm or neck, or occurs with shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating.

Go to the hospital emergency room if you have just had a severe injury and your shoulder is very painful, swollen, bruised, or bleeding.

Call your health care provider if you have:

• Shoulder pain with a fever, swelling, or redness.
• Problems moving the shoulder.
• Pain for more than 2 to 4 weeks, even after home treatment
• Swelling of the shoulder
• Red or blue color of the skin of the shoulder area

Please contact SJMC Orthopedics & Sports medicine clinic situated at 6909 Brisbane Court, ste 300/B 9 Sugarland Tx 7747 if you are experiencing any such pain. Our Doctors Dr. Javier Canon, MD, Dr. Fred Speck, and Dr. Enrique Garcia all are the best in their diagnosis and can help you relieve your shoulder pain with the best possible treatment.