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Guide to Shoulder Pain Relief

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the human body. This joint has an astounding range of motion, which also makes the shoulder unstable and more prone to injury than any other joint. Chronic shoulder pain is extremely common, causing patients to have a limited ability to move freely and can also cause high levels of discomfort and pain.


The Interventional Spine & Pain Management physicians are here to help you overcome chronic shoulder pain once and for all! Let’s get right into our guide to shoulder pain relief.


About the Shoulder

The human shoulder is made up of a ball and socket joint that allows our arms to rotate either in a circular fashion or hinge out from the body.


  • Three bones: the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade) and the humerus (upper arm bone)

  • Muscles

  • Ligaments

  • Tendons

  • Cartilage


Chronic Shoulder Pain Basics – What’s the Cause

As we age, chronic shoulder pain becomes more and more common as the tissue surrounding the shoulder begin to deteriorate. General wear and tear of the shoulder joint over many years is a leading cause of chronic pain. Shoulder pain can also begin as result of injury—many times even an injury to the neck or back where pain can radiate throughout the shoulder. Other causes of chronic shoulder pain include:


  • Arthritis

  • Torn cartilage

  • Torn rotator cuff

  • Bone spurs

  • Pinched nerves in the neck or shoulders

  • Shoulder dislocation

  • Back or spinal injuries


Shoulder Pain Treatments

Like any other chronic pain condition, treatment will depend on the cause and severity of your shoulder pain. Our ISPM Physicians check for tenderness and swelling along with assessing your range of motion and joint stability. The most common medical treatments for chronic shoulder pain typically include one or a combination of the following:


  • Physical Therapy

  • Immobilization

  • Medications

  • Shoulder Injections

  • Surgery

  • There are also a variety of lifestyle adjustments to help treat chronic shoulder pain at home which include:

  • Rest

  • Shoulder friendly exercises and stretching

  • Ice or heat treatments

  • Improved posture

  • Limit overhead work or activities


If you’re experiencing pain that’s lasted longer than 2 weeks, seek professional help from the ISPM. Our team can help you to improve shoulder pain and stop future damage in its tracks.


ISPM Doctors

Putting off seeking treatment for your shoulder pain can lead to more serious problems and longer recovery times. Get in touch with the ISPM doctors today and get started with treatment.


Get in touch by clicking here or call us at 801-262-7246


Disclaimer: You should always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider before beginning any exercise program. The information contained in this article does not constitute medical advice, nor does reading or accessing this information create a patient-provider relationship.  Comments that you post will be shared with all visitors to this page. All comments are not governed by HIPAA and you should not post any private health information.