Q1: I fell and now my shoulder hurts, but X-rays show no fracture. Should I get an MRI?
Yes. Even if X-rays are normal, trauma may cause ligament tears, tendon injuries, cartilage damage, or subtle fractures not visible on X-ray. MRI provides high-resolution, radiation-free images of all shoulder structures, allowing accurate diagnosis.

Q2: Can rest, ice, or painkillers treat post-trauma shoulder pain without MRI?
These measures may temporarily relieve pain but cannot detect hidden injuries. Without MRI, serious tendon, ligament, or cartilage damage may go unnoticed, delaying effective treatment and risking chronic issues.

Q3: What are the risks of delaying MRI after shoulder trauma?
Delaying MRI may allow untreated tendon or ligament injuries to worsen, cause chronic pain, reduce mobility, or result in long-term joint instability. Early MRI ensures timely diagnosis and intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Q4: Why is MRI superior to X-ray, CT, or ultrasound for shoulder trauma?
X-rays only show bone alignment and fractures, CT is limited for soft tissue, and ultrasound may miss deep tendon or ligament tears. MRI provides comprehensive, radiation-free imaging of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, nerves, and bones for precise diagnosis.

Q5: Where can I get a fast, affordable MRI for post-trauma shoulder pain?
The Pain Relief Clinic provides insurance and Medisave claimable MRI scans under $1,000, done within 1 working day, along with non-surgical treatment options to help you recover safely and restore shoulder function.