Shoulder pain is the most common and obvious symptom of shoulder injury, but its nuances and location are the key to diagnosing a condition. The causes of shoulder problems are varied, from overuse to degeneration to traumatic falls and blows. Therefore, patient symptoms must be pinpointed in order to prescribe effective treatment. Other medical conditions unrelated to shoulder injury, such as diabetes and certain surgeries, may give rise to local symptoms as well.
Tendinitis
Muscle and tendon strains and tears in the bicep or rotator cuff areas will cause shoulder pain and achiness to evolve in soft tissue, especially when the patient attempts to raise the arm as in overhead lifting or tries to reach behind the back.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) relates that discomfort may extend into the upper arm, and a snapping sound may occur when moving the shoulder. It can be difficult or impossible to sleep on the affected side due to pain from weight stress.
Fracture
Shoulder pain symptoms arise immediately following a broken humerus or clavicle. According to the AAOS, fractures of the scapula, the third bone of the shoulder, are rare, occurring in only 1 percent of all broken bone incidents.
After a fracture caused by a shoulder injury, the area may turn red with inflammation or purplish with bruising. There may be a bump where the end of the fractured bone protrudes into tissue. When the patient tries to move the arm, there may be a grinding sensation, instead of the smooth movement of a joint in its socket. Range of motion may be limited, or shoulder problems will be too severe or painful to allow movement.
Dislocation
The Mayo Clinic reports that symptoms of this traumatic shoulder injury are visible and severe. A dislocated shoulder looks out of place, not level with the opposing shoulder. Swelling and bruising will be effusive.
Muscle spasms can periodically increase shoulder pain, and the joint will be weakened or immobile. Nerves affected by the shoulder problem may send numbness or tingling down the arm or up the neck.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a shoulder problem involving the supportive tissue between the tendon and bone or skin. Pain develops gradually, finally becoming intense just beneath the joint capsule, not at the top of the shoulder.
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that the area will feel warm due to inflammation, which may be accompanied by swelling. It will hurt to move the affected arm.
