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Shoulder pain is defined as any level of discomfort in or around the area of the shoulder joint. Symptoms of shoulder pain can be mild, such as a dull ache that gradually builds over several weeks, or be a more sudden, sharp pain.
If you’ve experienced a rotator cuff tear, a frozen shoulder, or another kind of shoulder injury or condition, Dignity Health offers complete diagnosis and treatment. To receive the orthopedic services you need, Find a Doctor nearby.
Common signs and symptoms of shoulder pain include:
Visit a Dignity Health hospital or outpatient clinic if you can’t move your shoulder or arm, or if you experience sudden or intense pain, swelling, or deformity in your arm.
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the entire body. It allows us to throw things, reach across our body, and lift our arms above our heads. Unfortunately, with this flexibility comes greater vulnerability. The shoulder has many moving parts that can be injured.
The shoulder includes several bones, such as the clavicle (collar bone), humerus (arm bone), and scapula (shoulder blade). These are held together by muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which move the shoulder and cushion the joints. For example, the rotator cuff is a group of muscles and four tendons in the shoulder, which enable rotation and movement.
In addition to these tissues, the shoulder houses nerves running to your arms and hands, and fluid-filled sacs called bursa, which provide cushioning.
Any of these structures can be injured or affected by health conditions, leading to shoulder pain. In most cases however, shoulder pain is caused by a problem with the joint and the surrounding muscles and tendons.
For example, common causes of shoulder pain include:
Other medical conditions and diseases such as spinal cord injuries and heart attack can also cause shoulder pain. These situations are called referred shoulder pain.
Shoulder pain is often caused by injury or overuse, both of which are more likely for those who engage in sports and other high-risk activities.
Risk factors for shoulder pain include:
It’s not always possible to prevent accidental injuries, but there are ways you can reduce your risk and protect your shoulder. For example:
The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.