What causes shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain can have different underlying causes, including:
- ligament sprains
- muscle or tendon strains
- bursitis
- arthritis
- capsulitis (sometimes called “frozen shoulder”)
- traumatic injury from car accidents, slip-and-fall accidents or sports accidents
- carrying very heavy or unbalanced loads
- nerve impingements in the neck or upper back
- repetitive or overuse injuries
Even some lifestyle issues like poor posture or sleeping on a mattress or pillow that provide inadequate support can contribute to painful symptoms in the shoulder.
How is the cause of shoulder pain diagnosed?
Some types of shoulder pain can be diagnosed with a physical evaluation, including passive and active exercises to assess strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Diagnostic imaging can also be helpful. More complex shoulder issues can be evaluated using a minimally-invasive approach that uses a long, flexible device called an arthroscope to evaluate the interior of the joint. In our office, we use VisionScope® technology to provide clear, real-time images of the joint for better diagnosis and treatment. The entire arthroscopic procedure can be performed in the office and only takes about 10 minutes. In-office evaluations using VisionScope® enable treatments to start right away so healing and recovery can begin immediately.
What is shoulder bursitis?
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that helps promote optimal joint function. Shoulder bursitis occurs when a bursa located in the shoulder become irritated and inflamed, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of motion. In most cases, shoulder bursitis can be treated with injections of anti-inflammatory medications into the area surrounding the bursa.
How is shoulder pain treated?
It depends on the cause of the pain. Some types of pain can be relieved over time with physical therapy, rest, and support. When pain interferes with range of motion and daily activities, it can be treated with injections designed to reduce inflammation and irritation in the shoulder joint, upper back and neck. Prior to treatment, the joint and the surrounding tissues will be carefully evaluated to ensure the most appropriate care is provided for optimal relief of symptoms and improved function and mobility.
Other treatments include:
- Facet Injections
- Interlaminar Epidural Injections
- Transforaminal Epidural Injections
- Epidural Injections
- Medial Branch Blocks
- Trigger Point Injections
- Bursa and/or Tendon Injections
- RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation)
- Diagnostic Shoulder Arthroscopy
- PRP Therapy
- Stem Cell Therapy
- Bone Marrow Concentrate
- Non-Steroidal Injections
- MUA
If you have any questions, please contact us via phone or email us at info@valleypaincenters.com
