Shoulder problems can really put a damper on your daily routine. These conditions can restrict your range of motion, interfere with sleep, and create persistent aching that radiates down your arm.
Our expert team is recognized among the leading orthopedic shoulder specialists in NYC.
We’ve been helping New Yorkers overcome their shoulder pain and upper extremity issues for decades, whether the cause is a sports injury, workplace strain, or chronic condition.
So, let’s explore shoulder pain a bit more and discover why we’re the right team to help you overcome yours.
What are the causes of shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain isn’t uncommon and can have many potential causes. Here are some of the ones our shoulder doctors see regularly:
Injury
Accidents and mishaps are the most common causes of shoulder pain. Sporting injuries, poor posture, and car accidents can all result in damage to the muscles and ligaments around the shoulder.
The treatment for these sorts of injuries varies, depending on the cause.
Arthritis and osteoarthritis are conditions that cause wear and tear in the shoulder joint. As the tendons wear away, bones rub together, leading to pain and stiffness. Arthritic conditions tend to be age-related, but can be triggered by illness or injury.
Shoulder Bursitis
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints of the shoulder. Sometimes, these can become inflamed, causing stiffness and pain around the joint.
Rotator cuff injuries are caused by overuse of the shoulder ligaments. You might have a rotator cuff injury if it hurts to raise your arm straight above your head. Construction workers, swimmers, and racket sport athletes are particularly susceptible to this type of injury.
Shoulder impingement is caused by placing too much pressure on the tendons around joints in the upper arm. Overuse of the shoulder, like lifting heavy weights, can cause impingement.
Tendonitis
Tendons are cords that connect the muscles and bones. In the shoulder, these can become inflamed due to overstretching or overuse. This condition is known as tendonitis and can also affect other joints in the arm.
Frozen shoulder is a rare condition that causes the arm to lock in place. It can sometimes appear after medical treatment for another condition. The tissues around the shoulder thicken and stiffen, causing pain and a loss of mobility.
Further surgical intervention is often needed to reverse the thickening.
Everyday sprains and strains can affect the shoulder and cause pain. Overuse, overstretching, or lifting heavy objects incorrectly are all causes of these common injuries.
Sometimes, the bones of the shoulder joint can pop out of place. This is usually caused by the arm rotating too far backwards or being moved unnaturally. Treatment for this condition requires the upper arm bone to be forced back into the joint by a professional shoulder specialist.
Pinched Nerves
Nerves carry important information from the body to the brain. Sometimes these cords can become trapped or “pinched” in place. This can lead to pain in the area. Trapped nerves in the neck often radiate down the arm and cause pain in the shoulder.
Shoulder Pain Diagnosis Chart
So, how do you know what condition is causing your shoulder pain? You’ll need the help of an experienced specialist to determine the exact cause. Take a look at this shoulder pain diagnosis chart to get started.
What are the symptoms of a shoulder injury?
Possible signs of a shoulder problem include experiencing certain symptoms. Here are some giveaways:
- Shoulder pain or discomfort.
- Limited ability to move your shoulder.
- A sensation that your shoulder might dislocate.
- Weakness in the shoulder.
How is shoulder pain treated?
Treatment starts with a full diagnosis from one of our professional shoulder doctors in NYC. Our experts will examine your shoulder, discuss how and when the problem started, and might use X-ray or MRI scans to determine the likely cause of the issue.
From there, we will work with you to design an effective treatment plan that gets you back in action, free of pain and ready to prevent any recurrence.
This plan may include different stages, treatment options, and suggestions, depending on your specific circumstances. You may also require repeat appointments with us as you progress.
We may suggest a mix of:
- RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Gentle exercises or stretching
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce the swelling and inflammation
- Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to repair tears and remove scar tissue
- Medication or nerve blocker injections to temporarily reduce pain and discomfort
- Trigger point injections to help the muscles relax and extend, reducing stiffness and improving mobility.
What conditions do our shoulder doctors treat?
- AC Joint Separation
- Biceps Tendon Rupture/ Tear
- Bone Spurs in the Shoulder
- Dead Arm
- Dislocated Shoulder: Treatment & Surgery
- Frozen Shoulder
- Humerus Fracture (Broken Upper Arm)
- Loose Bodies in the Shoulder
- Muscle Spasm
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Shoulder Arthritis & Osteoarthritis
- Shoulder Arthroscopy – Arthroscopic Surgery
- Shoulder Clicking or Snapping
- Shoulder Dislocation
- Shoulder Fracture
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
- Shoulder Instability & Weakness
- Shoulder Replacement
- Shoulder Tendonitis
- Shoulder Trauma
- SLAP Tear (Shoulder Labrum Tear)
- Weightlifter’s Shoulder
Why are we among NYC’s top-rated shoulder pain specialists?
New York Bone and Joint Specialists is counted among the top-rated neck and cervical pain specialists in the Big Apple. Patients have been working closely with us for decades. Here’s why:
- Your joints are crucial for a long and healthy life, and we prioritize their preservation and healing.
- Our world-class joint specialists offer compassionate and comprehensive care for various conditions, guiding you from diagnosis through recovery.
- Over 90% of our orthopedic cases are successfully resolved without surgery.
- We provide complete recovery for every patient through conservative treatments and, when necessary, expert surgical interventions.
Read our Patient Reviews below.
Our top-rated shoulder pain specialists in NYC
Renowned shoulder expert Dr Leon E. Popovitz, MD, leads our in-house shoulder doctors in NYC. Dr. Popovitz is an internationally recognized shoulder specialist and arthroscopic shoulder surgeon. He is also our co-founder and has been steering the NYBJ team for decades.
Alongside Dr. Popovitz is a team of nationally-renowned shoulder doctors with expertise in a variety of shoulder conditions, both injury and illness-based.
