Shoulder pain in Barranquilla, Colombia

What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?

Rotator cuff problems (tendinitis or tears), bursitis, frozen shoulder (progressive stiffness with pain), instability or dislocation in younger people and osteoarthritis in older adults. Sometimes the pain comes from the neck rather than the shoulder.

Which symptoms point to the cause?

Pain when raising the arm or sleeping on that side suggests rotator cuff problems or bursitis. Progressive loss of movement suggests frozen shoulder. A feeling that the shoulder slips out suggests instability. Tingling down to the hand suggests a neck origin.

When is it an emergency?

If shoulder pain, especially on the left, comes with chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath or sweating, it may be a heart problem: go to the emergency room. Also after a fall with deformity or inability to move the arm.

Which specialist should you see?

An orthopedist, ideally a shoulder specialist, for diagnosis with an exam, ultrasound or MRI. A physical therapist is key in almost every case, and a physiatrist or pain specialist can perform injections or nerve blocks.

Find shoulder pain specialists

On MedicosDoc you can find orthopedists, shoulder surgeons, physiatrists and physical therapists. Compare profiles and book your appointment.