Shoulder Pain Diagnosis Chart: Understanding The Causes And Treatment Options

I know firsthand how frustrating shoulder pain can be, significantly, when it limits my ability to do everyday tasks like lifting, reaching, or even just moving my arm. Since the shoulder is such a complex joint, figuring out exactly what’s causing the pain can be challenging. That’s where a shoulder pain diagnosis chart comes in handy.

It’s a great tool that helps me understand my pain better by focusing on where it hurts, the type of pain I’m feeling, and how severe it is.

In this post, I’ll share common causes of shoulder pain ^[1], how I use a diagnosis chart, and when it’s time to seek professional medical help.

Understanding The Parts Of The Shoulder

The shoulder is a complex joint made up of several important parts that allow for a wide range of motion. Understanding these components can help you better interpret the source of shoulder pain.

1. Bones

• Humerus: The upper arm bone that fits into the shoulder blade socket.
• Scapula (Shoulder Blade): The large triangular bone on the back of the shoulder.
• Clavicle (Collarbone): The bone that connects the shoulder blade to the sternum (breastbone).
• Sternum: The sternum, or breastbone, is a flat bone in the center of the chest that connects with the ribs and protects vital organs like the heart and lungs.

2. Joints

• Glenohumeral Joint: The ball-and-socket joint between the humerus and the scapula is responsible for the shoulder’s broad range of motion.
• Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint: The joint at the top of the shoulder where the scapula and clavicle meet.
• Sternoclavicular Joint: The sternoclavicular joint is the connection between the sternum (breastbone) and the clavicle (collarbone), allowing movement and stability for the shoulder girdle.
• Scapulothoracic Joint: The scapulothoracic joint is where the shoulder blade (scapula) glides over the ribcage, enabling a wide range of shoulder movements and supporting shoulder stability.

3. Muscles And Tendons

• Rotator Cuff: A group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder and allow it to rotate.
• Deltoid: The large muscle covering the shoulder, essential for lifting and rotating the arm.
• Biceps Brachii: A muscle on the front of the upper arm responsible for flexing the elbow, rotating the forearm, and assisting in shoulder flexion.
• Triceps Brachii: The muscle on the back of the upper arm that extends the elbow, straightens the arm. Its long head can also contribute to shoulder extension and adduction.
• Pectoralis Major & Pectoralis Minor: The pectoralis major, commonly referred to as the chest muscle, is a large muscle that plays a crucial role in arm flexion and rotation. The smaller pectoralis minor assists in stabilizing the shoulder. Together, these muscles contribute significantly to upper body movement and strength.
• Latissimus Dorsi: A broad, flat muscle along the back that helps with arm adduction, shoulder extension and internal rotation.
• Trapezius: A large, triangular upper back muscle that supports shoulder movements and head stability.
• Levator Scapulae: A muscle along the neck that elevates the shoulder blade and assists in head rotation.

4. Ligaments

• Coracoacromial Ligament: Connects the coracoid process to the acromion, helping stabilize the shoulder.
• Glenohumeral Ligaments: Surround and support the glenohumeral joint.
• Coracohumeral Ligament: A ligament connecting the coracoid process of the scapula to the humerus, providing stability to the shoulder joint and supporting its range of motion.

5. Bursa

These are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between the bones and soft tissues of the shoulder, allowing for smooth movement. Inflammation of the bursa can lead to bursitis, a common cause of shoulder pain.

Understanding the structure of the shoulder helps in identifying where the pain might originate, whether from bone, muscle, or joint problems. It guides you in using a diagnosis chart more effectively.

What Is A Shoulder Pain Diagnosis Chart?

A shoulder pain diagnosis chart helps categorize your symptoms, making understanding the possible causes of discomfort easier.

Bursitis And TendonitisWhile it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, it is useful for identifying what might be wrong.

