After an injury to the arm, neck or back, some shoulder pain is normal and often expected. In some cases, however, you might experience shoulder soreness and not remember any recent injury. While it may be an old or minor injury or strain acting up, check with your doctor if you notice persistent or severe unexplained shoulder pain.
Excessive Use
Even if you don't experience a trauma to the area, such as a fall or a sudden pain upon reaching for or lifting an object, overuse of the shoulder can result in a painful condition. Bursitis, for example, results when the small sacs of fluid in your shoulder joint become inflamed. If you have bursitis, you may have trouble with daily activities like brushing your hair. Tendinitis is another painful condition that may result from overuse. If you have this type of injury, discontinue bothersome activities and talk to your doctor about physical therapy and pain-relieving medications.
TMJ Disorders
Pain in the shoulder can result from muscle tension. One cause of tension in the head, neck and shoulders may stem from the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. If you grind your teeth, clench your jaw or chew gum, you may experience pain from overusing the jaw muscles. Another cause of TMJ problems is an uneven bite; if your teeth do not fit together well, you may chew on only one side of your mouth or hold your jaw at an odd angle to compensate. This can cause tension in your shoulders, leading to unexplained soreness. Depending on the cause of your TMJ problems, treatment options range from relaxation techniques to wearing a mouth guard at night to orthodontic or surgical treatment.
Aging
Part of the natural aging process includes the gradual erosion of joints in the body, and the shoulder is no exception. Unexplained shoulder soreness can be caused by less fluidity in your joint. Also, arthritis in the shoulder can cause pain. In some cases, you might move your shoulder less in an effort to minimize the soreness, but this can make the problem worse and can result in the muscles getting tighter. Talk to your doctor about ways to relieve your pain without impacting your range of motion.
Serious Concerns
Occasionally, unexplained shoulder pain can indicate a serious condition. If you experience chest discomfort that is referred to your left shoulder, it may be a symptom of a heart attack, and should be treated as a medical emergency. Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that can occur in the shoulder. This is most common in teenagers. Any shoulder pain that does not resolve with rest is an indication that you should see your doctor promptly.
