The diagnosis of neck, shoulder, and arm/hand pain can sometimes be a challenge. Pain arising from nerves or joints in the neck can radiate pain or tingling to the shoulder blade or hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome, resulting from a “pinched nerve” at the wrist, can be felt at the shoulder in addition to the hand. Pain from the shoulder can often result in secondary pain at the neck or even occasional tingling to the hand. These are a few examples of painful conditions that have overlapping pain, tingling or other symptom patterns.
At The Denver Spine and Pain Institute, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialists Scott Bainbridge, M.D., Drew Trainor, D.O. and their provider teams have the necessary training and tools to sort out the diagnosis causing neck/shoulder/hand symptoms and thus provide a specific treatment plan. A thorough history, physical examination, and image (MRI, x-ray, etc.) review will be carried out. Drs. Bainbridge or Trainor may also carry out nerve testing (EMG/NCV), diagnostic spinal blocks, or diagnostic ultrasound if needed to establish the proper diagnosis. If surgery is required, having made the proper diagnosis ensures that you will be referred to the proper specialist such as a spine, orthopedic, or hand surgeon. In most cases, surgery will not be required to alleviate the pain if a diagnosis specific treatment plan is used to comprehensively address the problem. A conservative treatment program may include education and activity modification, the use of topical or oral medications, nerve activity modification (neuromodulation) using acupuncture or TENS, fluoroscopically (x-ray) guided spinal injections, ultrasound guided peripheral injections, or therapies such as massage, chiropractic or physical therapy.
Our physical therapy team at The Denver Spine and Pain Institute includes Dr. Marcia Clarke and Dr. Felix Hill. They utilize a combination of manual therapy techniques to decrease your pain and relieve your “pinched nerve”. Exercises are then incorporated and taught to maintain this relief and prevent reoccurrence.
Prospective patients may call The Denver Spine and Pain Institute at 303-327-5511 for an appointment and click here to fill out new patient forms.
Referrals for diagnosis and treatment planning can be made by calling The Denver Spine and Pain Institute at 303-327-5511 or faxing our referral form (Referral to Dr. Bainbridge / Dr. Trainor at The Denver Spine and Pain Institute) to 303-327-5512. We appreciate your confidence and strive to deliver the best care possible (Mission and Services of DBPS).
