Shoulder Pain

offered in Scottsdale, Mesa and Phoenix, AZ

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, affecting almost 5% of adults. At Integrated Pain Consultants in Scottsdale, Mesa, and Phoenix, Arizona, Nikesh Seth, MD, and his team of integrative pain specialists offer complete care for shoulder pain. After an exam and diagnostic imaging, they can make personalized treatment recommendations. Call the nearest office today to receive treatment for shoulder pain, or book your appointment online.

Shoulder Pain Q & A

I have shoulder pain that won’t go away. Should I be worried?

Your shoulders are some of the most mobile joints in your body. If they get injured, or experience general wear-and-tear, actions like reaching, lifting, or throwing can cause pain and discomfort.

Most people experience shoulder pain at one time or another. In most cases, it improves with at-home treatments, like rest, ice, and activity modification. But if your symptoms continue or affect your range of motion, seek treatment.

What causes shoulder pain?

The Integrated Pain Consultants team treats shoulder pain caused by various factors, including:

Torn cartilage
Torn rotator cuff
Arthritis
Pinched nerves
Swollen bursa sacs or tendons
Frozen shoulder
Dislocated shoulder
Broken shoulder
Spinal cord injury

Sometimes, bone spurs cause shoulder pain. Bone spurs are small, hard growths that form on the edges of bones.

How does a pain specialist diagnose shoulder pain?

Your Integrated Pain Consultants provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including if the pain occurs in one shoulder or both and if it keeps you up at night.

Next, they complete a physical exam. Your provider checks your shoulder for bruising and swelling and assesses your range of motion and joint stability. Then, they order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an MRI, to look at your shoulder joint, rotator cuff, and surrounding tissues.

How is shoulder pain treated?

The Integrated Pain Consultants team treats shoulder pain using a minimally invasive and patient-centered approach. They might recommend:

Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Chiropractic care
Prescription pain medication
Corticosteroid injections
Radiofrequency ablation
Immobilization with a sling or a cast
Over-the-counter pain medication

It may take several treatments to provide lasting relief for shoulder pain, depending on the underlying cause. Follow the team’s instructions, commit to the treatment plan, and attend each of your appointments.

Can shoulder pain be prevented?

You can reduce your risk of shoulder pain by keeping your rotator cuffs strong and healthy. The Integrated Pain Consultants team can teach you how to stretch and strengthen your shoulder muscles and rotator cuff tendons.

If you have a history of shoulder injuries, icing the affected joint for 15 minutes after exercise can prevent future issues.

Call the nearest Integrated Pain Consultants office today to receive treatment for shoulder pain, or book your appointment online.