Shoulder Pain

The shoulder has greater mobility than any other joint in the body. Pain in the shoulder may indicate a problem in the shoulder itself or elsewhere in the body. The shallow depth of the shoulder joint contributes both to its mobility and its susceptibility to instability and injury.

Shoulder pain that is poorly localized may be pain that is referred from elsewhere in the body. The classic symptom is left shoulder pain that indicates a heart attack. Nerve impingement or entrapment in the neck or upper back can cause shoulder pain. Irritation of the diaphragm from an abdominal catastrophe (ruptured ectopic pregnancy, perforation of the bowel or rupture of the spleen) can cause shoulder pain on the same side.

One of the easier diagnoses is shoulder pain following trauma. The evaluation will consist of taking a history, examination and sometimes imaging. The history and examination will determine the type of imaging (X-ray, ultrasound or MRI). Pain that arises months after the injury may be due to adhesive capsulitis from immobility.

Excessive use of the shoulder can lead to inflammation of the fluid filled cushioning sacs around the shoulder (bursitis). Tendonitis is can be due to a sudden injury, advancing age or overuse. Osteoarthritis resulting from wear and tear can also cause chronic shoulder pain.

Surgery may be required to resolve some shoulder problems; however, 90 percent of patients with shoulder pain will respond to simple treatment methods such as altering activities, rest, exercise, and medication.

Some exercises, after checking with your physician.