Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can have a range of causes, from issues with the shoulder joint to problems with the surrounding muscles, ligaments, tendons, and/or bursae. In addition, some neck, chest, or stomach conditions can cause shoulder pain. 

No matter the cause, shoulder pain can be disruptive to your life and activities. Finding relief will restore your shoulder mobility and allow you to get back to the things you love most.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

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The most common signs and symptoms of shoulder pain include:

• Stiffness and limited or decreased range of motion 
• Skin that feels warm to the touch in the affected area
• Weakness in the shoulder and arm
• Bruising
• Aching or throbbing
• Numbness
• Swelling
• Muscle spasms

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

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If you experience shoulder pain in conjunction with fever, extreme stiffness of the joint, bruising, heat and/or tenderness around the joint, and/or pain that doesn’t respond to at-home treatments like heat or ice, we recommend contacting your doctor. 

Shoulder pain that comes on suddenly and is not related to an injury may be a sign of a heart attack. In this case, call 911.

Other signs of a heart attack include:

• Tightness in the chest
• Neck or jaw pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Trouble breathing

If you have sustained a shoulder injury that is bleeding, swollen or resulted in an open wound, seek emergency medical care immediately.

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CAUSES

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Shoulder pain can have several causes, most of which are very treatable. Some of the most common causes include:

• Rotator Cuff Tendinitis, which is the most prevalent cause of shoulder pain. With this condition, the tendons around the shoulder joint become swollen and painful.
• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, in which the top edge of your shoulder blade rubs against your rotator cuff. This is typically caused by repetitive strain on the shoulder from sports or activities, like painting or window washing.
• Referred Pain, which is pain that comes from injury to another part of your body, typically your neck or biceps. 
• Arthritis
• Bone spurs
• Broken shoulder or arm bone
• Dislocated shoulder
• Frozen shoulder
• Heart attack
• Pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder
• Spinal cord injury
• Swollen bursa sacs or tendons
• Torn cartilage or rotator cuff

DIAGNOSIS

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• Physical Exam
  At Pain Specialists of Charleston, your first visit will last around 30 minutes. It will include a thorough discussion of your medical history and a physical exam pertinent to your pain problem. 
  
• X-Rays 
  If necessary, your pain management physician will perform X-rays to show injuries to your shoulder joint.
  
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scans (MRI) and Ultrasound 
  If your physician needs a better look at your soft tissues, they may order an MRI or ultrasound. This will help identify ligament and tendon injuries around your shoulder joint.
  
• Computed Tomography Scan (CT)
  A CT scan gives your physician an extremely detailed view of your shoulder bones, allowing them to get a better picture of any injuries or inflammation.
  
• Electrodiagnostic Testing
  If nerve damage is suspected, you may need to undergo electrodiagnostic testing, such as electromyography (EMG), to measure and evaluate your nerve function.
  
• Arthrogram 
  This is an X-ray technique in which dye is injected into your shoulder to better show your joints, muscles, and tendons. Your physician may perform this in conjunction with an MRI or CT scan.
  
• Arthroscopy 
  This is a minor surgical procedure that allows your doctor to look inside your shoulder joint with a fiber-optic camera. This allows them to see soft tissue injuries that may not have been visible with other tests. Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat the cause of your pain.

TREATMENT

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At Pain Specialists of Charleston, our board-certified team offers pain management treatment in the form of: 

• Injections
• Injured Nerve Block
• Radiofrequency Ablation (Rhizotomy)
• Discography
• Neurostimulation, also known as Spinal Cord Stimulation
• Medical Massage Therapy
• Clinical Trials
• …and MORE!

MEET DOCTOR EDWARD M. TAVEL, JR., MD

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AWARDS & ASSOCIATIONS

AS SEEN ON

CONDITIONS WE MANAGE

• Knee Pain
• Chest Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Back Pain
• Hip Pain
• Neck Pain
• & More

View All Conditions We Manage

TREATMENTS WE OFFER

• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Massage
• Meditation
• & More

View All Treatments We Offer

WHY CHOOSE US

At Pain Specialists of Charleston, we strive to provide an unmatched healthcare experience – one focused on finding relief. With this goal guiding our pain management physicians, we prioritize the following:

Compassionate and Comprehensive Care

Our practice takes a multidisciplinary approach to pain care that puts patients first. We’re proud to offer a full range of pain management procedures and treatments, including physical therapy, medical massage therapy, pain psychology, medication management, and more.

Timely Treatment

Because many of our patients suffer from severe pain, we’re committed to scheduling appointments as quickly as possible. This ensures the speedy start of a treatment plan to relieve and/or manage their pain.

Access to Safe Pain Management

Pain Specialists of Charleston offers a higher level of healthcare, performing all interventional procedures to meet strict, sterile standards and rigorously comply with all FDA, CDC, state, and federal medical safety guidelines.

Quality Care

Our providers are not only prominent leaders in the field of pain management, but advocates for the Charleston, SC patients we so proudly serve. It’s our exceptional care that sets us apart and earns our patients’ trust. 

FAQ

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HOW CAN I TELL IF MY SHOULDER PAIN IS SERIOUS?

While many causes of pain in and around the shoulder are not serious, there are a few accompanying symptoms that necessitate emergency medical care. 

