Shoulder Pain Specialist

What is shoulder pain?

Your shoulders are the most mobile joints in your body, allowing you to reach, lift, grab, and throw. Unfortunately, this versatility also makes them susceptible to injury and, in turn, pain. Shoulder pain affects everyone differently, but it’s characterized by irritation, swelling, and general discomfort.

Some people experience shoulder pain all the time. For others, it occurs during specific activities. Regardless of the symptoms, it’s important to meet with a medical professional if your shoulder pain gets worse or interferes with your everyday life.

What causes shoulder pain?

Most shoulder pain occurs due to one of four common problems:

• Tendon inflammation or tendon tears
  
• Shoulder instability
  
• Arthritis
  
• Fractures
  

Other less common causes of shoulder pain include tumors, infection, and nerve-related problems like multiple sclerosis.

Anyone can experience shoulder pain, but it’s especially common in athletes and people who work physically demanding jobs. General wear-and-tear and overuse injuries can eat away at the cartilage that supports your shoulder joint, increasing your risk of pain and inflammation.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

To diagnose shoulder pain, Dr. Khan at Pain Medicine Inc conducts a thorough physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your lifestyle and symptoms. 

During the exam, Dr. Khan gently presses on your shoulder joint and looks for areas of redness, tenderness, or warmth. Afterward, you perform a series of strength and range-of-motion exercises, allowing Dr. Khan to observe your shoulder’s overall mobility.

If Dr. Khan suspects an underlying condition is the source of your shoulder pain, he might also order blood tests or diagnostic imaging like an X-ray or MRI. An X-ray can provide detailed images of the bones and joints that make up your shoulder.

How is shoulder pain treated?

Treatment of shoulder pain depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Whenever possible, Dr. Khan recommends conservative measures like rest, ice, and physical therapy.

If your shoulder pain persists or gets worse, you might benefit from:

• Epidural injections
  
• Cervical facet joint injections
  
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
  
• Spinal cord stimulation
  
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
  
• Opiate pain killers
  
• Intrathecal pump
  
• Neuropathic pain medications
  

If your symptoms persist even after these treatments, Dr. Khan can refer you for a surgical consultation.

To learn more about the treatment options for shoulder pain, schedule an appointment at Pain Medicine Inc. Call the office and speak with a staff member or book a consultation online today.