Shoulder pain is a common complaint among adults, and it can be caused by numerous underlying medical conditions. In some instances, the pain can significantly affect your quality of life and limit your range of motion. If you've been experiencing burning pain in your shoulder that's recurring or chronic, you should consider seeing a pain management doctor. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the causes of shoulder pain and why you should see a pain management specialist for this type of discomfort.

Dr. Edrick Lopez goes through some mobility tests with a patient to help understand her shoulder pain.

What causes shoulder pain?

The shoulder is the most flexible joint in your body, enabling a wide range of motion in your arms and allowing you to perform daily activities such as reaching for objects, lifting and moving things. The most common causes of shoulder pain include arthritis, rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, bursitis and frozen shoulder. Age-related wear and tear, repetitive shoulder movements and lifting heavy weights can also contribute to shoulder discomfort.

In some cases, previous injuries to the shoulder can sometimes resurface later in life, leading to discomfort or pain. Even after an injury seems to have healed, it can leave the shoulder more susceptible to future problems. Scar tissue, for example, can develop as part of the healing process and may limit the shoulder's range of motion, leading to stiffness and pain. Moreover, the injured shoulder may have lost some of its strength, making it more prone to re-injury. Over time, these issues can result in chronic shoulder pain.

Similarly, if the initial injury was not properly treated, it could lead to long-term damage such as persistent inflammation, osteoarthritis or nerve impingement. These conditions often present themselves as recurrent or persistent shoulder pain. Therefore, if you have a history of shoulder injury and are experiencing ongoing discomfort, it's crucial to seek medical assessment to prevent further complications.

Several conditions can cause shoulder pain with a burning feeling, including pinched nerves, herniated discs and overuse of the joint.

What causes shoulder pain with a burning feeling?

Shoulder pain can be accompanied by other sensations such as burning, tingling, numbness or weakness. These symptoms may indicate nerve damage or irritation in the shoulder joint. Several conditions can cause these symptoms, including pinched nerves, herniated discs, or even heart problems. Burning pain in the shoulder can also be the result of overuse, poor posture, and stress.

Our practice at DFW Interventional Pain Institute aims to properly diagnose what causes shoulder pain and provide actionable solutions for how our patients can get relief and manage their pain moving forward.

Why should you see a pain management doctor for shoulder pain?

If you’re experiencing burning pain in your shoulder, you should seek medical attention from a pain management specialist such as Dr. Edrick Lopez at DFW Interventional Pain Institute. A pain management doctor can diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and recommend appropriate treatment options. They may start with conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy and pain medications. However, if these treatments don't improve your symptoms, they may recommend more advanced interventions, such as injections, nerve blocks or surgery.

During your visit, Dr. Lopez and his staff will listen to your specific experience with shoulder pain and walk through any diagnostic tests that may be required.

What can you expect during your visit to a pain management specialist for shoulder pain?

As an example, during your initial consultation with us at DFW Interventional Pain Institute, we'll conduct a thorough medical history review and physical examination to determine the cause of your pain. We may also order diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans to get a deeper understanding of your musculoskeletal condition. Based on your diagnosis, we'll come up with an individualized care plan tailored to your needs, which we do for all of our patients because no two patients are exactly alike.

Finally, at the end of your consultation, we'll discuss the risks and benefits of each treatment option and help you make informed decisions about your care. Some of those treatments may include:

Physical Therapy: This is typically the first line of treatment for shoulder pain. It can help improve flexibility and strength and reduce pain.
Pain Medication: Over-the-counter medications, prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, and sometimes opioids are used to manage pain.
Corticosteroid Injections: These are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can be injected directly into the shoulder to help alleviate pain.
Nerve Blocks: This involves injecting an anesthetic directly into the nerves causing the pain to block the pain signals.
Surgery: In severe cases where other treatments have failed, surgery may be performed to repair the damaged part of the shoulder.
Lifestyle Modifications: These include modifying physical activities, improving posture, and implementing an exercise regimen to prevent further shoulder pain.
Alternative Therapies: Techniques such as acupuncture, massage and biofeedback can sometimes be beneficial in managing pain.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): This is a therapy that uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain.

Should you see a chiropractor for shoulder pain?

In our experience, you should consider seeing a pain management doctor like Dr. Edrick Lopez before considering seeing a chiropractor. This is because Dr. Lopez and our team at DFW Interventional Pain Institute can do a proper diagnosis of the cause of the pain and why it's happening. It's also extremely important to have a medical physician look over your symptoms because there could be underlying damage to the body, such as from a previous injury, that could be exacerbated if you see a chiropractor first. The good news is, if you see a pain management doctor first, he or she can help you decide whether seeing a chiropractor might be right for you so that you don't have to make a potentially dangerous decision on your own.

What can you do to relieve shoulder pain at home?

While you wait for your appointment with a pain management specialist, you can try some home remedies to relieve your burning shoulder pain. Applying ice to your shoulder for 15-20 minutes a few times a day can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also help alleviate discomfort. Resting your shoulder and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain can also assist. Physical therapy exercises can also aid in strengthening the muscles around your shoulder joint, enhancing mobility and relieving pain.

Our staff at DFW Interventional Pain Institute are here to make sure your specific shoulder pain issue is treated thoughtfully and with the highest expertise.

Make an appointment with us at DFW Interventional Pain Institute if you're experience burning shoulder pain

Burning shoulder pain can interrupt your daily life and limit your range of motion, so it's best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, Dr. Edrick Lopez can help you alleviate your shoulder pain and improve your quality of life. If you need help with a burning pain in your shoulder, schedule an appointment with us today.

Burning pain in your shoulder? Why you should see a pain management doctor