Do I Need Shoulder Surgery?

Posted on: 28 September 2019

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If you have suffered a shoulder injury, you might be reluctant to have your shoulder operated on. In some cases, your orthopedist might not recommend that you undergo surgery and may instead recommend that you undergo physical therapy or that you be placed under anti-inflammatory medications. However, there are many reasons why a shoulder surgery might be the best choice.

Minor Shoulder Injuries

Whether or not you should undergo a shoulder surgery is determined on a case-by-case basis. If you have received a partial rotator cuff tear, it may not be necessary to undergo a shoulder surgery. Your orthopedist can attempt conservative treatments, and if it's ultimately determined that surgery is necessary, your decision to delay surgery will not affect the outcome of your shoulder.

Traumatic Shoulder Injuries

If you receive a rotator cuff tear as a result of a traumatic fall, you will be better off undergoing a shoulder surgery. For those who are under the age of 30, undergoing surgery and stabilizing the shoulder will reduce the odds that further, more invasive surgeries will be necessary. 

Severe Pain

Sometimes you can determine if you need shoulder surgery based on the nature of the pain. For example, if pain is radiating from your shoulder, this means that the injury is to such an extent that the nearby muscles are affected. 

Sleepless Nights

If you are in so much pain from your shoulder that you can't sleep, you shouldn't have to suffer through this. You may simply be unable to sleep while lying on one side of your body, or you may experience one sleepless night after another. If you're sleep deprived, it may not even be safe to drive to the doctor and you would be better off calling a cab or having a friend or family member take you.

Persistent Pain

When your shoulder is injured, you may only experience pain when you're engaged in physical activity. However, if you experience persistent pain even when not engaged in physical activity, you may need to undergo surgery.

Shoulder Weakness and Difficulty Lifting Objects

In addition to pain, your shoulder might be weaker. You may struggle to lift your arm even as you ignore the pain. Your shoulder will only be able to recover and become stronger if you undergo a shoulder surgery. You may struggle to lift and reach your arms out, which is a sign that you need a shoulder surgery.

Ultimately, the decision of surgery is up to you and your doctor. Reach out to companies like Christopher C. Schmidt, M.D for more information.