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Shoulder pain can turn getting dressed, reaching a shelf, or sleeping comfortably into a challenge. A useful assessment starts by identifying which movements are limited and whether the problem appears to involve the shoulder, the neck, or another cause. At Source Chiropractic, we will explain the findings before recommending care.
When to seek medical help first
Get urgent medical assessment for a sudden severe shoulder pain, a visibly changed shape, marked swelling, inability to move the arm, persistent loss of feeling, or pain with fever or feeling unwell. Pain after an injury also needs prompt assessment. NHS shoulder pain guidance.
Shoulder or arm discomfort with chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea can signal a heart attack. Call 911. MedlinePlus emergency warning signs.
Understanding common shoulder problems
Different conditions can produce overlapping symptoms. This guide explains the terms you may hear after an examination.
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Rotator cuff tendinitis, bursitis, or impingement | Problems involving the shoulder tendons or nearby bursa can cause pain when lifting the arm. |
| Rotator cuff tear | A tendon may tear after injury or through degeneration. Weakness and pain can accompany it. |
| Instability or dislocation | The upper arm bone may move partly or completely out of its socket. Repeated episodes need assessment. |
| Arthritis | Joint changes can cause pain and stiffness. Treatment depends on the type and severity. |
These are distinct problems described in the AAOS shoulder overview; they are not interchangeable explanations for every sore shoulder.
Other useful distinctions include:
- Frozen shoulder: the joint capsule becomes thickened and stiff, limiting both movement you make yourself and movement assisted by someone else. AAOS frozen shoulder guide.
- Calcific tendinitis: calcium deposits develop in a rotator cuff tendon and can cause considerable pain and restricted movement. NHS calcific tendinitis guide.
- AC joint injury or separation: the joint where the collarbone meets the shoulder can be affected by stretched or torn ligaments. NHS shoulder pain guidance.
- Labral tear: damage to the cartilage rim around the socket can cause catching, locking, pain, or weakness. Those symptoms also occur with other conditions. AAOS SLAP tear guide.
- Biceps tendon tear: a tendon attaching the biceps at the shoulder can partially or completely tear. A sudden pop, bruising, or a change in the muscle's shape merits assessment. AAOS biceps tendon guide.
Can shoulder pain come from the neck?
Yes. Cervical radiculopathy means irritation or compression of a nerve root in the neck. It can cause shoulder or arm pain with numbness, tingling, or weakness. An examination helps distinguish this pattern from a shoulder problem. AAOS cervical radiculopathy guide.
Read more about neck pain and arm or leg symptoms. Neither the location of pain nor an online symptom list can settle which explanation applies to you.
What an assessment and care discussion should cover
Tell us about any injury, the movements that hurt, changes in strength, and tasks you cannot do comfortably. At Source Chiropractic, we will review your history and examine the relevant musculoskeletal and neurological findings. We will discuss whether care here is appropriate or whether you need medical assessment or referral.
Imaging answers specific questions. X-rays show bone; MRI and ultrasound can assess soft tissues. Depending on the diagnosis, options may include activity changes, rehabilitation, medication discussed with a medical professional, or specialist treatment. Some tendon tears and recurrent dislocations may need surgical assessment. AAOS assessment and treatment overview.
If manipulation is proposed, ask why it fits the findings and what alternatives are available. Manipulation can cause soreness or headache; serious neurological complications have been reported, with uncertain frequency. NCCIH safety information.
Make the next step specific
Bring one or two goals, such as reaching a cupboard or returning to a work task. Ask what change should be measured, when reassessment should happen, and what would lead to referral. If we are not able to help you with your problem or are unable to reduce your pain levels, we will make sure to give you a recommendation to another experienced provider. For non-emergency shoulder symptoms, contact Source Chiropractic to arrange an assessment.
Follow the evidence
Research, with context.
Published sources behind the discussion. Read the findings alongside the limits; a study is not a diagnosis or a promise of a result.
Progressive exercise compared with best practice advice, with or without corticosteroid injection, for the treatment of patients with rotator cuff disorders (GRASP): a multicentre, pragmatic, 2 × 2 factorial, randomised controlled trial
708 adults with a new episode of a rotator cuff disorder.
What it foundMore supervised exercise sessions did not improve the primary outcome over 12 months compared with a best-practice advice session. Injection offered no long-term benefit.
What it cannot tell usAdvice included home exercise and self-management. Major trauma and several other shoulder diagnoses were excluded; this is not a comparison of all shoulder treatments.
Publication details & citation
Hopewell et al. Progressive exercise compared with best practice advice, with or without corticosteroid injection, for the treatment of patients with rotator cuff disorders (GRASP): a multicentre, pragmatic, 2 × 2 factorial, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00846-1.
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Read our editorial policy for how sources and clinical review are identified.