Are you experiencing pain or discomfort in your shoulder? Shoulder pain is a common complaint, and it can be caused by various factors, including injury, overuse, arthritis, and more. According to a study, up to 18-26% of adults are affected by shoulder pain.
But regardless of the cause, one thing is clear: shoulder pain can be debilitating. It affects your ability to perform daily activities and even hinders your sleep. That's why seeking medical attention is important if you're experiencing shoulder pain.
We'll be exploring the role of orthopedic doctors in diagnosing and treating shoulder pain. We'll also discuss the types of treatment options that may be available to you.
So, whether you're dealing with a nagging ache or a sudden injury, read on to learn more about how to get the help you need to get back to pain-free living.
Should I See An Orthopedic Doctor For Shoulder Pain?
If you're experiencing shoulder pain, it's always a good idea to consult a medical professional. They are well-equipped to help you get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
An orthopedic doctor is a specialist who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. This includes those affecting the shoulder. Therefore, seeing an orthopedic doctor for shoulder pain can be a good idea. This is especially true if the pain is severe, persistent, or limits your ability to carry out your normal activities.
An orthopedic doctor can evaluate your shoulder pain and determine the underlying cause. This could range from a minor muscle strain to a more serious condition like a rotator cuff tear or arthritis. They can also perform the following:
- A thorough physical exam
- Order imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans
- Recommend a course of treatment based on your specific condition
An orthopedic surgeon is one type of orthopedic doctor. Sometimes the terms orthopedic surgeon and orthopedic doctor are used interchangeably. However, there are some differences in how the terms are used in different contexts.
The term "orthopedic surgeon" may be more commonly used when surgical intervention is needed. This is because orthopedic surgeons are trained in both surgical and non-surgical methods of treatment.
"Orthopaedic specialists, operative or not, are often the quarterback of a patient's orthopedic care plan. They work to evaluate the patient's unique condition and offer treatment options, helping them determine their best course of action. That might include surgery, but often doesn't – even if that doctor is an orthopedic surgeon."
According to Dr. Kate Temme, Director of the Penn Center for the Female Athlete
Should I See An Orthopedic Doctor Or Chiropractor For Shoulder Pain?
Deciding between seeing an orthopedic doctor or a chiropractor for shoulder pain can depend on several factors. This includes:
- Your pain's severity and underlying cause
- Your personal preferences
- Your medical history.
As we mentioned earlier, orthopedic doctors diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. This can include those that affect the shoulder. They can thoroughly evaluate, order imaging tests, and develop a treatment plan. Treatment may include medication, physical therapy, or even surgery.
On the other hand, chiropractors use manual techniques to manipulate the spine and other joints in the body. These techniques help to alleviate pain and improve function. According to one study, joint mobilization and exercise can effectively relieve shoulder pain.
While they may be able to help with some types of shoulder pain, their approach is generally more focused on the spine. Aside from that, chiropractic techniques may only treat the symptom and not address the underlying cause of your pain.
What Are The Pros and Cons Of An Orthopedic Doctor Or Chiropractor?
If you're confused about going to an orthopedic doctor or a chiropractor, here are some pros and cons to help you decide.
Orthopedic Doctor
Pros:
- Trained medical doctors who specialize in musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
- Can perform comprehensive evaluations and order imaging tests to determine the cause of your shoulder pain.
- Can develop treatment plans that include medication, physical therapy, or surgery if needed.
- May be better equipped to handle complex cases or those with a history of injuries or chronic conditions.
Cons:
- Treatment may be more invasive and require longer recovery times.
- They can be more expensive, especially if surgery or imaging tests are needed.
- They may offer less hands-on treatment for pain relief.
Chiropractor
Pros:
- Focus on using manual techniques to manipulate the spine and other joints to alleviate pain and improve function.
- Generally, they offer more hands-on treatment.
- They may be able to help with some types of shoulder pain.
Cons:
- Not medical doctors and may not have the same level of training or expertise as an orthopedic doctor.
- May not be able to order imaging tests or perform comprehensive evaluations to reach a definite diagnosis
- Treatment may not address the underlying cause of your pain.
- They might not be covered by insurance or have limited coverage.
We have a more in-depth article on chiropractors here.Â
What Other Kinds Of Doctor Should I See For Rotator Cuff Problems?
In addition to an orthopedic doctor, you may want to see a sports medicine doctor or a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) specialist. Both of these doctors are experts at diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions. This includes those that affect the rotator cuff.
Sports medicine doctors are medical doctors who diagnose and treat injuries related to sports and physical activity. They may also help you prevent these injuries. They may have additional training in non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and exercise. Sports medicine doctors can work with athletes to help them recover from injuries and return to their sport.
PM&R specialists, also known as physiatrists, are doctors who focus on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. But they also dabble in rehabilitation. They often work in collaboration with orthopedic doctors and physical therapists. Together, they develop treatment plans tailored to each patient's individual needs.
When Should I See An Orthopedist For Shoulder Pain?
You should see an orthopedist for shoulder pain if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Severe or persistent pain
If your shoulder pain is severe or doesn't improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain medications, seeing an orthopedist is a good idea.
- Limited mobility
An orthopedist can help you figure out what's wrong if you're having trouble moving your shoulder or doing your normal activities. They can also help teach you how to perform certain activities or come up with a specific treatment plan.
- Shoulder weakness
If your shoulder is weak or you're losing strength, an orthopedist can look deeper into your condition. They may help identify whether the weakness has something to do with your muscles or is more serious, like neuropathy.
