A Primary Care Provider’s Guide to Shoulder Pain After Spinal Cord Injury

Shoulder pain is a frequent issue for individuals with spinal cord injuries because they rely on their arms for many daily activities. This article aims to guide primary care doctors on how to assess, treat, and prevent shoulder pain in these patients. The pain usually stems from overuse, like constantly using arms for transfers or wheelchair movement. The article highlights methods for managing both sudden and long-term shoulder pain, along with ways to prevent it from happening. It emphasizes the importance of proper techniques for everyday tasks and exercises to maintain shoulder health. The goal is to help patients with SCI maintain their independence and quality of life by addressing and preventing shoulder pain.

• 1
  Shoulder pain is common after SCI, with prevalence ranging from 30% to 73%, and can negatively impact daily function.
• 2
  Overuse-related shoulder pain is more common in those with paraplegia and is seen in later years after injury.
• 3
  Musculotendinous overuse syndromes are the most common cause of shoulder pain in persons with SCI.