Almost everyone will develop lower back pain or shoulder pain at least once in their lives, and while for some it resolves on its own, others develop recurring or chronic pain that interferes with their quality of life. People who have moderate back pain may think that rest is the best treatment – and in some cases, that may be true. But too much rest can cause stiffness and muscle loss. A pain management specialist guides patients on how and when to safely resume normal daily activities, in order to promote healing and build strength.
If traditional treatments have failed to give you sufficient relief, please contact us to request a consultation.
Many medical conditions can cause back and/or shoulder pain. Common risk factors for chronic back pain include advancing age, physically demanding jobs, overuse, lack of exercise, obesity, poor posture, traumatic accidents, and genetics. Back pain with back spasms may be symptoms of a muscle strain or a bulging or ruptured disc. Shoulder pain is common because the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body and it is possible to sustain overuse/repetitive motion injuries to one or both shoulders.
Some of the conditions we commonly diagnose in our back pain patients include:
Shoulder pain may be caused by a number of conditions, including:
Non-surgical interventions like physical therapy are shown to be effective in alleviating many types of back and shoulder pain. We start with the most conservative approaches to treatment, moving on to more advanced procedures only if patients aren’t reporting a significant improvement.
If pain is intense, persistent, and restricts range of motion, our physicians may recommend treatments like peripheral nerve stimulation or nerve blocks or procedures such as radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulator implants, and pain pump implants. Our goal is to be an ongoing partner in your care, so that over time if a specific treatment no longer alleviates your pain, we can change your treatment plan accordingly.
To relieve shoulder blade pain, you can start with gentle stretches, focusing on the neck and shoulders. Apply ice or heat to the affected area, alternating for 15 minutes. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories may help. Also maintain good posture and avoid prolonged sitting. Of course - if pain persists, consult pain experts.
American Pain Consortium offers comprehensive solutions, including physical therapy, pain management, and tailored interventions. Our multidisciplinary approach aims to address the root cause, providing relief and improving overall well-being. Trust pain specialists at American Pain Consortium to guide you towards effective and personalized strategies for managing shoulder blade pain.
An achy shoulder usually isn’t cause for alarm, but when shoulder pain disrupts your sleep or interferes with your normal daily activities, or if you experience pain that radiates from your shoulder to other areas, you should seek medical treatment. If you suffer from shoulder pain, you may want to seek treatment if the joint pinches the rotator cuff tendons, which could be a sign of arthritis.
Maintain a healthy weight, practice good posture, strengthen core muscles, and avoid excessive strain on your back and shoulders.
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment. Some cases may resolve quickly, while others may require ongoing management.
Our interventional pain management specialists in Indiana & Ohio have 50+ years of combined experience identifying sources of and treating back and shoulder pain. Take the first step toward a reduction in pain and improved quality of life by making an appointment.