
What causes shoulder pain?
There are many different causes of shoulder pain. If you are younger, your pain may be due to shoulder instability. Many adolescents and young adults have loose shoulders that can cause pain. Depending on your shoulder activity and sport, your shoulder pain could possibly also be a labral tear. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that stabilizes the shoulder joint, and it can get injured or torn.
There are many other causes of shoulder pain including calcific tendinitis, subacromial impingement syndrome, subacromial bursitis, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) and autoimmune conditions.
If you are older, shoulder pain commonly is caused by a rotator cuff tendon injury, labral injury or osteoarthritis. Dr. Kevin Mangum specializes in shoulder conditions and can help you figure out what is going on with your shoulder. He uses x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound and MRI frequently to figure out and diagnose people with shoulder pain.
Shoulder pain in the front?
Two of the most common causes of pain in the front of your shoulder are inflammation in your biceps tendon and pain in the acromioclavicular joint. These conditions are commonly seen in active individuals and athletes.
There are many other causes of front sided shoulder pain. Your pain could be coming from the muscles in your shoulder. You could have tearing of the muscle tendons or inflammation.
Dr. Kevin Mangum treats patients with pain in the front of the shoulder. If you live in the Salt Lake area, call and make an appointment today to discuss your shoulder problems.
Shoulder pain while sleeping?
If you have pain while sleeping, then you may have a rotator cuff tear or a labral tear in your shoulder. These conditions commonly affect people while they sleep. Any shoulder injury can cause pain while you sleep. However, rotator cuff tendon injuries are a very common cause.
Shoulder pain muscles?
Many patients ask what are the muscles that cause shoulder pain. There are several large muscles over the shoulder that can cause pain. There are also several smaller stabilizing shoulder muscles that can cause pain.
The deltoid muscle, trapezius muscle, biceps muscle and pectoralis muscles are commonly found to cause shoulder pain. Rotator cuff muscles injuries and large shoulder muscle strains can cause shoulder pain.
Tendon and muscle rehabilitation are the primary treatment for these injuries. If you’re a candidate, Dr. Kevin Mangum can perform advanced therapeutic injections done with ultrasound guidance to provide significant relief of shoulder pain.
Shoulder Joint Pain?
Which joints in your shoulder can cause pain or hurt? This is a common question that Dr. Kevin Mangum is asked by athletes and active individuals. There are two main joints in the shoulder that can cause pain. Problems in the glenohumeral joint and the acromioclavicular joint can cause shoulder pain. Wear and tear arthritis of these joints commonly affect older people and can cause pain in the shoulder.
There are also many muscles and ligaments that surround these joints that can be damaged and injured that can cause pain in the shoulder. You can have pain in the front, back or on the top of your shoulder. Discuss the treatment options for shoulder pain with Dr. Kevin Mangum.
How do I get my shoulder to stop hurting?
Patients may want to try to get their shoulders to stop hurting without seeing a physician. Many of these patients find success in doing rotator cuff strengthening programs at home. Basic shoulder muscle strengthening programs done at home can be helpful for patients to try to get their shoulders to stop hurting.
Many patients use over-the-counter medications and topical pain medications to also help their shoulders to stop hurting. However, if you have kidney or liver issues, speak to your doctor first before using pain medications.
If these measures do not provide significant relief, you can make an appointment with Dr. Kevin Mangum to discuss your shoulder problems, and he can help you figure out what is causing your shoulder pain and how to help it to feel better.
Why does my shoulder hurt when I lift my arm?
Some patients have shoulder pain when they lift their arm. This can be a rotator cuff tendon tear, subacromial bursitis, calcific tendinitis or osteoarthritis. These are very common conditions that can cause shoulder pain when you lift your arm.
If you have weakness when you lift your arm or are unable to lift your arm above your head, Dr. Kevin Mangum can help you.

When should I worry about shoulder pain?
You should worry about shoulder pain and see a physician if you have arm or shoulder weakness or it is significantly affecting your way of life. If you can’t do the things you love to do, then you should see a physician.
If there are any infectious symptoms including fever, chills, significant pain, warmth, redness or are feeling very ill then you should worry about your shoulder pain and see a physician.
Most shoulder pain is biomechanical in nature and responds very well to physical therapy. However, some shoulder pain conditions need therapeutic intervention and possible surgery. It is best to speak with Dr. Kevin Mangum about your shoulder condition, and he can help you with the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
What can cause shoulder pain without injury?
You can develop shoulder pain without injury. Many people have shoulder pain that developed slowly over time. Dr. Kevin Mangum sees patients that have rotator cuff disease and subacromial impingement syndrome. These conditions are very common and develop over time from repetitive use. Chronic overuse syndrome in the shoulder can cause shoulder pain without injury.