- Recent injury
You should see an orthopedist if you recently hurt your shoulder in sports, a fall, or some other way. This is to ensure you don't have a serious injury like a broken bone or a torn rotator cuff.
- Chronic pain
An orthopedist can help rule out other conditions that may be causing your chronic shoulder pain. If it's determined that the pain is not due to a musculoskeletal condition, they may point you to the right specialist to help you.Â
How Long Should You Wait To See A Doctor For Shoulder Pain?
If your shoulder pain is mild or moderate and seems to be getting better with rest and medication, you may not need to see a doctor right away.
But if your symptoms don't go away or worsen over time, you should see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment. You should see a doctor as soon as possible if your shoulder pain is severe, lasts for a long time, or keeps you from doing normal things.
Don't wait too long to see a doctor because putting it off could worsen the problem and make it harder to treat.
In some cases, it's also important to seek immediate medical attention for shoulder pain, even when it's mild. If you've suffered a traumatic injury, such as a fall or car accident, you should immediately go to the emergency room or urgent care center.Â
How Does An Orthopedic Doctor Treat Shoulder Issues?
An orthopedic doctor can treat shoulder issues in various ways, depending on the underlying cause of the problem. Here are some of the common treatments that an orthopedic doctor may recommend for shoulder issu:
- Rest and activity modification
If you have a minor shoulder injury or strain, your doctor may recommend rest, ice, and limiting certain activities to allow your shoulder to heal.
Activity modification is all about giving the problematic area a break. Changing the way you do certain activities can take the stress off and give your body a chance to heal.Â
Sometimes, this means changing the level or type of work you do. And, let's face it, it might even mean taking a temporary break from your favorite sports activities. But think of it as a chance to explore new hobbies or activities and return stronger and better than ever!
- Physical therapy
An orthopedic doctor may suggest physical therapy. Physical therapy helps you strengthen the muscles and tendons in your shoulder and increase your range of motion.Â
- Medications
An orthopedic doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs. These drugs can help quickly manage pain and inflammation. If OTC medications don't help, an orthopedic doctor may prescribe more potent painkillers like steroids.
- Injections
An orthopedic doctor may sometimes suggest injecting corticosteroids or other drugs into your shoulder. Usually, these medications are stronger and act more quickly than oral medications.
- Surgery
If conservative treatments are not effective, an orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery can either repair or replace damaged structures in the shoulder joint. This may include procedures like open shoulder surgery, shoulder replacement, or arthroscopic surgery.
What Types Of Surgery Is Done For Shoulder Pain?
Several types of surgery may be done for shoulder pain, depending on the underlying cause. Here are some of the common types of surgery that an orthopedic surgeon may perform to address shoulder pain:
- Shoulder replacement
If you have severe arthritis or other degenerative conditions in the shoulder, you might need a shoulder replacement. This involves replacing the damaged joint with an artificial joint made of metal or plastic. Patients who underwent shoulder replacement can resume their normal lives without shoulder pain. They may even return to low-impact sports.
- Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera to repair or remove damaged tissue. This may be recommended for conditions like rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, or labral tears.Â
- Open surgery
Open surgery may sometimes be necessary to address complex or severe shoulder injuries or conditions. This involves making a larger incision to access the damaged area and repair or replace damaged structures in the shoulder joint.
According to one study, there are no differences in the effectiveness of arthroscopic or open shoulder surgery.
Shoulder surgery can also be categorized based on the cause of the pain or the part being repaired. These can either be done through arthroscopy or open surgery. These include the following:
- Rotator cuff repair surgery
This surgery is done to repair a torn rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. Surgery may involve stitching the torn tendons back together or removing any damaged tissue.
- Labral repair surgery
This surgery is done to repair a torn labrum, which is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket. Surgery may involve stitching the torn labrum back to the shoulder socket or removing any damaged tissue.
- Impingement syndrome surgery
Impingement syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become compressed or pinched. This usually happens when they pass through a narrow space in the shoulder joint. Surgery may involve removing any bone spurs or other structures that are causing the compression.
- Biceps tendon surgery
The biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder joint. Surgery may be needed if the tendon becomes inflamed or torn. Depending on the severity of the injury, surgery may involve repairing the tendon or reattaching it to the bone.
- Acromioclavicular joint (AC joint) repair
The AC joint is located where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. Surgery may be needed if the joint is dislocated or if there is damage to the ligaments that support the joint. Surgery may involve repairing the ligaments or stabilizing the joint with screws or other hardware.
- Frozen shoulder surgery
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. Surgery may be needed in rare cases when other treatments are ineffective. Surgery may involve manipulating the joint to break up scar tissue or removing the joint capsule.
- Shoulder Dislocation Surgery
This type of surgery corrects a dislocated shoulder by manipulating the bone back into place. It may also involve repairing any damaged tissues or ligaments. We talk more in-depth about this surgery here.
The type of surgery recommended for your shoulder pain will depend on the cause and your overall health. Your orthopedic surgeon will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Takeaway
If you have shoulder pain, seeing a doctor is important to get an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment. An orthopedic doctor is a specialist who evaluates and treats musculoskeletal conditions.Â
They can look at your shoulder pain, figure out what's causing it, and suggest a treatment plan based on your condition. Depending on how bad the injury or condition is and what it is, this could include rest, physical therapy, medication, injections, or surgery.
Remember that getting help early can help keep your shoulder pain from getting worse.
