Shoulder pain is a common concern in the United States, affecting about 16-18% of people. Unsurprisingly, being among the most utilized joints in the human body, it is susceptible to injury and overuse. Luckily, numerous effective treatments can offer shoulder pain relief, from conservative physical therapy to surgery. The orthopedic specialists at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine P.C. have vast experience treating shoulder pain concerns in amateur and pro athletes alike. Arrange a consultation to discuss your concerns and explore shoulder pain care solutions. Meanwhile, continue reading to learn more about what you should know about Lawrenceville shoulder pain.
What Are The Common Reasons For Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain has numerous potential reasons. The discomfort could begin after lifting large goods, holding a baby, or shoveling snow. Alternatively, the pain can start when playing football, basketball, tennis, or baseball. Some typical conditions that could trigger shoulder discomfort include:
1. Bursitis
2. Rotator cuff injuries
3. Arthritis
4. Impingement
5. Fractured shoulder
6. Sprains
7. Dislocation
If you experience abrupt shoulder discomfort followed by chest tightness, visit the nearest emergency room. These symptoms may indicate a heart attack, so do not wait it out.
When To See A Doctor?
If you have shoulder pain, you may sometimes benefit from professional care. Here are some of the signs and symptoms to watch out for:
1. Chronic pain
Acute shoulder pain is severe but usually does not last long. If you have this issue, conservative therapy should alleviate it in several weeks or months.
On the flip side, chronic discomfort lasts for months and even years. Should your shoulder discomfort be chronic or worsens with time, it might be best to consult a specialist.
2. The Issue Is Grave, or The Underlying Reason Is Uncertain
If you experience shoulder discomfort, you must visit your primary care physician first. Often, these specialists can address acute or minor shoulder difficulties by recommending medications, physical therapy, rest, and other conservative procedures.
Nevertheless, if your physician discovers a more serious issue or cannot determine the root of your discomfort, they may suggest you consult a shoulder expert.
3. Conservative Treatment Is Ineffective
Conservative therapy involves procedures like immobilization, anti-swelling injections, rest, pain medicines, and other techniques that do not involve surgery. Most specialists begin a care plan by suggesting these conservative solutions. However, if you attempt conservative care, but fail to experience sufficient pain relief, consider visiting an orthopedic specialist.
How Do Orthopedic Specialists Treat Shoulder Pain?
Your orthopedic doctor will begin by examining your health history and previous therapies. After a thorough physical exam, your doctor should discover the reason for your pain and build a care plan to alleviate your discomfort and enhance your joint health.
Your doctor may propose surgery based on your unique condition, particularly if you have a degenerative condition or serious trauma. Some of the procedures you should expect with surgery include reconstructive orthopedics, shoulder replacement, and arthroscopy.
Shoulder pain is often written off due to a minor injury or the natural aging process. Although it is such a prevalent concern, you should never overlook it. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis and therapy is the initial step to recovery. Schedule an initial consultation at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine P.C. to learn more about your condition and determine the right care plan. Call the Lawrenceville, NJ office or book an appointment online to get started.
Apart from that, if you are interested to know about Back Pain in Older Adults then visit our Health category.
