Shoulder Pain: Interventional Treatment in Mexico City

Q: Can shoulder pain come from the neck?

Yes. Some discomfort felt in the shoulder can originate in the cervical spine or nerves. That is why it is important to review symptoms, physical examination, and prior studies before deciding on treatment.

What is it?

About this condition

Shoulder pain can originate in tendons, bursae, joints, the joint capsule, nerves, or nearby structures such as the cervical spine. When pain persists, limits movement, or does not improve with initial treatments, a pain medicine evaluation can help identify the probable source and define management options.

Dr. Denise Vázquez evaluates chronic or recurrent shoulder pain cases at ABC Medical Center, focusing on clinical diagnosis, review of prior studies, and image-guided procedures when indicated.

Common symptoms

How does it present?

Pain when raising the arm or carrying objects
Night pain when sleeping on the affected shoulder
Difficulty combing hair, dressing, or reaching objects
Feeling of stiffness or progressive loss of mobility
Pain radiating down the arm or related to the neck
Persistent pain after an injury, surgery, or rehabilitation

Origin of the pain

Common causes of shoulder pain

Shoulder pain can have different causes. Some of the most common include rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial bursitis, adhesive capsulitis, acromioclavicular osteoarthritis, overuse injuries, referred pain from the cervical spine, or persistent pain after surgery.

Not all patients need a procedure. First, the clinical history, physical examination, imaging studies, and prior treatments are reviewed to determine whether the case can be managed with rehabilitation, medication, guided injection, or another strategy.

Interventional approach

Treatment options

Each case is evaluated individually. The treatment plan is defined after reviewing symptoms, physical examination, and studies.

Ultrasound-guided injection

Can be used in selected cases to place medication in a bursa, joint, or specific shoulder area with real-time visualization.

Diagnostic blocks

In some cases, blocks can be performed to help identify which structure is generating the pain and guide the next step in treatment.

Radiofrequency in selected cases

When pain comes from certain articular nerves and the patient meets criteria, radiofrequency can be considered as part of interventional pain management.

Comprehensive pain management

Treatment may combine education, medication adjustment, rehabilitation, image-guided procedures, and clinical follow-up.

Have questions about your case?

In the first consultation we evaluate your complete history and explain what options exist for your specific situation.

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ABC Medical Center Observatorio · Office 514 · +52 55 4499 1139

Medical evaluation

When should you schedule an evaluation?

It is worth scheduling a consultation if shoulder pain lasts more than a few weeks, limits daily activities, disrupts sleep, does not improve with initial treatment, or if imaging studies already exist without a clear strategy.

At the first evaluation, Dr. Denise reviews your complete case and explains what options exist for your specific situation.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ · Shoulder Pain

Which specialist should evaluate chronic shoulder pain? +

It depends on the cause. It may require evaluation by orthopedics, rehabilitation, rheumatology, or pain medicine. When pain persists, limits function, or does not improve with initial treatments, an evaluation by an interventional pain specialist can help define pain management options.

Is a shoulder injection painful? +

Local anesthesia is generally used. You may feel brief pressure or discomfort. Ultrasound guidance helps place the medication with greater precision.

Do all shoulder pain cases need injection? +

No. The probable cause of pain must first be identified. Some cases improve with rehabilitation, activity adjustments, or medications. Injections are considered when clinically indicated.

Can shoulder pain come from the neck? +

Yes. Some discomfort felt in the shoulder may originate from the cervical spine or nerves. That is why it is important to review symptoms, physical examination, and prior studies before deciding on treatment.

When should I be concerned about shoulder pain? +

If there is significant loss of strength, intense pain after a fall, fever, deformity, pain radiating with numbness, or progressive symptoms, it is important to seek medical evaluation.