Shoulder pain can be a frustrating and limiting condition, making it difficult to perform daily tasks or enjoy activities you love. The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, making it vulnerable to various injuries and conditions. Understanding the various causes of shoulder pain can help you make informed decisions about your health and know when to seek professional help.
In this guide, we’ll go over the top 25 common shoulder pain causes, their symptoms, and potential treatments, along with advice on when to consult an orthopedic physician.
Understanding Shoulder Pain and Its Symptoms
The shoulder is a complex joint composed of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to provide mobility and strength. When any of these components are damaged or stressed, it can lead to pain, reduced range of motion, and weakness. Shoulder pain causes can vary widely, from temporary strains to chronic conditions. Common symptoms associated with shoulder pain include:
- Dull or sharp pain in the shoulder joint
- Stiffness or limited range of motion
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the shoulder
- Weakness or inability to lift objects
- Tingling or numbness radiating down the arm
25 Common Shoulder Pain Causes and Potential Treatments
Shoulder pain can result from a wide range of causes, from injuries to chronic conditions. Here’s a look at the top 25 shoulder pain causes, a brief overview of each and potential treatment options to help alleviate discomfort.
1. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
This form of tendinitis results from Inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, often caused by repetitive overhead activities.
Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections.
2. Rotator Cuff Tear
Tears or other rotator cuff injuries can result from injury or gradual wear.
Treatment: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or shoulder surgery for severe tears.
3. Frozen Shoulder
Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is characterized by stiffness and limited motion due to inflammation.
Treatment: Physical therapy, stretching exercises, corticosteroids, and sometimes surgery.
4. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Occurs when rotator cuff tendons are pinched during shoulder movement.
Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy.
5. Bursitis
Inflammation of the shoulder’s bursa, often due to overuse or injury.
Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections.
6. Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, causes pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Treatment: Medications, physical therapy, and joint replacement surgery in severe cases.
7. Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket due to trauma.
Treatment: Reduction (putting the bone back), immobilization, and physical therapy.
8. Labral Tear
A tear in the cartilage around the shoulder socket is often caused by trauma or repetitive motion.
Treatment: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes surgery.
9. Calcific Tendinitis
Calcium deposits form in the tendons, causing pain and stiffness.
Treatment: Anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and ultrasound-guided therapy.
10. SLAP Tear
Standing for “Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior,” SLAP is a specific type of labral tear that occurs at the top of the labrum and is common in athletes.
Treatment: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery if necessary.
11. Fractures
Shoulder fractures, including broken collarbones or shoulder blades, are usually caused by falls or accidents.
Treatment: Immobilization, pain relief, and surgery for complex fractures.
12. Shoulder Instability
Caused by loose shoulder joints, which may result from repetitive motion or dislocation history.
Treatment: Physical therapy, strengthening exercises, or surgery if persistent.
13. AC Joint Separation
AC joint separation occurs when the ligaments connecting the collarbone and shoulder blade are injured.
Treatment: Rest, immobilization, physical therapy, and surgery for severe separations.
14. Tendonitis
Tendonitis involves inflammation of the shoulder tendons from overuse or strain.
Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy.
15. Shoulder Sprain
Ligament stretching or tearing due to sudden movement or trauma.
Treatment: Rest, ice, compression, elevation, and physical therapy.
16. Nerve Compression (Pinched Nerve)
Compression of nerves around the shoulder due to inflammation or injury, often causing radiating pain.
Treatment: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in severe cases, surgery.
17. Spinal Issues
Problems like cervical disc herniation can lead to referred pain in the shoulder.
Treatment: Physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes surgical intervention.
18. Heart Attack
Shoulder pain, especially on the left side, can sometimes be a sign of a heart attack. Although this is one of the less common shoulder pain causes, it is important to seek immediate attention if it is accompanied by other heart attack symptoms such as chest pain.
Treatment: Emergency medical attention is critical.
19. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Compression of nerves or blood vessels in the shoulder, often leading to pain, numbness, and tingling.
Treatment: Physical therapy, postural correction, and sometimes surgery.
20. Osteoporosis
This age-related weakening of the bones increases fracture risk, potentially causing shoulder pain.
Treatment: Calcium and vitamin D supplementation, medications, and physical therapy.
21. Shoulder Contusion
Often, due to direct impact, a shoulder contusion or bruise can cause swelling and pain.
Treatment: Rest, ice, and pain relief medications.
22. Pectoralis Major Tear
Tears in the chest muscles, especially from weightlifting, can cause shoulder pain.
Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, and surgery for severe tears.
23. Poor Posture
Poor posture, including slouching or hunching, can stress shoulder muscles over time.
Treatment: Postural exercises, physical therapy, and ergonomic adjustments.
24. Brachial Plexus Injury
Nerve damage from trauma or overstretching, often affecting the shoulder.
Treatment: Physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes surgical repair.
25. Chronic Overuse
A repetitive strain injury in the shoulder, common in athletes or manual laborers, leads to microtears and pain.
Treatment: Rest, strengthening exercises, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgery.
When to Consult an Orthopedic Physician
While shoulder pain causes can be treated with rest and home care in minor cases, there are times when professional help is necessary. Consult an orthopedic physician if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden and severe pain, especially after a fall or accident
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the shoulder
- Inability to move the shoulder or raise the arm
- Numbness, tingling, or radiating pain down the arm
- Pain that persists or worsens despite rest and home care
Orthopedic physicians can provide specialized care to diagnose and treat shoulder pain causes effectively, often using imaging tests and advanced therapies tailored to your specific condition.
Learning More About Your Shoulder Pain Causes
Understanding the causes of common shoulder pain can help you identify the source of discomfort and seek the right treatment. From rotator cuff issues to nerve compression, shoulder pain can stem from various conditions, each with its own symptoms and treatments. When in doubt, consulting one of our experienced orthopedic specialists is the best way to ensure a proper diagnosis and a path to pain relief.
Our caring and dedicated team at the Orthopedic Clinic believes that orthopedics is about treating individual patients, not just the condition. We work closely with you to take your lifestyle and health goals into account before recommending a treatment plan. If you’re exploring all of your treatment options for shoulder pain, the highly skilled physicians and surgeons at The Orthopedic Clinic are here to help you live an active life. Contact us today to learn more.