It’s easy to think of the shoulder as a single joint, but in practice, it’s a complex multiple joint that gets its strength and flexibility from an impressive combination of three bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles working together to form this versatile structure.
That complexity, however, invariably leads to an equally wide range of potential disorders and injuries. Shoulder pain is a common problem that may require medical attention from time to time.
Visit the professionals at Westside Pain Specialists for their expertise in shoulder pain management. In many cases, pain management helps you avoid or delay more extensive treatment, including surgery.
Today, we examine some of the common causes of shoulder pain, as well as how you can treat the pain yourself and recognize when to see a shoulder pain specialist.
Most shoulder pain falls under one of four categories:
Shoulder pain can also result from issues like infection, nerve problems, or tumors, but these are far less common than the four primary categories.
Specific conditions include:
Arthritis and fractures are both categories and specific injuries. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of degenerative joint disease affecting the shoulder.
Any injury that may involve fractures requires medical intervention. When fractures are ruled out, you may find relief with conservative home-based treatments.
As with many injuries involving soft tissue, the RICE protocol is a good place to start.
As you go through RICE therapy, control discomfort and pain with over-the-counter pain medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce inflammation along with relieving pain.
Visit Dr. James Nassiri and the team at Westside Pain Specialists when:
Contact Westside Pain Specialists at the nearest of our offices, in Beverly Hills and Rancho Cucamonga, California, when shoulder pain interferes with your daily life. Call the appointment line at your preferred location today.
