Shoulder

Do you suffer from shoulder pain? If so, you’re not alone. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately 7.5 million people visited a doctor’s office for a shoulder problem, including shoulder and upper arm sprains and strains, in a single year.

Shoulder Anatomy Considered the most flexible part of the body, a shoulder is a large ball and socket joint that is made up of bones, tendons, muscles and ligaments, which hold the shoulder in place while allowing movement. In a healthy shoulder, the rounded end of the upper arm bone (head of the humerus) glides against a small dish-like socket (glenoid) in the shoulder blade (scapula). Covered with smooth cartilage, these joint surfaces enable the shoulder to rotate in almost any direction (providing a full range of motion). Click here for a full shoulder diagram.     Common Shoulder Problems Shoulder injuries are frequently caused by athletic activities that involve excessive, repetitive, overhead motions, such as swimming, tennis, pitching and weightlifting. However, injuries can also occur during everyday activities, including washing walls, hanging curtains and gardening. Common shoulder injuries include:

  • Ligament, tendon or muscle tears, including rotator cuff tears.
  • Bone fractures.
  • Frozen shoulders (adhesive capsulitis).
  • Joint dislocations.

The following diseases and disorders can also cause pain, stiffness and swelling in a shoulder, making even the simplest of movements difficult:

  • Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease).
  • Inflammatory (rheumatoid) arthritis.
  • Post-traumatic arthritis.
  • Death of bone tissue (osteonecrosis).

When to See a Doctor About Your Shoulder Pain If you are experiencing pain in your shoulder, answer the following “yes” or “no” questions:

  • Is your shoulder stiff?
  • Can you only rotate your arm in a few directions?
  • Is your shoulder’s range of motion limited?
  • Does your shoulder feel like it pops or slides out of its socket?
  • Do you lack strength in your shoulder to partake in your normal daily activities (i.e., reaching into a cupboard, dressing, etc.)?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, consult a physician to determine the severity of your shoulder issue and your treatment options.   St. Luke’s Medical Center has several experienced physicians and specialists on the medical staff. Click here for online directory of the physicians and specialists at St. Luke’s Medical Center or call 1-877-351-WELL (9355) for a referral. Please click here if you would like a St. Luke’s Medical Center health care provider to contact you.   During an initial consultation, a physician will review your current shoulder issue and your medical history. He/she will also conduct a physical examination to assess the swelling, tenderness, range of motion, strength/weakness, instability and/or deformity of your shoulder. Diagnostic testing, such as an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan may be needed. Once all of the test results are available, a physician will work with you to determine the best treatment option(s) for your specific shoulder condition.     Non-surgical Treatment Options Depending upon the cause and severity of your shoulder pain, there are several common non-surgical treatments that may lessen your symptoms. Please note, these should not serve as a substitute for a medical checkup or consultation with a physician.

  • Rest: Resting your shoulder is essential to healing your shoulder. In short, if an activity hurts your shoulder, don’t partake in that activity until you consult with a physician.
  • Ice: Applying an ice pack to your shoulder, for 15 minutes at a time, helps to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  • Heat: Heat may soothe sore muscles, but will not reduce inflammation. Apply heat for 15 minutes at a time.
  • Medication: Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication may reduce shoulder pain.
  • Electrical stimulation: Electrical stimulation, using a mild electric current that flows into your shoulder, can help reduce pain and swelling.
  • Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to loosen shoulder tightness and help reduce pain.
  • Injection therapy: Injecting an anti-inflammatory medication directly into your shoulder may reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Exercise: Stretching exercises may help increase flexibility, expand range of motion and relieve pain. Always consult with a physician before starting a new exercise regime.

For more information about your shoulder surgery options at St. Luke’s Medical Center, call 1-877-351-WELL (9355).