At a glance
What it is
Pain arising from the shoulder joint or from surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons; may also be referred from chest or abdominal structures.
Symptoms
Joint-related pain worsens with arm or shoulder movement; referred pain usually does not worsen when the shoulder is moved.
Approach
Clinical examination to distinguish local from referred causes; imaging and targeted treatment only when indicated.
Overview
Shoulder pain may arise from the shoulder joint itself or from any of the many surrounding muscles, ligaments or tendons. Shoulder pain that comes from the joint usually worsens with activities or movement of your arm or shoulder.
Various diseases and conditions affecting structures in your chest or abdomen, such as heart disease or gallbladder disease, also can cause shoulder pain. Shoulder pain that arises from another structure is called referred pain. Referred shoulder pain usually doesn't worsen when you move your shoulder.
Causes
Shoulder pain causes include: - Avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to limited blood flow) - Brachial plexus injury - Broken arm - Broken collarbone - Bursitis (joint inflammation) - Cervical radiculopathy - Dislocated shoulder - Frozen shoulder - Heart attack - Impingement - Osteoarthritis (disease causing the breakdown of joints) - Polymyalgia rheumatica - Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory joint disease) - Rotator cuff injury - Separated shoulder - Septic arthritis - Sprains - Tendinitis - Tendon rupture - Thoracic outlet syndrome - Torn cartilage
Book a consultation
The secretary schedules first appointments during clinic hours; please have prior imaging, operative notes and a current medication list available at the time of the call.
This page provides general information about shoulder pain and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, contact a clinician promptly.