Earl Brewley, MD, is a shoulder and elbow surgeon with Salem Health Orthopedics. Dr. Brewley said he often works with patients facing shoulder pain, with a range of causes creating discomfort.

“I have patients with arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, labrum (cartilage surrounding the socket) injuries, fractures, or inflammation of the shoulder,” he said. “Sometimes it’s referred pain from the neck. What can happen is a patient with a compressed nerve in the spine feels the pain in the shoulder region instead.”

Causes of shoulder pain

Dr. Brewley said the causes of shoulder pain can vary based on the age of the patient.

“I see more acute work injuries in patients who are active and younger than 40,” he said. “Same with rotator cuff tears. Patients who are middle aged might see signs of arthritis, inflammation or rotator cuff injuries. Patients over 60 are more likely to have arthritis and rotator cuff issues with degenerative causes.”

Orthopedic treatment options

The orthopedic surgeon said treatment varies based on whether the pain is acute or chronic.

“Acute pain is often traumatic — like a dislocation, or a pop in your shoulder,” Dr. Brewley said. “The first step is immobilization and getting treatment as soon as you can. For chronic pain make sure to rest, apply ice, and use medication and physical therapy as needed.”

Dr. Brewley said for patients dealing with chronic conditions such as arthritis, physical therapy is the first line of defense.

“They can get you stabilized to decrease pain and improve function,” he said. “There are certain problems in the shoulder that require initial surgical treatment. That can include a traumatic rotator cuff tear in a young individual, dislocations and especially fractures.”

Dr. Brewley said surgery could also be warranted for chronic conditions where initial treatment simply isn’t working.

Orthopedic care

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