Shoulder Pain Specialist
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Steven J Svabek, DO, PA
Orthopaedic Surgeon & Spine Surgeon located in Coral Springs, FL
Your shoulder’s mobility makes it possible to reach that itch in the middle of your back and raise your hands over your head to grab that box off the top shelf of the bedroom closet. Unfortunately, the shoulder’s flexibility also makes it vulnerable to injuries and damage that causes shoulder pain. Steven J. Svabek, DO, PA, is an orthopaedic surgeon in Coral Springs, Florida, who diagnoses and treats shoulder pain. Call the practice today or schedule your appointment online.
Shoulder Pain Q & A
What is shoulder pain?
Any discomfort experienced in and around your shoulder joint is considered shoulder pain. The shoulder consists of the upper arm bone, collarbone, and shoulder blade. Cartilage cushions the bones, and everything is held together by tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Damage to any of the parts of your shoulder can cause shoulder pain.
What causes shoulder pain?
Most shoulder pain is caused by arthritis, dislocations, bursitis, or tendinitis.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common cause of shoulder pain. Osteoarthritis, in particular, is arthritis caused by excessive use of a joint. Sports and workplace activities and injuries and the natural aging process cause osteoarthritis.
Dislocation
Injuries and overuse can cause shoulder instability or a dislocated shoulder. A partial shoulder dislocation involves a portion of the ball of your upper arm coming out of its socket. A complete shoulder dislocation is when the upper arm ball comes entirely out of its socket.
Tendon inflammation or tear (bursitis or tendinitis)
Your joints have tiny, fluid-filled sacs called bursae which cushion the bones and reduce friction between the bones and muscles. Bursitis is when excessive shoulder use inflames the bursae. It often accompanies rotator cuff tendinitis.
Tendons connect your muscles and bones. Inflammation of the tendons, called tendinitis, can be caused by physical activities or degenerative diseases like arthritis. In severe cases, the tendons split or tear, pulling the tendon away from its attachment to the bone.
Less frequent causes of shoulder pain include nerve problems, infections, and tumors.
How is shoulder pain treated?
Shoulder pain treatment involves resting the shoulder, reducing or changing physical activities that cause pain, and physical therapy to improve your shoulder’s flexibility and strength. For shoulder pain that isn’t getting better, Dr. Svabek can recommend:
Anti-inflammatory medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can relieve shoulder pain by reducing inflammation. Medication is often combined with physical therapy to improve the range of motion in the shoulder.
Surgery
If conservative treatments don’t cure your shoulder pain, Dr. Svabek can recommend surgery. Surgery is the usual treatment for shoulder dislocations that come and go and severe rotator cuff tears.
Surgery can be used to remove scar tissue and repair torn tissues in the shoulder. In severe cases, a shoulder replacement restores the function of your shoulder joint.
If shoulder pain keeps you awake at night or limits your range of motion, contact Steven J. Svabek, DO, today. Call the office or use the online booking tool to schedule your appointment.
