When Does Shoulder Pain Warrant a Trip to the Doctor?

Shoulder pain due to an underlying condition like arthritis or rotator cuff problems requires medical attention to prevent worsening and preserve joint function. But how do you know when shoulder pain needs a doctor’s care?

Our team at NYC Pain MD in Queens and Manhattan specializes in minimally invasive pain management that addresses the source of your discomfort. Our cutting-edge, science-backed regenerative medicine treatments focus on reducing pain and restoring healthy mobility to aching joints.   

Here’s our guidance for deciding when it's time to see a doctor for your shoulder pain.

Prolonged pain

If your shoulder pain has been consistent or worsening for more than a week, especially if you can't trace it back to a specific injury or incident, it's a good idea to consult a doctor.

Prolonged pain can be indicative of conditions that might worsen over time. Very often, the location of the pain helps us determine the underlying issue.

For instance, osteoarthritis affecting the shoulder joint typically causes deep discomfort at the back of the shoulder. This form of wear-and-tear arthritis progresses over time and can make it difficult to perform routine tasks that require you to reach behind your back, like donning a shirt or threading a belt.    

Your treatment here at NYC Pain MD starts with a careful evaluation and accurate diagnosis of the shoulder problem. We then develop a customized treatment plan that may include physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility. 

We may also recommend injection-based therapies (platelet-rich plasma or stem cell therapy) to reduce inflammation, decrease discomfort, and speed healing.

Pain with limited range of motion

Difficulty lifting your arm overhead, reaching behind your back, or performing other everyday movements can be a sign of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), rotator cuff injury, or worsening arthritis.

These conditions require an accurate diagnosis before you begin treatment. Adhesive capsulitis is especially problematic, since it can occur on its own or result from conditions that force you to restrict shoulder movement to avoid pain. 

Unfortunately, limiting your shoulder movement to prevent pain increases your risk of developing adhesive capsulitis.

Weakness in the affected arm or shoulder

If you feel weakness when lifting objects, pushing or pulling doors, or performing daily tasks, it might be a symptom of nerve impingement or muscle and tendon injuries affecting the rotator cuff.

Night pain

Experiencing shoulder pain that disturbs your sleep or is more pronounced during the night could be a sign of rotator cuff problems that require medical attention.

Visible deformity or swelling

If your shoulder looks swollen, has a bump, or seems out of place compared to the other shoulder, contact us immediately. This could indicate a dislocation, fracture, or another acute injury.

Numbness or tingling

Experiencing numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation down your arm can indicate nerve compression or damage.

Sudden pain

Sudden sharp or intense shoulder pain during a fall, after a blow to the shoulder, or with physical activity could indicate an acute injury like a rotator cuff tear.

If your shoulder pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or pain radiating down your arm or to your jaw, seek emergency medical attention. These could be signs of a heart attack.

Past injury

If you've had a previous shoulder injury, even years ago, and you start experiencing shoulder pain, we recommend scheduling an evaluation to rule out re-injury or complications from the initial injury.

Otherwise, we recommend coming in for a visit whenever you’re concerned about shoulder pain or other musculoskeletal issues. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent future problems.

Schedule an appointment today by calling one of our New York City offices or requesting a visit online. We’re located in the financial district of Manhattan and in Elmhurst, Queens.