Most shoulder pain results when soft tissues in the shoulder area, including muscles, ligaments and tendons, are injured or overused. Everything from reaching around for something in the back seat of your car to playing tennis to repetitive motions at the workplace to degenerative changes as you age can disrupt this soft tissue and result in shoulder pain. The pain may come and go, or it may linger. Shoulder pain often radiates to the upper arm, so what feels like arm pain may actually result from shoulder aggravation or injury. Most shoulder pain is broken down into three categories: tendinitis/bursitis, arthritis, and injury/instability. Tendinitis involves the tendons around the shoulder and can result from a split or tear of the tendon during activity, but can also evolve over a period of years. Excessive use of the shoulder can lead to inflammation and swelling of the bursa (the fluid-filled sacs around the shoulder joints) resulting in a painful condition called bursitis. Pain from arthritis usually involves wear and tear of the shoulder joint. Shoulder pain after a sudden injury results when the bone in one of the shoulder joints is forced out or when it is moved by a dislocation. Recurring dislocations cause pain when the arm is raised or moved. In rare cases, tumors, infections and nerve-related problems may result in shoulder pain. In order to pinpoint the cause of pain, an orthopedist may use an X-ray, CT scan, arthrogram (X-ray using dye), MRI and other diagnostic tests to view the shoulder joint, muscles and tendons. Only about 10 percent of shoulder pain requires surgery.

Symptoms/Signs:

Pain during shoulder movement

Pain when at rest

Stiffness in the shoulder area

Dislocation of shoulder (feels as if it's slipping out of place)

Swelling in the shoulder area

Consult Your Doctor If:

In the case of acute injury, if the pain is intense or if bearable pain persists after a week.

Inability to lift the arm three or four days after onset of pain or injury.

Persistent, nagging symptoms that inhibit the ability to perform an activity.

Home Care Ideas:

If physician referral is not recommended at this time, try the following self-care procedures:

Apply ice packs to the shoulder and other areas of pain, including upper arm.

Use aspirin or anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medications.

Rest the shoulder and avoid any kind of lifting.

Refrain from vigorous, aggressive activity or exercise.

After resting the shoulder for a few days, perform some gentle range-of-motion exercises.