When to seek help for chronic shoulder pain
Chronic shoulder pain can disrupt your daily life, making simple tasks like lifting, reaching, or even sleeping difficult.
Ignoring persistent pain can lead to further damage and prolonged recovery. Knowing when to seek professional help can prevent long-term complications and improve your quality of life.
Weakness or instability
If your shoulder feels weak, unstable, or prone to dislocating, it’s a red flag that something is structurally wrong – think about seeing a spine specialist if you suspect nerve involvement. Instability often results from ligament damage, rotator cuff tears, or joint degeneration. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to recurring dislocations or permanent weakness.
Consider Kevin Kruse MD, for expert guidance on chronic shoulder pain and advanced treatment options. Seeking treatment early can help strengthen the joint and prevent worsening instability.
Pain lasting more than three months
If your shoulder pain has persisted for more than three months, it’s considered chronic. Temporary soreness from overuse or minor strains typically improves with rest and home care. However, long-term discomfort may indicate underlying issues such as rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, or nerve impingement. A medical evaluation can determine the root cause and the best course of treatment.
When chronic shoulder pain persists despite rest and rehab, it may signal underlying structural instability. In those cases, Arthroscopic Latarjet by Dr Bercik offers a minimally invasive option to restore stability and alleviate discomfort
Limited range of motion
Struggling to lift your arm, rotate your shoulder, or reach behind your back could signal a serious problem. Stiffness and mobility restrictions are common in conditions like frozen shoulder, tendonitis, or labral tears. If stretching and at-home exercises don’t improve your range of motion, seeking medical attention is crucial to prevent further joint damage.
Persistent Stiffness
If your shoulder feels increasingly stiff over time and basic movements become more difficult, you may be developing adhesive capsulitis, also known as a frozen shoulder. This condition causes thickening of the joint capsule, restricting movement and making even small motions painful. Without intervention, a frozen shoulder can take months or even years to resolve, often requiring physical therapy or corticosteroid injections.
Pain When Lifting or Reaching
If you experience sharp pain when lifting your arm above shoulder level or reaching across your body, it may be a sign of rotator cuff tendonitis or a tear. These injuries worsen with repetitive movements and can severely limit your ability to perform everyday tasks. Early treatment, such as targeted exercises or anti-inflammatory medication, can prevent further damage and restore function.
Grinding or Clicking Sensations
If you hear or feel grinding, clicking, or popping in your shoulder when moving it, you may have a cartilage injury or labral tear. The labrum is the cartilage that stabilizes your shoulder joint, and when damaged, it can lead to instability and persistent pain. A medical evaluation, often including imaging tests like an MRI, can determine the extent of the injury and whether surgical repair is necessary.
Sharp or radiating pain
Dull aches are common with muscle fatigue, but sharp or radiating pain can indicate nerve compression, a torn ligament, or a more serious injury. If your pain shoots down your arm or up to your neck, it may be a sign of a pinched nerve or cervical spine issue. A specialist can assess whether physical therapy, medication, or surgery is needed.
Pain that disrupts sleep
Waking up frequently due to shoulder pain or finding it impossible to sleep in certain positions suggests an ongoing issue. Conditions like bursitis, tendonitis, or rotator cuff tears often worsen at night. If pain relief methods such as heat therapy, ice packs, or over-the-counter medications aren’t helping, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.
Inability to Find a Comfortable Sleeping Position
If you’re constantly shifting positions or propping yourself up with pillows to relieve shoulder pain during the night, this could indicate a deeper issue. Conditions like a frozen shoulder or a torn rotator cuff can make it difficult to sleep, as certain positions place more strain on the affected area. A healthcare provider can suggest specific sleeping positions or recommend treatment options to help ease the pain and allow you to rest more comfortably.
Pain Worsens When Lying Down
Pain that intensifies when you lie down or change positions may point to inflammation or structural damage in the shoulder joint. The pressure on the shoulder when lying on it or trying to sleep on your side can aggravate certain injuries, making sleep nearly impossible. If your pain worsens at night despite using supportive pillows or adjusting your sleep routine, it’s essential to get a proper evaluation to identify the cause.
No improvement with home treatments
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can help minor shoulder injuries, but if your pain persists despite these efforts, professional intervention is necessary. Delaying treatment can lead to further complications, requiring more aggressive solutions like corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or even surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage and chronic pain.
Chronic shoulder pain shouldn’t be ignored. If your symptoms last more than three months, limit your movement, disrupt your sleep, or fail to improve with home care, it’s time to seek medical help. A proper diagnosis can lead to effective treatment, helping you regain mobility and live pain-free.