The chart typically focuses on:

• Location of pain: Is the pain in the front, back, or side of your shoulder?
• Type of pain: Does it feel sharp, dull, or burning?
• Duration: How long has the pain lasted—short-term or chronic?
• Accompanying symptoms: Do you have other symptoms like numbness, weakness, or swelling?

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint. Injuries to the rotator cuff are among the most common causes of shoulder pain, particularly in athletes and people who engage in repetitive overhead activities, such as lifting, throwing, or painting.

• Symptoms: Pain when lifting or lowering your arm, especially overhead, and weakness in the shoulder.
• Diagnosis via a chart: Pain at the top or front of the shoulder worsens with movement.

Rotator cuff injuries can vary in severity, ranging from tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons) to rotator cuff tears, which may require surgical intervention. Tendinitis often presents as a dull ache, while a tear can cause sharp, sudden pain.

2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that restricts movement in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the joint capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint, leading to stiffness and pain.

• Symptoms: Limited range of motion in the shoulder, with pain that can be dull or aching. Over time, the stiffness worsens, and the shoulder feels “frozen.”
• Diagnosis via a chart: Pain and stiffness in all directions of shoulder movement.

Frozen shoulder progresses in three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. In the early stage, the pain gradually increases, and movement becomes restricted.

Over time, the pain may subside, but the stiffness remains. Full recovery can take months, often requiring physical therapy.

3. Bursitis And Tendonitis

Bursitis and tendonitis are inflammatory conditions affecting the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) and tendons. Shoulder bursitis, characterized by the inflammation of the bursae located in the shoulder, leads to pain and discomfort, particularly when moving the arm overhead.

These conditions are commonly caused by overuse or repetitive motions, making them frequent issues for athletes and people in physically demanding jobs.

• Symptoms: Swelling, tenderness, and pain that worsens with movement. Pain is typically felt on the side or top of the shoulder
• Diagnosis via a chart: Pain localized at the top or side of the shoulder, often accompanied by swelling.

These conditions can result from repetitive activities like painting or playing sports like tennis or swimming. The pain may start gradually but intensify over time if left untreated.

4. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement ^[2] happens when the rotator cuff tendons become pinched or compressed between the bones of the shoulder.

This is common in individuals who frequently lift their arms above their heads.

• Symptoms: Sharp pain when reaching overhead or behind the back and a sensation of pinching in the shoulder joint.
• Diagnosis via a chart: Pain located at the top or front of the shoulder.

Impingement can lead to more severe conditions, such as rotator cuff tears or tendinitis, if not addressed early. Treatments typically include physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles and restore proper function.

5. Arthritis In the Shoulder

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two types of arthritis that can affect the shoulder joint.

Osteoarthritis results from wear and tear over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the joints.

• Symptoms: Deep, aching pain, often accompanied by stiffness and a grinding sensation when moving the shoulder.
• Diagnosis via chart: Pain in the back or entire shoulder joint, with increased stiffness.

Arthritis can severely limit shoulder mobility and cause significant discomfort, particularly during activities like reaching behind your back or lifting objects. In advanced cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.

6. Shoulder Dislocation

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, usually due to trauma, such as a fall or sports injury, often resulting in intense pain.

• Symptoms: Intense, sharp pain, swelling, and visible deformity. You may also be unable to move your arm.
• Diagnosis via chart: Severe, sharp pain in the front or top of the shoulder following an injury.

Dislocations require immediate medical attention to prevent long-term complications. Once the shoulder is back in place, rehabilitation is necessary to restore strength and prevent future dislocations.

Using A Shoulder Pain Diagnosis Chart

When you use shoulder pain diagnosis charts, you can narrow down the possible causes of your pain by evaluating key factors like location, type of pain, and accompanying symptoms. I remember using one when I was dealing with persistent shoulder pain.

By focusing on where the pain was coming from and whether it was sharp or more of a dull ache, I started to get a clearer picture of what might be wrong. It didn’t replace a doctor’s diagnosis, but it helped me understand my symptoms better and figure out the next steps in managing my pain.

