What is causing my ongoing shoulder pain?

A patient comes to Missoula Bone & Joint with ongoing shoulder pain. The patient experiences pain when raising the arm out to the side and in front of the body. They are having difficulty sleeping and they get a sharp pain when they reach into their back pocket. Usually doctors start with non-surgical treatment; anti-inflammatory medications, rest and ice, an injection of cortisone into the joint. Physical therapy may also be prescribed to calm inflammation and manipulate the shoulder to help restore full shoulder range of motion. If Shoulder Impingement is diagnosed, where the rotator cuff tendons rub against the roof of the shoulder blade (scapula) on the bony point called the acromion, and non-surgical options have not worked, then arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. A bursa, or lubricated sac, is located between the acromion and the rotator cuff tendons to absorb friction between these 2 moving parts. Usually, there is enough room in the shoulder joint so that the tendons slide easily, but each time you raise your arm there is rubbing or pinching on the tendons and the bursa. This rubbing is called impingement. Impingement becomes a problem when it causes irritation, swelling, and damage to the rotator cuff tendons. Bone spurs commonly caused by wear and tear can reduce the space also. The goal of surgery is to increase this space and eliminate your pain. Call to schedule your appointment with one of our shoulder specialists so that we can discuss your options and eliminate your shoulder pain!

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