What is shoulder pain?
Many people experience shoulder pain at some point. You may have shoulder pain after an acute injury or from general wear-and-tear of the joint that occurs with age.
Shoulder pain can cause a range of symptoms. For some, the pain may be limited to a dull ache. In others, the pain may be severe and limit the range of motion.
Though shoulder pain may be temporary, if your pain is severe or ongoing, or it affects the use of the joint, schedule a consultation at Puziss Orthopedics. What causes shoulder pain?
Your shoulder is a large joint that forms the connection between your upper arm bone, shoulder blade, and collarbone. Ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage support the stability and mobility of the shoulder joint.
Shoulder pain may develop from any injury or disease that affects one or more of the components that make up the complex shoulder joint.
Common causes of shoulder pain include:
- Rotator cuff tendinitis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Impingement
- Bursitis
- Labral tear
- Superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) tear
- Dislocation
- Instability
- Bicep tendinitis or tear
- Arthritis
- Acromioclavicular (AC) strain
Dr. Puziss specializes in shoulder pain and can diagnose the cause of your discomfort after a thorough history and physical exam.
What happens during a shoulder pain evaluation?
Dr. Puziss conducts a detailed history and physical when you come in for a shoulder pain evaluation. He asks about your symptoms, including when they started, and activities that make the pain worse or better. That will include painful popping, instability, or impinging pain.
He performs a physical exam to test the function of your shoulder and look for the symptoms you described during your interview, which helps him narrow down the specifics of your injury.
Dr. Puziss then requests imaging tests, such as digital X-rays or MRIs, to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. He may also request nerve conduction studies and an ergonomic exam to assess your work or home environment, which may contribute to your shoulder discomfort.
How is shoulder pain treated?
Dr. Puziss develops a treatment plan that focuses on the underlying cause of your shoulder pain. He first takes a nonsurgical approach, so your treatment plan may include:
- Activity modification
- Stretching exercises
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs)
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Chiropractic treatments
- Acupuncture
- Naturopathic care
- Joint injections
If nonsurgical methods fail to improve your shoulder pain, Dr. Puziss refers you to one of the top-notch surgeons in the area for a consultation.
You may not realize how much you need your shoulder until you experience shoulder pain. To get relief, call Puziss Orthopedics of Portland today.
