Overview
Understanding shoulder pain
The shoulder trades stability for a wide range of motion. Overuse, injury, tendon disease, arthritis, stiffness, and instability can create different pain patterns.
Pain with arm movement, weakness, night symptoms, and symptoms traveling below the elbow each provide useful clues during evaluation.
Useful context
What people may notice
- Pain reaching overhead, behind the back, or away from the body
- Night pain or difficulty lying on the affected side
- Weakness, stiffness, catching, or loss of motion
- Tingling or pain extending into the arm or hand when a nerve may be involved
At the clinic
How evaluation works
- 01
Review how symptoms began and which movements are limited.
- 02
Compare shoulder motion and strength with a neck and neurologic examination when appropriate.
- 03
Use X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI when structural information will guide care.
- 04
Discuss activity changes, rehabilitation, medication, injections, or orthopedic referral based on the suspected source.
References
Sources and further reading
These references provide general education. They do not replace advice from a clinician who knows your health history.