Shoulder Pain

We use our shoulders every day, sometimes even subconsciously. These complex joints allow us to accomplish amazing things or perform simple everyday tasks.

However, at times we may begin to feel some discomfort in our shoulders. Should this be a cause for concern? If you have recently been dealing with shoulder pain, rest assured that you are not alone.

Our expert team at Cayman Neurology, located in the Cayman Islands, has many years of experience treating various forms of shoulder pain. Schedule an appointment with us today to get an accurate diagnosis and receive the proper pain management care you deserve!

Specialties

Neurology

Pain Management

Diagnostic Tests

Therapeutic Procedures

How We Help With Pain Management

Cayman Neurology and Pain Management provides a comprehensive range of pain management services to improve the well-being of our patients. Their methods include innovative treatments for chronic pain conditions, interventional procedures, medication management, and multidisciplinary pain management plans tailored to your individual needs.

With a dedicated team of experienced professionals, we focus on delivering personalized care to help our patients achieve a higher quality of life by effectively managing and alleviating their pain.

What Is Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain is any physical discomfort that is felt within your shoulder. This includes your shoulder joint itself and/or the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support your joint.

Anatomy of the Shoulder

Your shoulders consist of many tendons, ligaments, muscles, and three bones. The three bones that make up the shoulder are the humerus (upper-arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collar bone).

Your shoulder is secured in place by a group of muscles and tendons known as the rotator cuff. Your rotator cuff serves as a protective cover to your humerus and gives you the ability to move your arm. The wide range of motion of the shoulder can make it more susceptible to injury.

What Are the Causes of Shoulder Pain?

The causes of shoulder pain include normal wear and tear, overuse, injury, or an accident. In addition, the following conditions can also contribute to pain.

Rotator cuff disorders
Rotator cuff tendinitis
Muscle strains
Pinched nerves
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Fractures
Instability of your shoulder joint

There’s another unique condition that could also be causing your shoulder pain. This condition is called referred pain. This type of pain occurs when other parts of your body cause you to feel pain in your shoulder, even if there is nothing wrong with your shoulder.

You may also be at higher risk of developing pain in your shoulder joints if you play sports or have a chronic illness.

Common Injuries That Cause Shoulder Pain

There are many common injuries that could cause you to feel shoulder pain. These injuries could include the following:

Shoulder Impingement—Shoulder impingement occurs when swollen, thickened, or torn rotator cuff tendons rub against or catch in the acromion. Shoulder impingement is very common, and pain increases with movement.
Bursitis—This occurs when your bursa (a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between the rotator cuff tendon and acromion) becomes swollen and inflamed. This results in pain as your shoulder joint’s rotation occurs.
Bone Spurs—When a bone spur (bony growth) develops, it can result in irritation and inflammation.
Rotator Cuff Tears—A rotator cuff tear injury can occur from repetitive movement and blunt trauma. These tears are common in sports that require repetitive shoulder motion.
Shoulder Dislocation—This occurs when your shoulder pops out of its socket, or in other words, your shoulder bones are forced from their normal position. This can happen if your shoulder is rotated too far or pulled back too hard.
Frozen Shoulder—This condition occurs when the synovial membrane becomes swollen, thickens, and then contracts, resulting in the formation of scar tissue. This results in stiffness, restricting your ability to turn your arm.

Symptoms of Shoulder Pain

Your symptoms may vary depending on your condition/injury and its severity. It is important to note that each shoulder condition has its unique set of symptoms. However, the most common symptoms of shoulder pain can include the following:

Intense/severe pain
Aching within your shoulder
Sharp pain when you reach upward, behind your back, or perform overhead activities
Pain when lifting heavy objects
Stiffness
Difficulty sleeping on the injured side
Lack of mobility
Tingling/burning
Muscle loss/weakness
Grinding or popping sounds

If your symptoms last longer than a week or two, seeing a pain management specialist would be beneficial. This doctor will be able to make a proper diagnosis and provide the necessary treatment. If you delay seeking help, your pain may intensify and require a more complex form of treatment.

How Is Shoulder Pain Diagnosed?

To properly diagnose shoulder pain, your specialist needs a physical exam. During this examination, they will look for structural abnormalities. You will be asked to perform various range of motion tests so that your specialist can pinpoint your pain.

Your medical history will be thoroughly reviewed. You will also be asked to provide a detailed explanation of your symptoms. After an accurate diagnosis has been made, your specialist will develop a treatment plan that will be specifically tailored to your needs.

Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

Pain can be treated conservatively, meaning without surgery or by surgical intervention. Conservative methods used to treat shoulder pain include:

Rest and modified activity levels
Pain medication to reduce pain and inflammation
Physical therapy
Corticosteroid injections

If your shoulder does not respond to the treatments listed above or your injury is severe, your specialist may recommend surgery.

Painful shoulder problems can hinder you from accomplishing everyday functions. The good news is that your pain doesn’t have to last forever.

We can provide you with the assistance you need! Schedule an appointment at Cayman Neurology today at 508 West Bay Rd, Cayman Islands!