What is shoulder pain?
The shoulder is a highly flexible ball-and-socket joint that connects your upper arm bone to your shoulder blade. A layer of cartilage cushions the bones, while a group of four muscles and tendons called the rotator cuff holds your shoulder in place and helps to lift and rotate your arm.
Because your shoulder is such a complex joint, it’s vulnerable to many problems that cause pain. You can develop shoulder pain after a sudden injury, like falling on an outstretched arm. More often, shoulder pain develops gradually as a result of repetitive stress.
What causes shoulder pain?
Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists provides comprehensive care for a broad range of problems that cause shoulder pain, including:
- Arthritis, including osteoarthritis
- Shoulder dislocations and instability
- Snapping scapula syndrome
- Quadrilateral space syndrome
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Rotator cuff tears and tendinitis
- Biceps tendon tears and tendinitis
- Sternoclavicular joint problems
- Shoulder impingement
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Weightlifter’s shoulder (distal clavicular osteolysis)
- Fractures
- Labral tears
You may be at greater risk of developing shoulder pain if you participate in activities like require repetitive arm movements, such as throwing a softball or painting houses.
How is shoulder pain diagnosed?
Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists has experts to help determine the underlying cause of your shoulder pain. First, your provider asks questions about your shoulder pain, like when it started and whether anything makes it better or worse.
They carefully examine your arm and shoulder, checking for areas of tenderness and limited range of motion. They may take tests, like an on-site X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If imaging tests don’t provide enough information about your condition, your provider at Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists may perform a minimally invasive procedure like arthroscopy.
How is shoulder pain treated?
After your provider diagnoses your condition, they develop an individualized treatment plan. Depending on your specific needs, treatment for shoulder pain may include:
- Immobilization in a cast or sling
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections
If you continue to suffer from shoulder pain despite treatment, surgery may be necessary. The skilled surgeons at Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists perform a variety of advanced procedures, including minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy and shoulder replacement surgery.
For expert care of shoulder pain, call Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists today.
