North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine
Orthopaedic Surgery located in Plano, TX & Dallas, TX
Shoulder Pain Specialist
The joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that make up your shoulder give you the ability to raise your arms, scratch your back, throw a frisbee, and more. But all the mobility your shoulder gives you also means that it’s susceptible to injury and pain. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, the experienced team at North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine can determine the underlying cause of your pain and provide the most appropriate treatment to reduce your discomfort and function. For a consultation, call the office nearest you today or book an appointment online. The practice has locations in Plano, Fort Worth, Duncanville, Allen, and the Dallas communities of South Hampton.
Shoulder Pain Q & A
What are common causes of shoulder pain?
You may be experiencing shoulder pain for any number of reasons. Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain include:
Bursitis
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs in your shoulder joint that provide additional cushion. Repetitive shoulder motions may irritate your bursae and lead to inflammation and pain, or bursitis.
Rotator cuff tear
Your shoulder pain may be due to a rotator cuff tear. Your rotator cuff refers to the muscles and tendons that make up the soft tissue of your shoulder. Rotator cuff tears can occur from an injury or degeneration of the soft tissue that occurs as you age.
Tendinitis
The tendons in your shoulder are the tough tissue that attaches your shoulder muscle to the bone. Like the bursae, the tendon can become inflamed from overuse, leading to tendinitis.
Impingement
Impingement of your shoulder occurs when the top of your shoulder blade, referred to as the acromion, puts pressure on your soft tissue when you lift your shoulder, leading to pain.
Many of these common causes of shoulder pain may lead to shoulder immobility and a decrease in function.
How is shoulder pain diagnosed?
The team at North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine conduct comprehensive examinations to determine the underlying cause of your shoulder pain. In addition to a physical exam, your specialist reviews your symptoms and conducts special functional testing of your shoulder. Your specialist may also request diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI.
In some cases, an arthroscopy is recommended to determine the underlying cause of your shoulder pain. During this minimally invasive procedure, your specialist uses an arthroscope, which is a surgical camera, to more closely evaluate your shoulder and make repairs as needed.
What treatments can improve my shoulder pain?
Treatment for your shoulder pain depends on the underlying cause. Your specialist at North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine creates a personalized treatment plan to help reduce your pain and regain function. Your treatment plan may include:
- Anti-inflammatories
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
If conservative treatments fail to improve your shoulder, surgery may be the next step.
Your shoulder allows you to perform many tasks but also increases your risk of injury. For a comprehensive evaluation of your shoulder pain, call North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine today or request an appointment online.
