If you regularly experience shoulder pain, know that you aren’t alone. Some estimates suggest up to 67% of people will suffer from shoulder pain during their lifetime. Interventional pain management specialist Damon Kimes, MD, and the team at Roswell Pain and Weight Loss Specialists, regularly work with their patients to diagnose and treat shoulder pain. If you want to live a more active, pain-free life, call the office in Roswell, Georgia, or use the online booking tool to make an appointment today.
book onlineWhat causes shoulder pain?
Your shoulders are incredibly mobile. Unfortunately, this also makes them susceptible to injury. Each shoulder features a ball and socket joint that consists of three bones. A layer of cartilage cushions the bones. Four tendons, known as your rotator cuff, allow you to lift your arm and perform a full range of motions. Any damage to the bones, cartilage, or tendons in your shoulder can cause pain, stiffness, and immobility.
Other common sources of shoulder pain include:
- Arthritis
- Torn cartilage
- Torn rotator cuff
- Bone spurs
- Frozen shoulder
- Dislocated shoulder
You might also experience shoulder pain as the result of a sports-related or overuse injury.
When should I see a doctor regarding shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain isn’t always a serious problem. Most of the time, it subsides within 24-48 hours with conservative measures of at-home care such as ice and heat therapy, rest, and light stretching. However, if your symptoms persist or continue to get worse and interfere with your daily activities, make an appointment with the team at Roswell Pain and Weight Loss Specialists right away.
How is shoulder pain diagnosed?
To diagnose shoulder pain, your Roswell Pain and Weight Loss Specialists provider reviews your medical history and does a physical exam. Your doctor also feels for swelling and tenderness, assessing your joint’s stability and range of motion. If these tests don’t provide adequate insights about the source of your discomfort, they might also recommend a series of X-rays or an MRI, which can produce detailed images of the bones and cartilage inside your shoulder.
How is shoulder pain treated?
Treatment for shoulder pain depends on the source and severity of your condition. Whenever possible, the team at Roswell Pain and Weight Loss Specialists recommend conservative, integrative methods of care. These may include physical therapy, at-home exercises, or taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs).
If these methods of care don’t provide adequate relief, more invasive treatments might be necessary. The team offers corticosteroid joint injections as well as regenerative medicine, including PRP injections. Your doctor formulates a unique treatment plan based on your symptoms and concerns.
Don’t let shoulder pain prevent you from participating in your favorite activities. To request your consultation at Roswell Pain and Weight Loss Specialists, call the office or use the online booking tool today.