Shoulder Pain

SHOULDER PAIN Q&A

What is shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain is stiffness, discomfort, or aching that affects either of your shoulder joints.  

Your shoulders are ball and socket joints with three bones. They’re surrounded by four tendons (rotator cuff) that provides a full range of motion. 

Shoulder pain affects people from all backgrounds, but it’s most common in athletes and people who work in manual labor. 

What are the symptoms of shoulder pain?

Symptoms of shoulder pain include:

• Warmth or redness around the affected joint
• Pain that extends to your neck, arm, or back
• Stiff muscles
• Weakness
• Limited range of motion

You might also experience a clicking or popping sensation when you lift or move your arm, depending on the underlying cause. 

What causes shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain occurs for various reasons, including:

• Arthritis
• Torn cartilage
• Auto injuries
• Work injuries
• Frozen shoulder
• Dislocated shoulder
• Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)

You might also have shoulder pain because of a pinched nerve. 

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

To diagnose shoulder pain, Dr. Moore reviews your medical charts and asks about your symptoms, including if the pain is in one shoulder or both and if the pain is sharp or dull. Next, Dr. Moore examines your shoulder, looking for redness, bruising, or swelling. He gently presses on your shoulder, pinpointing sensitive areas. 

Dr. Moore also assesses your shoulder’s range of motion and stability. Then, he orders digital X-rays or an MRI. At Pittsburgh Spine and Injury Center, there’s X-ray imaging onsite. If you need an MRI, Dr. Moore can refer you to a nearby imaging facility. 

How is shoulder pain treated?

Treatment of shoulder pain depends on the severity of your symptoms and their cause. At Pittsburgh Spine and Injury Center, Dr. Moore uses a drug-free and integrative treatment approach, always adhering to the practice’s mission statement: “Pain relief without the opioids. The best of the best through clinical excellence.” 

He might recommend:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Therapeutic massage
• Physical therapy
• Ice and rest
• Shockwave therapy
• Stretches and strengthening exercises
• Activity modification
• Spinal decompression (traction therapy)

Make sure to attend each checkup and follow Dr. Moore’s instructions to ensure a positive outcome. 

Is there any way to prevent shoulder pain?

You can significantly reduce your risk of shoulder pain by living a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Moore recommends exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and listening to your body. If a specific stretch or activity hurts; stop doing it to prevent an injury. 

Call Pittsburgh Spine and Injury Center to receive treatment for shoulder pain today, or click the online booking feature.