Why do I experience shoulder pain when breathing?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Shoulder pain when breathing is often caused by nerve irritation, musculoskeletal strain, or referred pain from internal organs. In some cases, it may signal serious conditions such as pleurisy, pulmonary embolism, gallbladder disease, or liver metastasis. Because the causes range from mild to life-threatening, identifying the source quickly matters.

The fastest way to understand your symptoms is to take a free, instant, online symptom check. In just a few minutes, you'll receive personalized insights based on your specific symptoms, helping you determine whether home care, a doctor's visit, or urgent evaluation is the right next step. Don't guess about your health—get clarity now.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Shoulder pain during breathing might be related to several medical issues. One possible cause is brachial neuritis, which can affect nerves like the bilateral phrenic nerves. This condition can lead to pain and discomfort in the shoulder area, especially during activities like breathing. Another potential cause is liver metastasis, which is a serious condition where cancer spreads to the liver and can cause shoulder pain. Lastly, shoulder pain might also be associated with conditions like orthopnea, where breathing becomes difficult when lying down, and this can also lead to discomfort in the shoulder.

If you experience shoulder pain while breathing, it is important to talk with a healthcare professional to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate care. You can start by taking a free AI symptom checker test to help identify potential causes of your symptoms.

(References)

Walsh NE, Dumitru D, Kalantri A, & Roman AM Jr. (1987). Brachial neuritis involving the bilateral phrenic nerves. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 3800625.
Lalmalani Y, & Moy WL. (2024). Liver Metastasis: A Rare and Sinister Cause of Shoulder Pain. Cureus, 39569264.
Herbert A, Khan WA, & Madi S. (2017). A case of progressive orthopnoea and shoulder pain .... BMJ case reports, 28720601.

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