Shoulder Pain

We offer personalized care for injuries, overuse, and degenerative conditions.
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Overview

Shoulder pain is a common condition that can result from injuries, overuse, arthritis, or nerve-related issues, often leading to stiffness, weakness, and limited mobility. Symptoms may include sharp or aching pain, difficulty lifting the arm, or a grinding sensation in the joint–making everyday tasks challenging.

At Whaley Health and Pain Management, Dr. Whaley and our team help patients identify the source of their shoulder pain and offer personalized treatment options to restore mobility and relieve discomfort. Using advanced therapies such as joint injections, nerve blocks, and rehabilitative care, we address the underlying causes of pain to promote healing and long-term relief.

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Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

There are a variety of causes that could lead to shoulder pain, so identifying the individual cause for every patient is essential for effective treatment. Our team can address injuries, arthritis, and overuse that all contribute to discomfort and restricted movement.

Herniated or Bulging Discs

A bulging disc occurs when the soft, inner disc protrudes outward. Herniated discs occur when the inner disc has ruptured and leaks outward. Both can cause pain, numbness, and nerve irritation.

Muscle Strains & Injuries

When we overstretch or overuse our muscles, it can lead to strains, tears, or other injuries that lead to pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling.

Myofascial Pain

Myofascial pain is discomfort in the muscle tissue and connective fibers. It can lead to shoulder pain by causing tightness and tension, making movement difficult and painful.

Arthritis & Degenerative Disc Disease

Arthritis is a breakdown of cartilage in the joints connecting the vertebrae of your spine while degenerative disc disease occurs when the soft inner disc deteriorates.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the body, including the shoulders. It can make everyday tasks difficult and lead to persistent shoulder discomfort.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is damage to the nerves that can cause pain or weakness. When nerves near the shoulder are affected, it may lead to discomfort or pain in that area.

Recognizing the Signs of Chronic Shoulder Pain

Our team can help you spot the symptoms of chronic shoulder pain and understand how it feels, how intense it is, and where it occurs.

Pain Type

Persistent pain in the muscles around the shoulder or the shoulder joint, stiffness, weakness, or a limitation in the ability to use the arm.

Severity

Persistent pain or symptoms that make it difficult to perform daily activities or tasks.

Location

Impacts the shoulder joint or the muscles in the shoulder, upper back, and arm.

How We Treat Shoulder Pain

At Whaley Health & Pain Management, we take the time to understand what our patients are experiencing so that we can treat more than just symptoms–we want to treat the underlying cause and help you improve your overall health and wellness. To do that, we offer targeted therapies to help restore mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve your quality of life.

Epidural Steroid Injections

This involves steroid medication injected directly into the epidural space around the spine to provide relief.

Nerve Blocks & Ablations

These targeted pain relief techniques address the nerves to manage chronic nerve pain and improve mobility.

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

These therapy practices improve strength, flexibility, and mobility, helping patients recover from injuries and manage chronic conditions.

Pain Pump & Stimulator Trials

These advanced pain management options offer long-term relief from severe chronic pain conditions, providing pain medication directly into the spinal fluid with a catheter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common repetitive motions that promote shoulder injuries?
Repetitive motions that can lead to shoulder injuries include overhead movements (such as throwing, swimming, or lifting), prolonged reaching, frequent pushing or pulling, and repetitive arm rotations (such as swinging a tennis racket or painting). These motions can strain the rotator cuff, lead to tendonitis, or cause impingement over time.
What can I do to temporarily relieve shoulder pain?
To temporarily relieve shoulder pain, you can try resting the joint, applying ice packs to reduce inflammation, using over-the-counter pain relievers, and gently stretching the shoulder muscles. If pain persists, physical therapy exercises or a visit with Dr. Whaley for professional treatment may be necessary.
What are some tips for preventing shoulder pain?
While not all shoulder pain is preventable, there are a few things you can do! You can focus on maintaining good posture, strengthening the shoulder and upper back muscles, avoiding overuse, and using proper technique during physical activities. If your work or hobbies involve repetitive motions, take frequent breaks and perform stretching exercises to keep the shoulder flexible and strong.
What are symptoms of nerve damage in the shoulder?
Symptoms of nerve damage in the shoulder may include sharp, burning pain, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, or a reduced range of motion. Some people experience radiating pain down the arm or difficulty lifting objects. If you suspect nerve damage, it’s important to seek medical evaluation to prevent further complications.
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Success Stories from Our Patients

Hear from others in the Delta area who have trusted Whaley Health and Pain Management with their treatment. You can count on our team to listen, care, and prioritize your health and well-being.

“Dr. Whaley really takes the time to listen and never makes me feel like my pain is less than it feels. I really appreciate her for that.”

Karen G.

"I went to see her and she takes the time to listen, which most doctors don't. If you're looking for a local pain management doctor, I highly recommend calling and setting up an appointment. All the staff are so friendly too.

Cathy T.

“10/10! I was able to get in fast, explain what was going on, and get the help I needed! Their office is beautiful, check-in was super easy, and they provided exceptional service. If you are having any kind of pain issues, I highly recommend giving them a call!!”

Kayla Z.

Start Your Pain-Free Journey Today

Dr. Heather Whaley takes a thoughtful approach to pain management, recognizing that effective relief requires more than just treating symptoms.

Speak with Our Team

If you’re dealing with chronic or acute pain, ask your doctor about a referral to see how we can help.

Locate Us in Stuttgart

413 E. Michigan
Stuttgart, AR 72160