Worried about your shoulder pain? A normal shoulder x-ray can be a huge relief! But what does 'normal' really mean in the context of your results?
Essentially, a normal shoulder x-ray indicates that the bones in your shoulder joint (humerus, clavicle, scapula) appear healthy. The radiologist has assessed the images and found no signs of fractures, dislocations, bone spurs, arthritis, tumors, or other obvious bony abnormalities.
However, 'normal' doesn't always mean you're pain-free. X-rays primarily show bone. Issues with soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, tendons (rotator cuff!), or cartilage aren't typically visible on a standard x-ray. If you're experiencing persistent shoulder pain despite a normal x-ray, your doctor may recommend further investigations like an MRI or ultrasound to evaluate these soft tissues.
So, celebrate the good news, but be sure to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider. They can piece together the whole picture – your symptoms, physical examination, and x-ray results – to determine the best course of action for your shoulder pain.
