Shoulder pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. From athletes and manual laborers to office workers and older adults, shoulder discomfort can interfere with daily tasks such as lifting, reaching, sleeping, and even simple movements like getting dressed. Because the shoulder is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the body, pain can stem from a wide range of causes.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, identifying the root cause of shoulder pain is essential to creating an effective, personalized treatment plan—often without the need for surgery.
Understanding the Shoulder Joint
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made up of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments working together to provide strength and flexibility. This complexity allows for a wide range of motion but also makes the shoulder vulnerable to injury, overuse, and degeneration.
Pain may originate from:
- Tendons and muscles
- Cartilage or joint surfaces
- Ligaments or joint capsule
- Nerves or surrounding soft tissue
Accurate diagnosis by an orthopedic specialist is critical for proper treatment.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder and allow lifting and rotation. Overuse, repetitive overhead motion, or acute injury can lead to inflammation, partial tears, or full-thickness tears.
Symptoms often include shoulder weakness, pain when lifting the arm, and discomfort when sleeping on the affected side.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement occurs when tendons become compressed between the bones of the shoulder during movement. This condition often develops gradually and is commonly seen in individuals who perform repetitive overhead activities.
Symptoms include pain when reaching overhead, decreased range of motion, and shoulder stiffness.
Tendonitis and Bursitis
Tendonitis refers to inflammation of the shoulder tendons, while bursitis involves inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint. These conditions often occur together and are frequently caused by repetitive motion, overuse, or poor posture.
Pain may worsen with activity and improve with rest, but untreated inflammation can become chronic.
Arthritis of the Shoulder
Shoulder arthritis develops when the cartilage that cushions the joint wears down over time. Osteoarthritis is the most common type, but inflammatory forms of arthritis can also affect the shoulder.
Common symptoms include joint stiffness, aching pain, reduced range of motion, and discomfort that worsens with activity or weather changes.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder is characterized by progressive stiffness and pain that limits shoulder movement. It often develops slowly and may be associated with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or prolonged immobilization after injury or surgery.
Without treatment, frozen shoulder can significantly impact daily function for months or even years.
Shoulder Instability and Dislocation
Shoulder instability occurs when the ball of the shoulder joint slips partially or completely out of the socket. This may result from trauma, repetitive strain, or congenital joint looseness.
Symptoms include pain, weakness, a sensation of the shoulder “giving out,” and repeated dislocations.
Muscle Strains and Overuse Injuries
Muscle strains in the shoulder can result from sudden movements, heavy lifting, or repetitive activity. Overuse injuries are common in athletes, construction workers, and individuals with physically demanding jobs.
Pain may be localized or radiate down the arm, often accompanied by muscle tightness and reduced strength.
Nerve-Related Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain may also originate from nerve compression in the neck or upper spine. Conditions such as cervical radiculopathy can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that radiates into the shoulder and arm.
An orthopedic evaluation helps distinguish shoulder joint issues from nerve-related conditions.
Why Persistent Shoulder Pain Requires an Orthopedic Appointment
While mild shoulder discomfort may resolve with rest, persistent shoulder pain should not be ignored. Pain that lasts longer than a few weeks, worsens over time, or interferes with sleep and daily activities often indicates an underlying orthopedic condition.
An orthopedic appointment allows for:
- Proper physical examination
- Diagnostic imaging if needed (X-ray or MRI)
- Accurate identification of the pain source
- A customized, non-surgical treatment plan
Early intervention can prevent further damage and improve long-term outcomes.
Red Flags That Require Immediate Medical Attention
Certain shoulder symptoms require urgent medical evaluation. Seek immediate care if you experience:
- Sudden, severe shoulder pain after an injury or fall
- Inability to move the shoulder or arm
- Visible deformity or joint dislocation
- Rapid swelling, redness, or warmth
- Fever or signs of infection
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand
- Loss of circulation or color changes in the arm
Prompt treatment can prevent complications and protect shoulder function.
The Importance of Early Orthopedic Evaluation
Many shoulder conditions respond well to conservative treatment when diagnosed early. Delaying care can lead to worsening pain, reduced mobility, and increased risk of requiring surgical intervention.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, the focus is on identifying the cause of shoulder pain and providing evidence-based, non-surgical treatment options whenever possible.
Schedule an Orthopedic Evaluation for Shoulder Pain
If shoulder pain is limiting your movement, disrupting sleep, or affecting your quality of life, it may be time to see an orthopedic specialist. Persistent shoulder pain requires an orthopedic appointment to determine the cause and begin effective treatment.
Dr. Burke Orthopedics offers comprehensive care to help patients relieve shoulder pain, restore mobility, and return to daily activities safely.
