Shoulder pain is a very common issue. The high mobility of this joint, combined with its relatively low stability, makes it vulnerable to strain and injury. However, just like any type of pain, it comes on a spectrum. It can be very mild and might disappear without treatment — or it could be a serious issue that requires professional medical care. How can you tell when shoulder pain merits a professional evaluation and treatment? This blog post provides some helpful guidance.
When to Visit the ER
If you experience sudden or severe shoulder pain, it may be an emergency! Seek immediate care in the ER if you notice any of the following:
- Intense pain following a fall, accident, or direct blow to your shoulder.
- Visible deformity, such as a joint that looks out of place or an obvious fracture.
- Loss of feeling or weakness in your arm or hand.
- Inability to move your shoulder or arm at all.
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a feeling that the pain is radiating from your chest to your shoulder (as this could signal a heart problem).
- Uncontrolled bleeding, open wounds, or signs of infection such as high fever and redness around the joint.
When to Book an Appointment with a Musculoskeletal Physician
Even if your shoulder pain is not an urgent emergency, it may still be wise to get it checked out by a qualified musculoskeletal physician. Here are some indications that it is time to book an appointment with a doctor:
- Persistent pain that lasts longer than a few days or interferes with your daily activities.
- Swelling, stiffness, or decreased range of motion that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medication.
- Grinding, clicking, or popping sounds in the joint that come with pain or reduced function.
- History of shoulder dislocations, injuries, or surgeries, especially if pain returns or worsens.
- Weakness in the arm or difficulty lifting objects even after resting.
A musculoskeletal physician can assess your symptoms, recommend diagnostic imaging if needed, and help you build a treatment plan tailored to your needs. For example, you might be a candidate for regenerative medicine, which uses minimally invasive or non-invasive means to stimulate your body’s natural healing process. Physical therapy or osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) could also be helpful.
When It Might Be Safe to Wait
Mild or short-lived shoulder pain often resolves without specialized care. You may monitor your symptoms at home in the following situations:
- Mild pain that is linked to overuse, such as after an intense workout or repetitive activity.
- No swelling, bruising, or significant loss of movement.
- Pain lessens with rest, ice, or over-the-counter medication.
- No signs of infection, numbness, or deformity.
Keep track of your symptoms and reevaluate if they persist or worsen. If the discomfort does not fade within a few days or new symptoms develop, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider for further advice.
Are you debating whether or not your shoulder pain is serious? When in doubt, call a medical professional and describe the situation. They will provide expert guidance and help you get on the road to relief.
Meet the Practice
Dr. James Pinkston, DO, is a highly skilled physician who is board-certified in neuromusculoskeletal medicine. He and our team offer a broad range of non-surgical treatment options for orthopedic complaints, including shoulder pain. If you would like to find out how we may be able to serve you, contact Asheville Non-Surgical Orthopedics at 828-417-9913.