Why Does Your Shoulder Hurt? Check This Shoulder Pain Diagnosis Chart

More than 70% of people suffer from shoulder pain at some point in their lives. If you’re experiencing pain in the front or back of your shoulder, these shoulder pain diagnosis charts below can help you find a possible cause.
Shoulder pain is caused by various issues, including injuries, overuse, and underlying medical conditions. The location of your pain, as shown on these shoulder pain diagnosis charts, can help determine potential causes and conditions affecting the shoulder joint.
An acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury is an injury that occurs at the joint connecting the acromion (a bony prominence on the shoulder blade) to the clavicle (collarbone). This injury typically results from trauma, such as a fall onto the shoulder or a direct blow to the collarbone. It can lead to varying degrees of pain, instability, and dysfunction in the shoulder. (You can learn more about AC joint injuries in this blog and video.)
Acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the acromioclavicular joint, where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the highest point of the shoulder blade (acromion). This joint is crucial for shoulder movement and stability, and arthritis in this area can lead to pain, swelling, and restricted mobility.
Biceps problems often refer to issues relating to the biceps tendon, which connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder and elbow. Common conditions affecting the biceps tendon include biceps tendinitis and biceps tendon rupture.
Anterior rotator cuff issues involve several of the four rotator cuff tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) that stabilize and facilitate shoulder movement. Issues related to the anterior rotator cuff often result from overuse, injury, or degeneration.
A SLAP tear (superior labrum anterior and posterior tear) refers to a specific injury of the shoulder’s labrum, a cartilage ring that helps stabilize the shoulder joint. SLAP tears commonly occur from repetitive overhead motions or traumatic injuries such as falling on an outstretched arm.
Joint inflammation in the shoulder can arise from various conditions, including arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is marked by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually and can be associated with prolonged immobility, such as after an injury or surgery, or conditions like diabetes and thyroid disease. The hallmark of a frozen shoulder is a significant restriction of movement, often described as a “frozen” state where individuals find it challenging to lift their arms or reach behind their backs.
These conditions, as described above in sections B and C, can also occur in this location in the front of the shoulder.
A clavicle injury, often referred to as a clavicle fracture or broken collarbone, occurs when there is a break in the collarbone, which is the bone that connects the arm to the body. This type of injury is commonly caused by direct trauma, such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents involving high-impact forces. Clavicle fractures can result in localized pain, swelling, and tenderness directly over the collarbone. The injury can lead to significant shoulder pain and may also involve muscle spasms due to protective reflexes in the surrounding muscles.
Trapezial tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons associated with the trapezius muscle, which runs across the upper back and extends to the shoulder, inserting on the clavicle among other locations. This condition often arises from repetitive stress, overuse, or strain on the muscle, commonly seen in individuals who engage in heavy lifting, sports activities, or prolonged periods of working at a computer.
A muscle strain occurs when muscle fibers are stretched or torn, often as a result of overexertion, improper lifting techniques, or sudden movements. This condition can lead to varying degrees of pain and discomfort, ranging from mild soreness to severe pain that limits movement.
Neck pain is a common complaint, often stemming from a combination of muscle strain and other underlying conditions. Factors such as poor posture, stress, injury, and degenerative conditions such as arthritis can contribute to neck issues.
The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is where the clavicle (collarbone) meets the sternum (breastbone). Although injuries to this joint are relatively rare, they can occur due to significant trauma or force, often associated with contact sports, falls, or motor vehicle accidents.
This injury or condition described in section A, which occurs at the joint connecting the acromion to the clavicle (collarbone), can also generate pain in this location.
Rotator cuff issues and frozen shoulder, as described in sections B and C, can also occur in this location.
Shoulder arthritis, or glenohumeral arthritis, is characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the cartilage in the shoulder joint. This degeneration can occur due to various factors, including age, wear and tear, previous injuries, or underlying health conditions.
Shoulder muscle strain often occurs due to repetitive activities or improper body mechanics, leading to pain and discomfort in the shoulder region.
Additionally, neck issues, such as nerve compression or tension from poor posture, can exacerbate shoulder pain. The interconnectedness of the neck and shoulder muscles means that tension or injury in the neck can lead to referred pain in the shoulder area, creating a cycle of discomfort that may hinder mobility and daily activities.
Rotator cuff issues typically involve inflammation, degeneration, or tears in the tendons that stabilize and help move the shoulder joint, leading to pain and restricted movement.
Frozen shoulder is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder, resulting in a gradual loss of range of motion that can last for months to years.
Shoulder arthritis involves the degeneration of cartilage within the joint, causing pain, swelling, and decreased mobility due to the wear and tear of the joint surfaces.
Scapular dysfunction refers to abnormalities or inefficiencies in the movement and positioning of the scapula (shoulder blade) during shoulder activities. Dysfunction can lead to pain, decreased range of motion, and impaired shoulder function, making it a crucial area of concern in both athletic and everyday activities. Common causes of scapular dysfunction include muscle imbalance, injury or trauma, poor posture, overuse, and neurological conditions.
Scapular problems can appear in various forms, leading to discomfort and functional limitations in shoulder mobility. The scapula, or shoulder blade, plays a critical role in the shoulder’s overall function, acting as a base for muscle attachment and facilitating arm movement. Common scapula issues include snapping scapula syndrome (scapulothoracic bursitis), characterized by a snapping or grinding sensation when the shoulder blade moves over the rib cage; trigger points; fractures; shoulder arthritis; muscle spasms; pain; and referred pain from issues in other areas such as the neck or spine.
If you’re suffering from pain that lasts for more than a few days or worsens, make an appointment to see a Town Center Orthopaedics shoulder specialist. If your pain is accompanied by severe symptoms like shortness of breath, rapid pulse, sweating, or fatigue, seek medical attention promptly. This could be related to a heart condition or heart attack.
Your orthopedic shoulder specialist will review your health history and gather information about the onset of pain, specific symptoms, and any recent activities that may have caused the discomfort. Following this, a physical examination is performed to evaluate the range of motion, strength, and tenderness in the shoulder. Additionally, diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasound imaging may be used.
Your orthopedic shoulder specialist will develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, helping to alleviate pain and restore function in the shoulder joint. Make your appointment today at a Northern Virginia Town Center Orthopaedics location near you and get back to feeling better, moving better, and being better soon.
TCO provides patients with orthopedic problems the trusted resources and patient-centered advice they need to “Feel Better. Move Better. Be Better.”
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