Shoulder Surgery Specialist

What causes shoulder pain?

A variety of conditions affecting the bones, muscles, and tendons in your shoulder can lead to shoulder pain. Some common causes include:

Shoulder dislocation 

This type of injury occurs when the top of your arm bone pulls away from your shoulder blade. Although you may be able to pop your shoulder back into place, Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico recommends scheduling a visit to ensure proper placement of your shoulder. 

Tendonitis 

Shoulder tendonitis occurs due to inflammation in the tendon in your rotator cuff or bicep. Symptoms of shoulder tendonitis include tenderness or pain in your shoulder, and you may be unable to hold your arm in certain positions.

Rotator cuff injury

Your rotator cuff is a collection of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder. Damage to your rotator cuff can lead to joint stiffness, pain when lifting your arms over your head, and shoulder pain that worsens at night. 

Because shoulder pain could indicate a variety of underlying problems, the team at Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico suggests scheduling a consultation before your condition worsens.

How do I find out the reason for my shoulder pain?

You can expect your practitioner at Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico to take a comprehensive medical history and ask a series of questions about the nature of your injury. Because specific activities aggravate most shoulder conditions, a medical history is a valuable tool in identifying the source of your pain.

Your practitioner examines you, looking for:

• Physical abnormalities
• Muscle weakness
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Deformity 

The team may ask you to move your arm and observe your shoulder’s range of motion and strength. They may also recommend specific tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to pinpoint the cause of your pain and complete your diagnosis. Both of these tests are available onsite.

How is shoulder pain treated?

Your practitioner tailors your treatment to the source of your pain. Generally, expect them to recommend conservative measures, to begin with. 

With a dislocated shoulder, your practitioner repositions your arm and may send you home with a mobilizer sling and a prescription for anti-inflammatory medication. To prevent further dislocations, they might also suggest having arthroscopic surgery to stabilize the capsule of your shoulder. 

For a rotator cuff injury that doesn’t include a torn tendon, your practitioner recommends physical therapy and injections. If you do need surgery, Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico offers a less-invasive rotator cuff repair surgery and acromioplasty. You can typically go home a few hours after surgery. 

If your shoulder joint has endstage osteoarthritis (worn-out and bone on bone), your surgeon may recommend a shoulder replacement.

For expert care for shoulder pain, rely on the orthopedic specialists at Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico. Call the office today.