Shoulder Pain

Your shoulder has the widest range of motion of any joint in your body. But, the joint's structure also makes your shoulder vulnerable to injury. One of every five adults experience shoulder pain at some time in their lives. These problems can be minor or serious. Symptoms of shoulder pain may include swelling, numbness, tingling, weakness, changes in temperature or color, or changes in your range of motion.

Causes  |  Treatment  |  Prevention Tips  |  When to Call Your Doctor  |  More Health Information

Causes

If you have shoulder pain, some common causes may include:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Dislocations
• Tendinitis
• Brusitis
• Torn rotator cuffs
• Frozen shoulder
• Fractures
• Arthritis

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Treatment

Shoulder injury treatment may include medicine, first aid, physical therapy, and in some cases surgery. Treatment depends on the location, type, and severity of your injury, how long ago the injury occurred, and your age, health condition, and activities.
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Prevention Tips

The following tips will help you prevent shoulder pain or injury and maintain a full range of arm motion.

• Stay in good overall physical shape
• Maintain good posture
• Warm up well and stretch before and after any activity
• Don't carry objects that are too heavy
• Avoid catching falling objects
• Use the correct body movements or positions during activities
• Avoid overusing your arm doing repeated movements
• Consider consulting a sports-training specialist if you’re a competitive or serious recreational athlete
• If activities at your workplace are causing pain or soreness from overuse, call your human resources department for information on alternative ways of doing your job

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When to Call Your Doctor

Call 911 if you feel sudden pressure or crushing pain in your shoulder, especially if it extends from your chest, jaw, or neck, or occurs with shortness of breath, dizziness or sweating. Very sudden shoulder pain can, occasionally, be a sign of a heart attack. If you just had a severe blow or injury and your painful shoulder is swollen, badly bruised, or bleeding, go to an emergency room where they’ll check for a fracture or dislocation.
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More Health Information

Health Library | Learn more about shoulder problems and injuries

Health Library | Prevention of shoulder problems and injuries

Health Library | Shoulder replacement surgery

Health Library | Learn about rotator cuff disorders
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