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Shoulder pain
Definition:
Shoulder pain involves any pain in or around the shoulder joint.

Alternative Names:
Pain - shoulder

Considerations:
Pain located around the shoulder is usually not serious. Most of the time the pain is caused by problems affecting the ligaments or tendons near the joint, not the joint itself.
Common Causes:
Home Care:

For shoulder injuries, resting, applying ice, maintaining mobility, and strengthening are usually helpful. When you first feel shoulder pain, apply ice for 30 minutes, then leave it off for 15 minutes. Continue this cycle for several hours, but be careful not to freeze the skin.

Rest the shoulder from strenuous activity for the next few days. After a rest period, gradually begin to strengthen the shoulder muscles. Light weight lifting, with an emphasis on full range of motion, is recommended.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibruprofen may help decrease inflammation.

Some sports-related shoulder problems are caused by poor technique. Preventing such problems by learning proper technique is often less expensive and less painful than getting medical help to fix a problem.
Call your health care provider if:

You should contact your health care provider if any of the following occur:

  • The pain is felt as a pressure, heaviness, or pain behind the breastbone that spreads to the shoulder
  • There is fever, swelling, and redness.
  • You are unable to use the joint
  • The pain is caused by an injury
  • The pain persists beyond 1 week
What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions documenting your shoulder pain may include the following:

  • Distribution
    • Does the pain affect both shoulders (symmetrical)?
    • Is the pain shifting from the shoulder to other joints?
    • Is the pain involving the front (anterior) part of shoulder?
    • Does the pain occur when the arm is lifted overhead or away from the body (abduction)?
  • Time pattern
    • Did the pain begin suddenly and severely?
    • Did it begin slowly and mildly and then get worse?
    • Did the pain resolve spontaneously in less than 6 weeks?
  • What other symptoms are also present?

The physical examination will include a detailed examination of the shoulder.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed vary depending on the results of the physical examination. Treatment may include the following:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • A corticosteroid injection
  • Instructions on rehabilitation

Surgery is a last resort.
Review Date: 11/13/2002
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, M.D., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU/Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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