Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can make simple things like putting on a shirt and scratching your back very difficult. Marcie Merson, MD, of Palm Beach Pain Institute in Delray Beach, Florida, is board-certified in pain medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation, and she specializes in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic shoulder pain. Call the office or book an appointment online today to learn more about treatments for shoulder pain.

Why do I have shoulder pain?

You can have shoulder pain for any number of reasons. The shoulder is a complex, large, and flexible joint, forming the connection between your upper arm bone, shoulder blade, and collarbone.

The bones that make up the shoulder are held in place by the rotator cuff, which is a group of muscles and tendons that wrap around the upper arm bone and attach to the shoulder blade. The shoulder joint and muscles allow you to move your arm in many directions.

The complexity and function of your shoulders make them susceptible to injuries and conditions that cause pain.

You can develop shoulder pain from an acute injury or a chronic condition. Common causes of shoulder pain include:

• Rotator cuff tendon tears
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Bone spurs
• Frozen shoulder (stiffness in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments)
• Joint dislocation

You can also feel pain in the shoulder from injuries in nearby tendons and muscles like the bicep. Poor shoulder mechanics can also cause shoulder pain.

When should I consult with pain management for shoulder pain?

You should consult with Dr. Merson at Palm Beach Pain Institute if your shoulder pain is acute or chronic. She treats shoulder-related sports injuries as well as chronic pain conditions like arthritis.

Dr. Merson also recommends scheduling a visit if you have a fever, swelling, or a change in skin color around the shoulder.

She asks about your pain, when it started, and activities that make it worse. She also reviews your medical history. Dr. Merson examines the shoulder joint and may order imaging tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

What treatments can relieve shoulder pain?

Dr. Merson individualizes shoulder pain treatment plans based on the type, severity, and cause of pain. The pain management specialist provides many treatment options, such as:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy
• Osteopathic manual therapy (OMT)
• Posture-strengthening exercises
• Acupuncture
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Corticosteroid injections

Dr. Merson uses ultrasound-guided imaging when administering joint injections. 

She schedules regular visits to monitor your pain, discuss successes and setbacks, and adjust your plan until you get full relief. If you continue to have pain after conservative interventions, Dr. Merson may recommend surgery.

Don’t let your shoulder pain keep you from doing what you love. Call Palm Beach Pain Institute or request an appointment online today.