Shoulder Pain

What is shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal problem. It refers to stiffness, aching, or general discomfort affecting one or both shoulder joints. 

Almost everyone experiences shoulder pain occasionally. Often, it improves with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. However, if your symptoms last more than a few days, it could indicate an underlying injury or disease. Doctor’s Own Urgent Care can identify the source of your shoulder pain and prevent it from worsening. 

What causes shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain occurs for various reasons, including:

• Arthritis
• Torn cartilage
• Torn rotator cuff
• Bone spurs
• Pinched nerves
• Dislocated shoulder
• Frozen shoulder
• Broken shoulder
• Swollen bursa sacs or tendons

Sometimes, shoulder pain occurs because of overuse injuries. For example, if your job regularly requires you to lift your arm over your head, you might suffer a repetitive strain injury (RSI). 

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

Your Doctor’s Own Urgent Care provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it’s in one or both shoulders and if certain activities, such as exercise, make it worse. 

Next, your provider completes an exam. They check your shoulder for swelling, redness, and bruising, gently press on your shoulder joint to identify sensitive areas, and test your shoulder’s strength and range of motion. 

Minor shoulder injuries can be diagnosed visually, but if your provider suspects an underlying problem, like a broken bone or torn cartilage, they order diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or an ultrasound. 

How is shoulder pain treated?

Doctor’s Own Urgent Care treats shoulder pain using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. Your provider might suggest:

• Wearing a sling or a cast
• Icing the affected shoulder
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication
• Corticosteroid injections
• Getting plenty of rest
• Physical therapy
• Range of motion exercises

Most shoulder pain improves with a combination of these treatments. If your symptoms continue or worsen, surgery might be needed. In that case, your provider refers you to a nearby orthopedic specialist.

Can shoulder pain be prevented?

There’s no way to prevent shoulder pain entirely, but you can take steps to reduce your risk. Doctor’s Own Urgent Care recommends practicing good posture and regularly stretching and strengthening your shoulder muscles and rotator cuff tendons. They also recommend listening to your body. For example, if your shoulder hurts, don’t work through it and get plenty of rest. 

Call Doctor’s Own Urgent Care to schedule shoulder pain treatment, or book your appointment online today. Walk-ins are also welcome.