One of the most jarring types of shoulder pain occurs when the joint is dislocated. If you’re dealing with this musculoskeletal ailment, your arm bone has essentially popped out of the shoulder socket. Here’s an overview of this painful injury and how it can be treated.

A Brief Guide to Dislocated Shoulders

Symptoms

Once the humerus bone has been dislodged, you’ll feel severe arm and shoulder pain. You might also see the out-of-place arm bone, which will look like a hump behind or in front of your shoulder. In some cases, you may be unable to move the affected arm.

Common Causes

Most of the time, dislocated shoulders occur during quick, violent accidents, such as a fall or car accident. The bone might also shift out of place due to a blow from another person, such as in contact sports like rugby, hockey and football. Unlike the knees and elbows, which act like hinges, the shoulder allows your arm to move in almost any direction, which makes it more prone to popping out of place.

Treatment Options

A dislocated shoulder is a medical emergency, so you’ll need to have a doctor or specialist pop your arm bone back into place as soon as possible. The longer it sits out of the socket, the more painful your shoulder will be, and the greater the risk of tissue and nerve damage. While the discomfort will subside substantially, you’ll still experience some pain after your arm is back in place. As a result, your doctor may prescribe painkillers, recommend ice therapy, and possibly refer you to a physical therapist to strengthen the muscles around your weakened joint.

If you’re dealing with shoulder pain after a dislocation, turn to iSpine Pain Physicians for help. They offer several pain management solutions from their locations in Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Chaska, Shakopee, Sartell and Delano, MN. When you sit down with their specialists, you’ll receive a thorough examination and a personalized treatment plan. Learn more about their services by visiting their website, or call (763) 201-8191 to schedule an appointment.