Shoulder Pain
PAIN CONDITION
Shoulder Pain: Causes, Treatment & Pain Relief
Shoulder pain is a common issue that can impact your ability to move, sleep, and perform daily tasks. It can come on suddenly after an injury or gradually due to overuse or degenerative conditions.[1] Some acute shoulder issues become chronic when your pain goes undiagnosed or you rush recovery. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, understanding the underlying cause of your shoulder pain is the first step toward relief.
About Shoulder Pain
Your shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body and also one of the most vulnerable to injury. It’s a complex structure made up of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that all work together to give you a wide range of motion.[2] Pain can originate from any of these components and may involve inflammation, wear and tear, nerve irritation, or trauma. Shoulder pain can also be associated with neck, chest or gastrointestinal issues, including heart or gallbladder disease (referred pain).[1]
Shoulder pain can be short-lived (acute) or persist for months (chronic), and it may feel dull, sharp, achy, or radiating depending on the cause.[3]
Shoulder Pain Symptoms
Shoulder pain may appear on its own or with other symptoms, including:
- Limited range of motion or stiffness
- Pain that worsens with movement or activity [4; 2]
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand [4; 7]
- Swelling or visible deformity [4; 5]
- Pain that disrupts sleep or daily tasks [6; 1]
- Feeling like your shoulder may “pop out” (of the socket) [7]
If pain persists or worsens, it’s vital to seek professional evaluation.
Chronic Shoulder Pain Causes
Chronic shoulder pain typically develops over time and may result from repetitive stress or degenerative conditions, such as:
Rotator cuff injuries [2]
Tendinitis [2]
Bursitis [5]
Rotator cuff tears [2]
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) [8]
Shoulder impingement [8]
Osteoarthritis [9]
Rheumatoid arthritis [9]
Poor shoulder posture [7]
Bone spurs [7]
Referred pain [7]
Overuse [7]
Pinched nerve [7]
Note: Some shoulder injuries can start as an acute injury but become chronic if not properly treated.
Acute Shoulder Pain Cause
Acute pain often results from injury or sudden strain. According to WebMD, common causes include:
Sprains or strains from lifting, falls, or overuse
Dislocations, where the upper arm bone pops out of the socket
Fractures, especially from trauma like car accidents or sports injuries
Post-surgical pain following rotator cuff repair or shoulder arthroscopy
These injuries often benefit from interventional pain management during recovery.
Shoulder Pain Management Treatments
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Many people find relief with:
Rest, ice/heat, and activity modification
Physical therapy to restore strength and mobility
Anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants
Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
Nerve blocks for more severe or radiating pain
Regenerative therapies, such as PRP or stem cell injections, in select cases [10]
When conservative treatments fail to provide lasting relief, a pain management specialist can help diagnose the issue and create a personalized plan utilizing interventional therapies.
When to Consult a Shoulder Pain Care Specialist
If your shoulder pain hasn’t improved after rest and self-care, or if it’s affecting your daily life, it may be time to see a pain management doctor. Don’t ignore persistent symptoms, weakness, or pain that limits sleep or movement.[https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/shoulder-pain#] A pain specialist can help diagnose the root cause, coordinate care with physical therapy or orthopedic providers, and offer treatment options to get you moving comfortably again.
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If your shoulder pain is sudden, severe, or associated with numbness, weakness, or injury, seek immediate medical attention.
Resources:
- Mayo Staff Clinic. Symptoms – Shoulder Pain. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Accessed July 19, 2025. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/shoulder-pain/basics/definition/sym-20050696#
- Shoulder Pain and Common Shoulder Problems. OrthoInfo – Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) [Internet]. Accessed July 19, 2025. Available from: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/shoulder-pain-and-common-shoulder-problems/
- Shoulder Pain. Medline Plus [Internet]. Accessed July 19, 2025. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003171.htm
- Shoulder Pain. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Accessed July 19, 2025. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/25122-shoulder-pain
- Shoulder Pain. NHS UK [Internet]. Accessed July 19, 2025. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/shoulder-pain
- Ouch! Shoulder pain and how to treat it. Harvard Health [Internet]. Published 2019. Accessed July 19, 2025. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/ouch-shoulder-pain-and-how-to-treat-it#
- Durning MV. Why Does My Shoulder Hurt? WebMD. Published March 9, 2017. Accessed July 19, 2025. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/why-does-my-shoulder-hurt
- Cluett J. Why Does My Shoulder Hurt, and Could It Be Serious? Very Well Health [Internet]. Accessed July 19, 2025. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/shoulder-pain-2548793
- Shoulder pain: Learn More – Shoulder pain: What helps? InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006. [Updated 2024 Apr 22]. Accessed July 19, 2025. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554692/#
- Burbank KM, Stevenson JH, Czarnecki GR, Dorfman J. Chronic Shoulder Pain: Part I. Evaluation and Diagnosis. American Family Physician [Internet]. 2008;77(4):453-460. Accessed July 19, 2025. Available from: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2008/0215/p453.html#