How we treat muscle spasms in the shoulder

A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of one or more muscles. When this happens in your upper body, it can severely limit your mobility and cause intense chronic pain. These cramps often strike without warning, turning simple tasks like reaching for a cup or driving your car into a painful ordeal.

At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, we understand how disruptive these sudden contractions can be to your daily routine. Our team is dedicated to identifying the root cause of your discomfort and creating a tailored plan to help you heal.

Under the expert guidance of Dr. Edrick Lopez, we specialize in providing compassionate, effective treatment for all types of discomfort. We'll work closely with you to restore your mobility and improve your overall quality of life. Read on to learn more about how to specifically treat muscle spasms in the shoulder at DFW Interventional Pain Institute.

Understanding shoulder muscle spasms

Your shoulder is a complex joint heavily relied upon for countless daily movements. Because of this constant use, the surrounding muscles are highly susceptible to shoulder pain and strain. Common triggers for these shoulder muscle spasms include overuse from repetitive motions, sports injuries, emotional stress and poor posture while working at a desk.

The symptoms usually present as a tight, seizing sensation or a sharp ache. You might experience a right shoulder muscle spasm after an awkward lifting motion, or perhaps a left shoulder muscle spasm triggered by sleeping in an unnatural position. Regardless of the side, the resulting tightness can cause lingering discomfort that radiates up your head and causes neck pain, making it incredibly difficult to focus on work or enjoy your free time.

Our diagnostic approach at DFW Interventional Pain Institute

Finding lasting relief starts with an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Lopez and our staff will take the time to listen to you and understand your specific pain management goals. We begin by thoroughly reviewing your medical history to uncover any underlying issues.

Next, we perform a detailed physical exam to pinpoint the exact location and severity of the spasm. We'll also review your existing medical records and imaging. If necessary, we'll order new diagnostic tests, such as MRIs or X-rays, to ensure we come up with the most accurate diagnosis possible before moving forward.

Comprehensive treatment strategies

After a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, our team will come up with a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each patient that takes into account your lifestyle and desired outcomes. We focus on conservative methods first to encourage your body's natural healing process.

Non-invasive treatments

Physical therapy is highly effective for relieving muscle tension and restoring strength. We often incorporate stretching routines to improve flexibility and prevent future spasms. Additionally, occupational therapy can help you modify daily activities to reduce joint strain. We may also recommend short-term medications, like muscle relaxers, to calm the secondary spasms and provide immediate relief, alongside psychological therapy to manage stress-induced tension.

Interventional procedures

If conservative methods don't provide adequate relief, we offer advanced treatments and procedures. Minimally invasive options like trigger point injections can directly target the knotted muscle to break the cycle of pain. When appropriate, we'll also coordinate referrals for surgery, ensuring you have access to the exact level of care you need to feel your best.

Why choose DFW Interventional Pain Institute?

When you're suffering from an injury, you need a physician who truly understands the complexities of the musculoskeletal system. As a double board-certified, Harvard-trained, bilingual interventional pain management physician, Dr. Lopez brings world-class expertise to every patient he treats.

At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, we've successfully helped hundreds of patients manage a wide variety of pain conditions. We maintain a strong patient-centric philosophy, prioritizing your comfort, understanding, and long-term health so you can get back to doing the things you love without restriction.

Take the next step toward relief

Enduring sudden, gripping shoulder pain day after day is exhausting, but you don't have to face it alone. Through advances in therapeutic practices and interventional medicine, we can help you break free from the limitations of muscle spasms.

If you're tired of living with discomfort, we encourage you to seek professional medical help. We invite you to book an appointment at DFW Interventional Pain Institute in Irving, TX. Let us help you find the relief you deserve.