How common is shoulder pain?

Most people will experience mild shoulder pain at some point during their lives. However, for other patients, shoulder pain is chronic and/or more severe. In cases where shoulder pain is more bothersome and/or doesn’t resolve on its own after a few days, professional treatment may be required.

Why does shoulder pain occur?

Patients may experience shoulder pain for several different reasons. In some cases, shoulder pain occurs because of a problem with a nearby ligament, tendon, or muscle. In other cases, the pain comes from the shoulder joint itself. When shoulder pain stems from the joint, it will get worse when the patient moves the arm or shoulder.

Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain include arthritis and bursitis. Both of these conditions cause swelling in the shoulder joint. Other possible causes of shoulder pain include dislocation and injury.