Shoulder pain
An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) localized to the shoulder.
Also called: Shoulder pain.
Conditions associated with shoulder pain
The following conditions have been associated with shoulder pain in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
HELLP syndrome
HELLP syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
An inflammatory condition causing pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and hips, most common in older ad...
Rotator Cuff Injury
Injury to the muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint causing pain, weakness, and reduced arm movement....
Tests providers may use to investigate shoulder pain
When investigating shoulder pain, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Measures inflammation by timing how fast red blood cells settle....
Urinalysis
Examines urine content to help detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside shoulder pain
Arm Pain
Pain in the arm, which can be caused by injury, nerve compression, or referred pain from the heart....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Morning Stiffness
Joint or body stiffness that is worst in the morning and improves with movement, which can be a sign of inflam...
Night Pain
Pain that is worse at night, which can be a feature of certain injuries or inflammatory conditions....
Reduced Range of Motion
Difficulty moving a joint through its full range, which can be caused by arthritis, injury, or stiffness....
Seizure
A seizure is an intermittent abnormality of nervous system physiology characterized by a transient occurrence ...
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if shoulder pain is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom shoulder pain mean?
Shoulder pain is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) localized to the shoulder.
Which conditions are associated with shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain has been reported in association with 4 conditions in the medical literature we index, including Chikungunya, HELLP syndrome, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rotator Cuff Injury. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about shoulder pain?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.