Shoulder & Arm Pain

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Shoulder & Arm Pain

Shoulder and arm pain can significantly affect daily life, making simple tasks like lifting, reaching, or even sleeping uncomfortable. Whether your arm hurts from an injury, overuse, or an underlying condition, finding the right treatment is essential for restoring mobility and comfort. At Relievus, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating shoulder pain and arm discomfort, helping patients regain strength and function.

Request an appointment with our pain management doctors today to get pain relief so you can live with less pain.

What Hurts?

Possible Conditions

Common Causes of Shoulder & Arm Pain

Pain in the shoulder and arm can result from a variety of conditions, ranging from muscle strain to nerve issues. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment.

Muscle & Joint Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries – Tears or inflammation in the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint can cause persistent shoulder pain and limited mobility.
Tendonitis & bursitis – Overuse or repetitive motion can lead to inflammation in the tendons or bursae, resulting in swelling and discomfort.
Dislocations & fractures – A sudden fall or impact can dislocate the shoulder joint or cause fractures in the arm, leading to severe pain and instability.

Nerve Compression & Damage

Pinched nerves in arm – When nerves become compressed due to swelling, injury, or misalignment, it can lead to radiating pain, numbness, and tingling.
Cervical radiculopathy – A condition where nerve roots in the neck become compressed, often causing pain that extends down the arm. Learn more on our Neck & Back Pain page.
Thoracic outlet syndrome – A condition where nerves or blood vessels are compressed between the collarbone and first rib, leading to arm pain and weakness.

Inflammatory & Degenerative Conditions

Arthritis – Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, limiting movement.
Frozen shoulder – A condition that gradually restricts movement in the shoulder, making it difficult to lift or rotate the arm.
Fibromyalgia – Widespread pain that can affect the muscles and nerves in the arm, causing chronic discomfort and fatigue.

Symptoms of Shoulder & Arm Pain

Pain in the shoulder and arm can vary in intensity and presentation. Common symptoms include:

Sharp or aching pain in the shoulder, upper arm, or forearm
Weakness in the arm, making it difficult to lift or grip objects
Tingling or numbness due to irritated or compressed nerves in the arm
Stiffness or restricted movement in the shoulder joint
Swelling or bruising following an injury

If your arm hurts consistently or symptoms worsen over time, it’s important to seek professional evaluation for a proper diagnosis.

Diagnosing Shoulder & Arm Pain

At Relievus, we use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause of shoulder and arm pain, ensuring the most effective treatment plan.

Physical Examination & Medical History

Assessment of pain levels, range of motion, and joint stability
Discussion of previous injuries, activity levels, and daily habits

Imaging & Diagnostic Testing

X-rays & MRIs – Used to detect fractures, arthritis, and soft tissue damage
Ultrasound – Helps assess tendon inflammation and rotator cuff injuries
Electromyography (EMG) & Nerve Conduction Studies – Identify nerve compression issues affecting the nerves in the arm

Learn more about our Diagnostic Testing Services to understand how we identify the root cause of pain.

Treatment Options for Shoulder & Arm Pain

Relievus offers a multidisciplinary approach to treating shoulder pain and arm discomfort, focusing on non-invasive therapies and advanced pain management techniques.

Conservative Treatments

Physical therapy – Strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and restores joint function
Anti-inflammatory medications – Reduces pain and swelling associated with arthritis or tendonitis
Ice & heat therapy – Helps manage acute pain and reduce inflammation

Interventional Pain Management

For persistent or severe pain, minimally invasive procedures may be necessary:

Corticosteroid injections – Reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues
Nerve blocks – Temporarily block pain signals from affected nerves in the arm
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy – Uses the body’s natural healing properties to repair damaged tissues

Learn more about our Interventional Pain Management options.

Preventing Shoulder & Arm Pain

While some conditions are unavoidable, certain habits can help prevent shoulder and arm pain from developing or worsening:

Practice proper posture when sitting, standing, and using electronic devices
Stretch and strengthen the shoulders with targeted exercises
Avoid repetitive strain by taking breaks from overhead movements
Use ergonomic support when working at a desk or carrying heavy loads

When to Seek Medical Attention

You should seek professional care if you experience:

Severe or persistent pain that does not improve with rest
Sudden weakness or inability to lift the arm
Tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation in the arm or fingers
Signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint

Relievus’ Approach to Shoulder & Arm Pain

At Relievus, we understand how shoulder and arm pain can affect mobility, work, and daily activities. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to providing personalized care, utilizing cutting-edge diagnostics, physical therapy, and advanced pain management techniques to help you regain strength and function.

If your arm hurts or you’re struggling with shoulder pain, contact Relievus today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward long-term relief.