Shoulder pain specialist Perth
Shoulder pain stories from real patients: same symptoms, different treatments
- Author: Dr Reza Feizerfan
- First published:
Referred pain from neck arthritis Perth
Case 1: Dorothy: “My shoulder pain was actually from my neck”
The story starts with Dorothy. She is an 80-year-old retired teacher who started experiencing right shoulder pain. She didn’t recall any accident or injury but noted that her right shoulder felt uncomfortable. She went to her GP, who examined her but couldn’t find a tender point in the shoulder. Dorothy could move her shoulder freely, but it was not comfortable. An ultrasound scan showed bursitis and rotator cuff tendon inflammation. She had a cortisone injection, which helped for a short period.
“She was then referred to us and we did more imaging and investigations. It turned out that her shoulder pain was actually referred pain from her neck, where she had arthritis. We performed neck facet joint injections and recommended physiotherapy. This combination was successful, and her shoulder pain resolved.”
Dorothy’s case shows how pain in one area can actually be caused by issues elsewhere in the body, like the neck.
Shoulder pain from rotator cuff tear and nerve impingement
Case 2: Elizabeth: “Diagnosing the real cause of my shoulder pain”
Dorothy’s younger sister, Elizabeth, decided to come and see us as well. She also had right shoulder pain for a while and thought she could be fixed by having a neck injection, like her sister.
“Elizabeth had pain and tenderness in the shoulder and some muscle wasting. After investigations, we found that she had a rotator cuff tear and severe nerve impingement in her neck. It wasn’t clear which of these two were the main cause of her pain.”
After talking with a spinal surgeon and a shoulder surgeon, we made a plan for Elizabeth. She had a few diagnostic injections, which showed the impinged nerve in her neck was the main problem. Elizabeth had a minor neck surgery, and her symptoms improved.
Elizabeth’s case highlights the complexity of diagnosing pain and the importance of thorough investigations to find the root cause.
Shoulder pain specialist Perth
Get in touch
The stories of Dorothy and Elizabeth show that even if shoulder pain seems the same, it can come from different causes and need different treatments.
Dorothy’s shoulder pain was actually caused by arthritis in her neck, and it responded well to neck facet joint injections and physiotherapy. On the other hand, Elizabeth’s shoulder pain was due to a rotator cuff tear and nerve impingement, requiring a different treatment approach, including minor neck surgery.
“Every patient’s shoulder pain is unique, and so is the treatment plan. As a pain specialist, I work to find the root cause of your shoulder pain and create a plan just for you. This might involve different therapies, medications, or other treatments, all focused on managing your specific pain.”
Remember, finding relief from chronic pain requires a comprehensive approach that considers all aspects of your health. With the right strategies and support, you can manage your pain effectively and improve your quality of life. If you’re dealing with persistent shoulder pain, reach out to Pain Specialists WA who can help you find the best path to relief.