Examination. Your pain doctor will examine your shoulder. X-rays. Your pain doctor will seek to identify possible bone spurs, arthritis, and other bone-related typical things that generate shoulder pain. This may include an arthrogram, which involves a safe dye injection to make the details stand up for an easier diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. This scan type utilizes radio waves and a powerful digital magnet that produces detailed images of your shoulder. Electromyography (EMG). This evaluated the electrical activity within muscles to see if and where any problems with your nerves may exist. Computerized tomography (CT) scan. This is a more advanced X-rays type that is snaps images from different angles. When assembled together, they provide your doctor a better view at what’s happening with your shoulder. Arthroscopy. This surgical procedure lets a tiny fiber-optic camera reveal to your doctor high-definition images of what's going on within your shoulder. At times, doctors may determine that it is possible to treat the problem during the procedure.