Shoulder Pain Specialist

Mountain Spine & Pain Physicians

Brian J. Fuller, MD

Pain Management located in Denver, CO

Even mild shoulder pain can interfere with your mobility and quality of life. At Mountain Spine & Pain Physicians located in Denver, Brian J. Fuller, MD, provides expert diagnosis and treatment for shoulder pain, both relieving your discomfort and healing the condition causing it. Call Mountain Spine & Pain Physicians or make an appointment online today.

Shoulder Pain Q & A

What are the common causes of shoulder pain?

Your shoulder is a complex joint consisting of several bones, tendons, and muscles to support your joint and facilitate an extraordinary range of motion. While your shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body, it’s also vulnerable to a variety of painful injuries and degenerative conditions, including:

Tendonitis
Bursitis
Osteoarthritis
Impingement
Instability and dislocation
Fractures
Rotator cuff (tendon) tears
Labral tears

Athletes are most likely to develop shoulder problems from overuse or during a sports injury. You may also damage your shoulder in an automobile collision or if your career requires repetitive movements. Conditions like arthritis also have a hereditary factor.

When should I talk to a doctor about shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain is disruptive. You might have trouble reaching forward or up, or you might have constant aches or pain in your shoulder. If you know you sustained an injury or have a visible deformity, call Mountain Spine & Pain Physicians right away.

However, if your pain doesn’t feel like an emergency, try using ice packs and heating pads for a couple of days before making an appointment. If your pain doesn’t start to subside or even gets worse, call Dr. Fuller or book an appointment online.

How is the cause of my shoulder pain diagnosed?

Dr. Fuller provides comprehensive physical exams to identify the cause of your shoulder pain. He collects your medical history and asks about your symptoms. Dr. Fuller feels your shoulder, neck, back, and arms for signs of abnormality. He may guide your arm through its range of motion to evaluate your pain and how it impacts your mobility.

Dr. Fuller may also order diagnostic imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs to gather more information about your shoulder. He may also recommend electrodiagnostic studies(EMG) to evaluate nerve function or arthroscopy to examine the inside of your shoulder in more detail.