Shoulder Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

The most common musculoskeletal complaint of adults is shoulder pain. Whether it's a dull ache that comes on after a long day or a sudden, stabbing pain that hits when you reach for something, shoulder pain can derail your everyday life and affect everything from sleep to being able to work, drive, or exercise.

What makes shoulder pain so challenging is that it may be caused by a variety of different things, from poor posture and overuse to injury or medical conditions. Shoulder pain may continue to deteriorate if it's not addressed, and sometimes lead to ongoing problems. Which is why getting to know where your pain originates and when it's time to visit the doctor is important.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

The shoulder, being a joint, consists of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that all come together to give great movement. But because of the complexity of this, it is also vulnerable to injury and strain.

The following are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain:

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that support your shoulder. Injuries to the rotator cuff such as tears, tendinitis, or bursitis lead to immense pain and weakness, especially while lifting your arm or reaching behind your back.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder occurs when the tissues in the shoulder joint thicken and tighten, limiting movement and leading to stiffness and pain. It typically develops over time and affects people aged 40–60 years.

Shoulder Impingement

This is when the top of the shoulder blade presses against the soft tissues underneath it when you lift your arm. The impingement, with time, can lead to inflammation and pain.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the shoulder joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and impaired mobility. Wear and tear over time is a common reason for shoulder arthritis.

Dislocation or Instability

Trauma and injury are the common causes of dislocation of the shoulder. After the joint has been dislocated, it can become unstable and prone to further dislocation even in simple movements.

Referred Pain

Sometimes shoulder pain is not caused directly by a shoulder problem. Gallbladder disease, heart disease, or neck nerve issues may cause pain that refers to the shoulder.

Symptoms to Look Out For

Shoulder pain can present in a multitude of different ways, and understanding your symptoms will help an attending physician to diagnose the cause. Some of the key symptoms are:

Pain that worsens with movement or a particular position

Restricted range of motion or stiffness

Shoulder or arm weakness

Swelling or tenderness over and around the joint

Clicking, popping, or grinding of the joint on movement

Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand

When to See a Specialist

Pain from mild overuse or bad posture in the shoulder may clear up with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. Pain that persists or is severe should never be ignored.

You may wish to consult a specialist if

Pain lasts longer than a few days despite rest and self-treatment

You have a sudden injury or fall

There is swelling, bruising, or deformity visible

The pain is affecting your sleep or usual activity

You can't raise your arm or move it about easily

You feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or arm

Chronic shoulder pain, if neglected, will lead to deterioration of the condition and permanent injury to the joint or the muscles and tendons surrounding it.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Shoulder Pain

Diagnosis starts with a physical examination and interview regarding your symptoms, lifestyle, and any injury history. Imaging tests like X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound might be used to examine the shoulder structure in greater detail.

Treatment depends on the cause but can include:

Physiotherapy to regain mobility and strength

Drugs to control inflammation and pain

Corticosteroid injections for intense inflammation

Minimally invasive surgery like arthroscopy

Surgery for torn tendons, instability, or advanced arthritis

A customized rehabilitation program is usually the key to healing, particularly if you've had surgery or a chronic condition such as frozen shoulder.

Prevention Tips

Even though you can't avoid all shoulder pain, you can reduce your risk by:

Maintaining good posture, especially sitting or computer use

Strengthening muscles of your upper back and shoulder

Avoiding repetitive overhead lifting

Taking regular breaks while performing tasks that strain the shoulder

Employing proper techniques when exercising or lifting

Conclusion

If you're experiencing ongoing shoulder pain, you don't have to do it alone. At Adam Vital Hospital, our skilled orthopedic and sports medicine physicians use the most advanced diagnostic equipment and personalized treatment programs to deliver you long-lasting relief.

Whatever may be the reason for your pain—whether caused by injury, chronic disease, or unknown—our doctors find the time to hear your case and provide care you need to recover—from minimal treatment to high-tech surgery.

No shoulder pain should any longer limit your life. Reserve your appointment today and begin restoring your mobility and healing with Adam Vital Hospital.