What might be causing pain in my right shoulder?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Right shoulder pain can stem from many causes, ranging from orthopedic issues like rotator cuff injuries, tendinitis, bursitis, or arthritis, to non-orthopedic conditions such as gallbladder problems, liver issues, or referred pain from the neck or heart. Because the potential causes vary so widely in urgency and treatment, identifying the source of your pain is essential to getting the right care.

The fastest way to narrow down what's behind your symptoms is to complete a free, instant, online symptom check. In just a few minutes, you'll receive personalized insights based on your specific symptoms, helping you understand possible causes and decide whether self-care, a primary care visit, or urgent evaluation is the best next step. Don't guess when clarity is one click away.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover what’s causing right shoulder pain Learn if your shoulder pain needs care See if it could be a serious issue Find OTC options for shoulder pain relief Find a doctor for shoulder pain Discover home remedies for shoulder pain Understand your shoulder pain with a symptom check

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Explanation

Shoulder pain can come from different issues. It might be from problems with the shoulder joint, like rotator cuff injuries or arthritis, which are common causes of shoulder pain. These are known as orthopedic causes.

There are also non-orthopedic causes to consider. Sometimes, pain in the shoulder can be a sign of problems elsewhere in the body, like in the lungs or heart. These are less common but important to check out, especially if the pain is severe or doesn't go away.

Here are some possible causes for shoulder pain:

Orthopedic Causes:

Rotator Cuff Issues: This involves the muscles and tendons that help move the shoulder.
Arthritis: This is when the joints get swollen and cause pain.

Non-Orthopedic Causes:

Referred Pain: Pain from other parts of the body, like the heart or lungs, can sometimes be felt in the shoulder.

If you're experiencing shoulder pain and want to better understand what might be causing it, try our free AI-powered symptom checker to get personalized insights. It's important to see a healthcare provider who can help figure out the cause of the pain and suggest the best treatment.

(References)

Greenberg DL. (2014). Evaluation and treatment of shoulder pain. The Medical clinics of North America, 24758957.
Olafsson EJ, Zeni T, & Wilkes DS. (2005). A 46-year-old man with excruciating shoulder pain. Chest, 15764791.
Lollino N, Brunocilla PR, Poglio F, Vannini E, Lancia M, & Lancia M. (2012). Non-orthopaedic causes of shoulder pain. Musculoskeletal surgery, 22528847.

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