Shoulder Pain Capitola

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common problem that many people will experience at some point in their life. Whether your shoulder pain is caused by injuries or sudden (acute) or long-lasting (chronic) inflammation of the shoulder joint, the pain can be very draining. The shoulders have a broad and versatile range of motion, allowing us to lift and control heavy loads. It is also the most mobile joint in the body. The shoulder consists of the upper arm bone (humerus), collarbone (clavicle), and the shoulder blade (scapula), along with muscles, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. A problem with any part of this shoulder joint architecture can cause pain, weakness, or instability in the shoulder.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Various reasons could cause shoulder pain and lead to inflammation, infection, nerve compression, or injury of the shoulder. The most common cause is rotator cuff tendinitis, characterized by inflamed or damaged tendons. Shoulder pain can be the result of one or more of the following causes:

• Arthritis
• Torn cartilage
• Torn rotator cuff
• Swollen bursa sacs
• Bone spurs
• A 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
• Poor shoulder posture or mechanics

The pain felt in the shoulder can sometimes result from another problem in a different body area, such as the neck or lungs—this is known as referred pain. In some cases, shoulder pain may occur with symptoms that indicate a severe or life-threatening condition, such as a heart attack, that must be evaluated in an emergency setting.

We Help Shoulder Pain

Depending on the underlying cause, shoulder pain may last briefly or persist for weeks. It may feel like a dull ache, or it may be sharp and jolting in a specific area. It is also challenging to know the difference between the different types of shoulder pain and their symptoms. Our doctor at Harbor Health Center can evaluate your shoulder pain to help identify the cause of your pain and other problems. Since there are many potential causes of shoulder pain, our doctor will carefully review your symptoms, physical examination, and sometimes imaging examinations to make a proper diagnosis.

Treatment options heavily depend on the cause and severity of the shoulder pain. Once our doctor finds the root of your pain, we can develop a treatment plan that’s right for you to relieve your pain and help restore your shoulder to normal function. It is important to note that it often takes time for your shoulder pain to heal. Our doctor is committed to making sure you make a full recovery. Call us today at (831) 200-0880 to schedule a consultation.