Shoulder Pain Specialist in Plano, TX

There are many causes of shoulder pain, from acute injuries to chronic conditions. The main causes of shoulder pain include:

• Rotator cuff tendonitis
• Impingement syndrome
• Referred pain (pain caused by an injury to another part of the body)
• Arthritis
• Torn cartilage
• Torn rotator cuff
• Swollen bursa sacs or tendons
• Bone spurs
• Pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder
• Broken shoulder or arm bone
• Frozen shoulder
• Dislocated shoulder
• Injury due to overuse or repetitive use
• Spinal cord injury

All types of shoulder pain should be examined by a doctor to ensure they do not develop into a more serious condition or injury. If any of the following symptoms are present, seek medical attention right away:

• Shoulder pain that persists for longer than two weeks
• Home treatments do not provide relief, such as hot/cold compresses or over-the-counter pain medication
• Difficulty sleeping due to pain or discomfort
• Severely limited range of motion
• Snapping, clicking, or popping sounds when moving the shoulder
• Abnormality or deformity of the shoulder

People who have a history of shoulder dislocations are at higher risk of developing shoulder pain as it can make the shoulder unstable and prone to re-injury.

There are several different types of shoulder pain, which fall into these main categories:

Bursitis: Located in joints throughout the body, a bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac. They help reduce friction between muscles and bones, acting as cushions between bones and the overlying soft tissues.

Tendinitis: Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. When a tendon becomes inflamed, it is known as tendonitis and can occur on any tendon in the body.

Tendon Tears: Tendon tears typically occur from overexertion or overuse injuries, and can also occur from overextension.

Impingement: A painful condition caused by rubbing or pressure on a tendon, an impingement can cause pain and inflammation in the shoulder.

Instability: Dislocations and injuries can cause instability in the shoulder, which can lead to pain and discomfort.

Arthritis: One of the most common causes of joint pain, arthritis can affect any joint in the body and is characterized by inflamed, stiff, and painful joints.

Fracture: Also referred to as broken bones, fractures occur when a bone becomes damaged and partially or completely separates. Ranging in severity from hairline to compound, fractures in the shoulder commonly involve the collarbone (clavicle), shoulder blade (scapula) or upper arm bone (humerus).

While most types of shoulder pain are mild and clear up on their own within a few weeks, shoulder pain can also be severe with debilitating symptoms. Indications that pain is serious include:

• Deformations in the shoulder joint
• Partial or total loss of shoulder function
• Intense pain that interferes with daily activities
• Sudden swelling of the shoulder
• Weakness or numbness in the arm or hand

If you or someone you love is experiencing shoulder pain, come to Northstar Joint and Spine to receive a professional medical diagnosis. We can help you determine what is causing your pain and develop a treatment plan to best suit your needs. For more information, please contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7704 San Jacinto Pl Suite #200 Plano, TX 75024. We serve patients from Plano TX, Willow Bend TX, Frisco TX, Allen TX, Addison TX, North Dallas TX, and surrounding areas.