SHOULDER PAIN
Shoulder pain may be caused by an injury or illness:
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Avascular necrosis
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Brachial plexus injury
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Broken arm
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Broken collarbone
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Bursitis
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Cervical radiculopathy
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Dislocated shoulder
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Frozen shoulder
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Heart attack
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Impingement
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Osteoarthritis
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Polymyalgia rheumatica
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Rotator cuff injury
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Septic arthritis
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Sprains
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Tendinitis
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Tendon rupture
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Thoracic outlet syndrome
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Torn cartilage
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Patients should seek medical attention if their pain is new, worsens, becomes severe, or is accompanied by the following symptoms:
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Injury that leads to joint deformity
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Inability to carry objects
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Inability to raise or use the arm
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Shoulder pain during rest or at night
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Signs of an infection, such as fever, warmth, and skin redness
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Swelling or significant bruising around the arm or joint
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Abdominal pain
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Other unexplained symptoms
Shoulder pain that lasts for more than a few days should be evaluated by a physician.
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During a physical exam, the physician will apply pressure to different parts of the shoulder to identify unusual tenderness or deformity.
The physician will also test the patient’s arm strength and shoulder range of motion. The patient’s neck, abdomen, and other areas of their body may also be examined to identify non-shoulder-related causes of pain.
In some cases, patients may need to undergo an X-ray to check for bone spurs and tears in tendons, ligaments, or muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.
Some cases of shoulder pain may be treated with rest. This will allow the inflammation or irritation to subside. However, patients should speak to their physician to find out how much rest is necessary and to avoid developing joint stiffness.
At Premier Urgent Care, patients experiencing shoulder pain may benefit from treatment with injections and pain management techniques.
Nerve blocks, epidural injections, piriformis injections, sacroiliac joint injections, and trigger point injections may provide significant pain relief for some patients. We encourage patients to speak to their physician to find out if they are a good candidate for joint and soft tissue injections.
Pain management techniques can also help alleviate shoulder pain through cold and heat therapy, gentle exercise, physical therapy, deep breathing exercises, massage, acupuncture, cognitive behavior therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, yoga, music therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Each patient will receive a customized pain management plan.
Shoulder pain caused by severe injuries or illness, such as broken bones, torn muscles, and arthritis, may require advanced treatment that may include chiropractic adjustment, physical therapy, and even surgery. Premier Urgent Care supports patients needing a range of treatments. Staff is available to answer any questions about obtaining advanced treatment.