Call 911 or your primary care physician if you have shoulder pain along with:

• Fever, swelling, or redness in the area
• Significant pain when moving the shoulder
• Pain that lasts for more than 2 weeks, even after at-home treatments

These can indicate a serious issue. We recommend seeking emergency medical care if you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms.

WHAT DOES SHOULDER PAIN ON THE LEFT SIDE MEAN?

Pain in your left shoulder that comes on suddenly may be a sign of a heart attack. If you feel sudden crushing pain or pressure in your shoulder or pain that runs from your chest to jaw, arm, or neck, call 911 or have someone drive you to the emergency room.

WHAT ARE RED FLAGS FOR LEFT SHOULDER PAIN?

The following symptoms along with pain in the left shoulder indicate the need for emergency medical care:

• Trauma to the area
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• New respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath

If you are experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

WHAT DOES HAVING SHOULDER PAIN ON MY RIGHT SIDE MEAN? 

Shoulder pain on the right side of your body is usually due to tendon, ligament, or muscle damage. Occasionally, though, it could be a sign of a heart attack. If you are experiencing pain on the right side along with chest pain, shortness of breath, or sweating, seek emergency medical care.

WHAT ARE RED FLAGS FOR RIGHT SHOULDER PAIN? 

Signs that right shoulder pain is more serious and needs immediate medical attention include:

• Trauma to the area
• Night sweats
• Fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• A change in the joint shape
• Swelling or a mass
• A “hot” and tender joint
• Difficulty moving the arm or shoulder

IS IT NORMAL TO HAVE SHOULDER PAIN WHEN LIFTING SOMETHING?

It is not normal to experience shoulder pain when lifting objects, but it is not uncommon. The cause is typically shoulder impingement, which is when the top edge of your shoulder blade rubs against your rotator cuff. 

WHAT DOES A PINCHED NERVE IN THE SHOULDER FEEL LIKE? 

If you have a pinched nerve in your shoulder, you may feel sharp or burning pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates from your shoulder down to your arm, chest or trap muscle.

HOW LONG IS TOO LONG FOR SHOULDER PAIN?

If your shoulder pain persists for more than two weeks, you may need to seek treatment. We recommend making an appointment with your primary care physician if your pain lasts this long.

HOW TO SLEEP WITH SHOULDER PAIN?

Here are some of the best ways to sleep with shoulder pain:

• Try sleeping on your back to avoid putting more pressure on the affected shoulder. Do not sleep on your side.
• Use a pillow designed to reduce neck pain. 
• Keep your arms by your side when you sleep. Raising them above your head can contribute to shoulder issues.

WHAT IS THE MOST PAINFUL SHOULDER CONDITION?

One of the most painful shoulder conditions is a frozen shoulder. This condition is caused by the connective tissue enclosing the joint tightening and getting thicker. It is a persistent condition with a long recovery period, making it among the most painful shoulder conditions.

WHY IS MY SHOULDER PAIN WORSE AT NIGHT?

There is no exact reason for shoulder pain to be worse at night, but if you lay on your side or have overused your shoulder during the day, you may feel the pain more severely at night.

HOW DOES A DOCTOR CHECK FOR SHOULDER PAIN? 

Depending on your symptoms, your pain management physician may use several different techniques to diagnose your pain. An X-ray is typically the first step, but other tests that help with diagnosing include CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds.

WHEN SHOULD YOU NOT IGNORE SHOULDER PAIN? 

If you experience any of these symptoms along with your shoulder pain, seek medical attention:

• Pain that intensifies with use
• Pain that keeps you from sleeping or wakes you up at night
• Stiffness, including the inability to raise your arm past shoulder height
• Numbness, tingling or burning 

WHAT CAN CAUSE SHOULDER PAIN WITHOUT INJURY?

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain but haven’t sustained an injury, it may be caused by arthritis, bone spurs, or bursitis. We recommend making an appointment with your primary care doctor to help diagnose and treat your pain.

WHAT IS A RED FLAG FOR SHOULDER PAIN?

The following symptoms are cause for concern when experienced with shoulder pain:

• Trauma or injury to the area
• Weakness
• The inability to raise your arm
• A mass or swelling
• Red skin
• Fever

Seek medical care if you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms along with shoulder pain.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT?

At your first appointment with Pain Specialists of Charleston, we will perform a thorough evaluation, including a review of your medical history and a physical exam. This appointment will last approximately 30 minutes. What Should I Bring? LEARN MORE

ARE YOU ACCEPT NEW PATIENTS?

Yes! If you are a new patient, please call us at (843) 818-1181 or request an appointment online.

DOES PAIN SPECIALISTS OF CHARLESTON REQUIRE A REFERRAL?

No, we accept both self-made appointments and referral appointments. Schedule your first appointment today! BOOK NOW

DOES PAIN SPECIALISTS OF CHARLESTON OFFER SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS?

Yes, Pain Specialists of Charleston offers same-day appointments. We’re open 5 days a week and are frequently able to get current patients in with same-day appointments. Call us at (843) 818-1181 to learn about availability.

HOW LONG IS A PAIN MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENT?

Your first visit with your pain specialist will last approximately 30 minutes. From there, your appointment length will vary based on the treatment(s) you receive. What else should new patients expect? LEARN MORE

HOURS

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