1. Location-Based Diagnosis

The area where you feel the pain can provide clues about the underlying cause:

• Front shoulder pain: Often linked to biceps tendonitis, impingement syndrome, or a rotator cuff injury.
• Back shoulder pain: This may indicate a rotator cuff tear or arthritis.
• Top shoulder pain: Commonly associated with AC joint problems, bursitis, or tendonitis.
• Shoulder blade pain: This can be a symptom of conditions like scapulothoracic bursitis, scapular fractures, or even heart attacks, particularly in women.

2. Type Of Pain

• Sharp shooting pain: This could suggest rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, or nerve-related issues.
• Dull, aching pain: Often linked to arthritis, frozen shoulder, or chronicstiff conditions.
• Burning or tingling: This may indicate nerve compression or brachial neuritis, particularly if the pain radiates down the arm.

3. Duration Of Pain

• Acute pain (lasting days to weeks): Typically results from an injury like a sprain, fracture, or dislocation.
• Chronic pain (lasting months or longer): More often associated with degenerative conditions like arthritis or frozen shoulder.
• Chest pain: When shoulder pain is accompanied by chest pain, it could indicate serious conditions such as a heart attack or shoulder blade fracture. This combination of symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately.

By assessing these factors, you can narrow down the potential causes of your shoulder pain.

Physical TherapyHowever, it’s important to remember that a diagnosis chart is just a starting point—seeking medical advice is crucial for persistent or severe symptoms.

When To Seek Professional Help

If your shoulder pain persists or worsens, seeking professional medical help is essential.

Some symptoms that warrant a visit to a healthcare provider include:

• Pain lasting more than two weeks or getting progressively worse.
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint.
• Inability to move the shoulder or arm due to severe pain.
• Visible deformity after an injury, which may indicate a fracture or dislocation.

Ignoring shoulder pain can lead to long-term damage, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.

Treatment Options Based On Diagnosis

Once you’ve used a shoulder pain diagnosis chart to identify potential causes, you can explore various treatment options based on your diagnosis.

1. Rest, Ice, And Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Rest and ice can help reduce inflammation and pain for minor injuries like sprains or tendonitis. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can further alleviate symptoms.

This approach is particularly effective for acute injuries resulting from overuse.

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often recommended for conditions like frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, impingement syndrome, and shoulder instability.

A physical therapist can develop a tailored exercise program to restore strength and mobility in the shoulder.

Regular exercises targeting the rotator cuff and shoulder muscles can improve flexibility, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries.

3. Corticosteroid Injections

For inflammatory conditions like bursitis or arthritis, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. These injections can be particularly helpful when conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms.

4. Surgery

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissues or replace the joint. Surgical options include rotator cuff repair, shoulder replacement, or procedures to address shoulder dislocations.

• Rotator cuff repair: This procedure involves reattaching torn tendons to the bone, typically through minimally invasive arthroscopy.
• Shoulder replacement surgery: In advanced cases of arthritis, the cartilage that was severely damaged has to be replaced with artificial components (usually metal and plastic) to restore function and alleviate pain.
• Shoulder separation surgery: This procedure addresses injuries to the ligaments connecting the acromion to the clavicle, which can cause instability and discomfort. It is important to note that shoulder separation does not involve dislocating the shoulder joint itself.

Conclusion

A shoulder pain diagnosis chart is an excellent tool for identifying the possible causes of shoulder discomfort, helping you take the proper steps toward recovery.

However, it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice. If your symptoms persist or worsen, seek a healthcare provider’s evaluation to ensure proper treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention are vital to preventing long-term complications and maintaining shoulder health.

By paying attention to your symptoms’ location, type, and duration, you can better understand your condition and work towards a pain-free life with the proper treatment.

Say Goodbye to Shoulder Pain! Discover the simple, effective exercises inside Shoulder Pain Solved to relieve discomfort, regain strength, and get back to moving freely. Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back. Get started today!