When to seek medical advice

Get immediate medical care for shoulder pain if pain is caused by an injury and accompanied by any of the following:

  • Exposed bone or tendon
  • Deformity to the shoulder joint
  • Severe pain
  • Sudden swelling
  • An inability to raise your arm

Shoulder pain in adults

Find possible causes of shoulder pain based on specific factors. Check one or more factors on this page that apply to your symptom.

Pain is
Onset is
Triggered or worsened by
Accompanied by