Shoulder pain includes any pain that arises in or around your shoulder. Shoulder pain may originate in the joint itself, or from any of the many surrounding muscles, ligaments or tendons. Shoulder pain usually worsens with activities or movement of your arm or shoulder.

Certain diseases and conditions affecting structures in your chest or abdomen, such as heart disease or gallbladder disease, also may cause shoulder pain. Shoulder pain that arises from some other structure is called "referred pain." Referred shoulder pain usually doesn't worsen when you move your shoulder.

Shoulder pain causes include:

1. Avascular necrosis
2. Brachial plexus injury
3. Broken arm
4. Bursitis
5. Cervical radiculopathy
6. Dislocated shoulder
7. Frozen shoulder
8. Heart attack
9. Impingement
10. Sprains and strains
11. Osteoarthritis
12. Polymyalgia rheumatica
13. Rheumatoid arthritis
14. Rotator cuff injury
15. Separated shoulder
16. Septic arthritis
17. Tendinitis
18. Tendon rupture
19. Thoracic outlet syndrome
20. Torn cartilage

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Source: mayoclinic.org

Shoulder pain accompanied by difficulty breathing or a sense of tightness in the chest may be a symptom of a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention.

Ask someone to drive you to urgent care or the emergency room if your shoulder pain is caused by an injury and is accompanied by:

• A joint that appears deformed
• Inability to use the joint or move your arm away from your body
• Intense pain
• Sudden swelling

Make an appointment with your doctor if your shoulder pain is accompanied by:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Tenderness and warmth around the joint

To relieve minor shoulder pain you might try:

• Pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) may help.
• Rest. Avoid using your shoulder in ways that cause or worsen pain.
• Ice. Apply an ice pack to your painful shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes a few times each day.

Source: mayoclinic.org