Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain can make moving, sleeping and even breathing difficult. From arthritis and tendon tears to dislocation, Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic treats all types of shoulder conditions. Our specialists are among the best in the region, offering the latest procedures so you can get your life back.

What is shoulder pain?

Three bones make up the shoulder joint, including the collarbone (clavicle), shoulder blade (scapula) and upper arm bone (humerus). The ball of the upper arm bone fits into the cup-like socket of your shoulder blade, allowing a wide range of motion. Muscles, tendons and ligaments hold the bones in place and provide stability.

The complex anatomy of the shoulder means many problems can occur. Damage to any of the tissues or bones in the shoulder joint can cause pain. You may feel this pain when you lift your arm above your head or move it forward or behind your back.

Causes of shoulder pain

One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is rotator cuff tendinitis. The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that surrounds your shoulder joint. If the tendons get trapped under the bony area of the shoulder, they become inflamed and can be damaged. 

Shoulder pain can also be caused by: 

• Arthritis: Loss of cartilage in the shoulder joint that leaves the bones rubbing together 
• Bone spurs: Bony growths that form where bones rub together, usually due to arthritis
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) between the rotator cuff and bone on the top of the shoulder
• Frozen shoulder: Stiffness in the muscles, tendons and ligaments inside the shoulder 
• Overuse injuries: Damage to shoulder tissues caused by repetitive movement
• Rotator cuff tear: A tear in one of the tendons in the rotator cuff 
• Shoulder dislocation: Separation of the upper arm bone from the socket 
• Shoulder fracture: A break in any of the bones in your shoulder 
• Shoulder instability: Looseness in the joint that increases the risk of dislocation 
• Shoulder labral tear: A tear in the fibrous tissue (labrum) around the edge of the socket

Sometimes, shoulder pain is caused by a problem in another area of your body, such as your neck or lungs. This is called referred pain. Unlike other shoulder pain types, referred pain doesn’t get worse when you move your shoulder.

Shoulder pain symptoms

Shoulder pain varies depending on the cause. It may be a dull ache or a sharp stab. You may feel it when you move in a certain way or be unable to move. Other symptoms may include:

• Muscle spasms
• Numbness or weakness in your arm, neck or hand
• Swelling and bruising

In some cases, shoulder pain is a sign of a heart attack. Call 911 if you have sudden pain or pressure in your shoulder, especially if the pain: 

• Occurs with shortness of breath, dizziness or sweating
• Runs from your chest to your left jaw, neck or arm

Shoulder pain diagnosis

To make a diagnosis, your doctor will review your medical history and examine your shoulder. They may also order an X-ray or other imaging tests to look for damage in and around the joint. 

Shoulder pain risk factors

Shoulder pain can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in:

• Athletes who throw and play contact sports 
• Older adults, due to the wear and tear of aging and fall-related injuries
• People whose work requires heavy lifting, repetitive movements or overhead activities

Shoulder pain prevention

You can reduce your risk of shoulder pain and injury with the following strategies: 

• Check your posture when sitting and standing to avoid hunching.
• Perform routine exercises and stretches to strengthen your rotator cuff and shoulder muscles and improve flexibility.
• Take frequent breaks when doing repetitive activities that involve your arms and shoulders.
• Use proper lifting techniques, such as lifting with your legs and keeping heavy objects close to your body.
• Warm up before physical activity with gradual movements.
• Stop what you’re doing if you experience pain. If the pain persists, see your doctor.

Shoulder pain treatment

Doctors determine treatment based on what's causing shoulder pain. For minor issues, rest, heat or ice therapy and anti-inflammatory medications may be all you need. Orthopedic physical therapy and shoulder injections can also be effective for some shoulder problems.

In some cases, you may require shoulder surgery. Our orthopedic surgeons offer the latest tools and techniques, including an implanted patch to repair a torn rotator cuff. Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures. Because arthroscopy requires only a few small incisions, patients typically heal faster and have less pain.

Our surgeons are also experts in joint replacement, including traditional shoulder replacement and an innovative reverse approach. In reverse total shoulder replacement, the surgeon reverses the placement of the ball and socket. They affix the ball to the shoulder bone and the socket to the upper arm bone. Replacing a severely damaged shoulder joint is often a good option to relieve pain and help you function better.