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Back & Shoulder Pain Treatment in Indiana & Ohio

Minimally Invasive Solutions for Pain Relief

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 and learn more about back and shoulder pain treatment in Indiana and Ohio.

Understanding the Causes of Back & Shoulder Pain

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:

  • Osteoarthritis (characterized by bony overgrowths called bone spurs or bone cysts)
  • Osteoporosis
  • Cervical or lumbar radiculopathy (pinched nerve root in the neck or lower back)
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Disc herniation or bulge
  • Muscle strains and ligament sprains
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) and other skeletal irregularities
  • Weak abdominal muscles

Shoulder pain may be caused by a number of conditions, including:

Comprehensive Treatments for Back & Shoulder Pain

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.

Steps to Alleviate Shoulder Blade Pain

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 professionals.

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 professionals at American Pain Consortium to guide you towards effective and personalized strategies for managing shoulder blade pain.

Is It Time to Seek Treatment for Your Back or Shoulder 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.

Your Questions Answered: Back & Shoulder Pain Treatment

What are the most common causes of back and shoulder pain?

  • Back pain: Muscle strains, herniated discs, arthritis, spinal stenosis, and osteoporosis.
  • Shoulder pain: Rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, arthritis, frozen shoulder, and nerve impingement.

When should I seek medical attention for back or shoulder pain?

  • If pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.
  • If pain interferes with daily activities or sleep.
  • If over-the-counter pain relievers provide little pain relief.

How can I prevent future episodes of back and shoulder pain?

Maintain a healthy weight, practice good posture, strengthen core muscles, and avoid excessive strain on your back and shoulders.

Can chronic stress contribute to ongoing shoulder and back pain?

Yes, chronic stress often leads to increased muscle tension and tightness in the shoulders, neck, and upper back, which can significantly worsen existing pain or even cause new musculoskeletal discomfort.

What is the difference between an acute and chronic back or shoulder pain diagnosis?

Acute pain is sudden and typically resolves within a few weeks to three months, while chronic pain is persistent, lasting for three months or longer, even after the initial injury has healed.

How soon after starting treatment can I expect to return to my normal activities?

This depends on the specific treatment and the severity of your condition. Minimally invasive procedures often have a quick recovery, but returning to full activities is usually a gradual process guided by your physician and physical therapist.

What role does physical therapy play in the treatment of chronic shoulder pain?

Physical therapy is crucial for strengthening the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles, improving range of motion, correcting posture, and teaching exercises that help stabilize the joint and prevent re-injury.

Our interventional pain management team in Indiana & Ohio has 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.