What causes shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain can be the result of an injury or irritation to the shoulder joint or the nearby tendons, muscles, or ligaments. Usually, shoulder pain happens due to strains, overuse, sports injuries, and accidents.
Certain medical conditions and diseases can cause shoulder pain, including:
- Arthritis
- Tendon rupture
- Dislocated shoulder
- Complete or partial rotator cuff tears
- Sprains
- Gallbladder disease
- Torn cartilage
- Broken collarbone
- Broken arm
- Bursitis
Shoulder pain is often associated with arthritic and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis where the pain comes and goes.
How can I ease my shoulder pain at home?
You might be able to resolve mild shoulder pain at home with over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen. You can also avoid using your shoulder in ways that might make the pain worse or cause additional pain.
Apply an ice pack to the painful area every 15-20 minutes. You can also alternate with a heat pack.
If these simple at-home methods aren’t easing your shoulder pain and you have concerns, a wide range of professional treatments are available at the offices of Susan Gutierrez, MD.
When should I get medical treatment for shoulder pain?
You should book your personal consultation with Dr. Gutierrez if you experience:
- Shoulder pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Warmth or tenderness around your joint
You should also schedule an appointment if your pain is harming your quality of life, daily activities, and physical functioning.
Dr. Gutierrez might suggest various treatments to calm inflammation, support your body’s natural healing process, and ease or eliminate your shoulder pain, including:
- Facet blocks
- Epidural injections
- Intercostal nerve blocks
- Physical therapy
- Heat or cold therapy
- Posture evaluation
- Medications
- Lifestyle changes
- Vitamins and supplements
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
- Pain-relieving injections (with ultrasound needle guidance)
A combination of lifestyle changes and innovative treatments like PRP therapy can be especially beneficial for pain relief.
Discover the right treatments for you and make your shoulder pain a thing of the past by calling Susan Gutierrez, MD, or scheduling through the online system.
