What are the most common causes of pain in the shoulder?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Shoulder pain is most commonly caused by rotator cuff injuries (such as tears or tendinitis), shoulder impingement (when tendons get pinched during arm movement), and arthritis (inflammation of the shoulder joint). Other frequent causes include frozen shoulder, bursitis, and dislocations. Identifying the exact cause is key to finding the right treatment.

Because shoulder pain can stem from many overlapping conditions—some minor, others requiring prompt care—it's important not to guess. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your pain and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Shoulder pain is a frequent complaint and can stem from several common issues.

1. Rotator Cuff Issues: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep your shoulder stable. Problems like tears or inflammation in these tendons can cause pain.

2. Shoulder Impingement: This happens when shoulder blade rubs against the rotator cuff tendons, causing pain and irritation.

3. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, a condition where the cartilage in the shoulder joint wears down, can also lead to pain and stiffness.

These conditions can lead to persistent discomfort and may require different treatments, such as physical therapy or medication, to help manage the pain. If you're experiencing shoulder discomfort, try our free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your symptoms and when to seek care.

(References)

Greenberg DL. (2014). Evaluation and treatment of shoulder pain. The Medical clinics of North America, 24758957.
Meislin RJ, Sperling JW, & Stitik TP. (2005). Persistent shoulder pain: epidemiology, pathophysiology, .... American journal of orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.), 16450690.
Murphy RJ, & Carr AJ. (2010). Shoulder pain. BMJ clinical evidence, 21418673.

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