A ball and socket joint forms the part of the shoulder that connects the scapula, or shoulder blade, and the arm. A number of injuries and degenerative conditions can cause pain when you shrug your shoulders. Pain can emanate from the lubricating sacs that lie between the ball and socket, from the rotator cuff muscles and tendons or scapulo-thoracic joint that attaches the shoulder to the back and rib cage.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the most common form of shoulder pain, according to the Pain Clinic. Tendonitis typically occurs from degeneration and overuse. In the elderly and athletes who use their shoulders in their specific sporting activity, the tendons in the shoulder can become frayed and rupture. While elderly patients typically compensate for the loss of movement in the arm with the torn tendons, younger athletes may undergo surgery to repair the tear.
Rotator Cuff Injury
There are four major muscles and attending tendons that connect your shoulder to your upper arm, forming the rotator cuff. It can become sore when shrugging for a variety of reasons. A fall on your shoulder can bruise or damage the rotator cuff, leaving soreness when you shrug. Poor posture contributes to a shortening of the rotator cuff muscles, which then become painful when moved, according to the Mayo Clinic. The rotator cuff can be injured when you lift something that's too heavy and the muscles get pulled, or from repetitive motions that strain the muscles and tendons. While surgery and medication may be required, most rotator cuff injuries heal with physical therapy.
Arthritis
Arthritis occurs when the sacs of fluid that separate the ball and socket of the shoulder become worn away. It hurts to move when arthritis sets in and the joint can become immobile and seized up if you keep it immobile. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic recommend shoulder joint replacement surgery when arthritis causes pain in the shoulder. Called arthoplasty, the procedure commonly is performed on patients over 65 who have had chronic pain that is not relieved through therapy and medication.
Bursitis
The bursa, or sac that holds the fluid in the shoulder joint, can become inflamed and painful from excessive movement. While the inflammation may recede with rest and anti-inflammatory drugs, once you have the condition, you are more prone to flareups. Bursitis is a common condition in baseball players because of the repetitive throwing motions they do. Consistent, repetitive lifting also can lead to bursitis. Strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder can help relieve the pressure causing the inflammation and allow you to continue with the activity that creates the pain. Corticosteroid injections often are needed to bring rapid relief.
