Joints
Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain is discomfort in or around the shoulder joint, often from the soft tissues, and can limit reaching, lifting and sleeping.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of shoulder pain and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is shoulder pain?
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, which makes it prone to pain from the muscles, tendons and other soft tissues around it as well as the joint itself. Shoulder pain often comes on gradually and may be linked to overuse, awkward postures, inflammation or stiffness, and it frequently makes reaching overhead, dressing or lying on that side uncomfortable.
- Get urgent help: Shoulder pain with chest pain, breathlessness, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw — this can be a heart attack; call 999. Shoulder pain after a fall with an obvious deformity or being unable to move the arm — get urgent assessment.
- Self-care: For most shoulder pain it helps to keep the joint moving gently within comfort rather than letting it stiffen, while avoiding the movements that flare the pain, such as heavy lifting or repeated overhead reaching.
About shoulder pain
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, which makes it prone to pain from the muscles, tendons and other soft tissues around it as well as the joint itself. Shoulder pain often comes on gradually and may be linked to overuse, awkward postures, inflammation or stiffness, and it frequently makes reaching overhead, dressing or lying on that side uncomfortable. Most shoulder pain settles with time and simple measures, though some causes, such as a frozen shoulder, take months to ease. Occasionally shoulder pain comes from elsewhere, including the heart, so pain with chest tightness or breathlessness should be taken seriously.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if shoulder pain comes with any of these warning signs:
- Shoulder pain with chest pain, breathlessness, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw — this can be a heart attack; call 999.
- Shoulder pain after a fall with an obvious deformity or being unable to move the arm — get urgent assessment.
- A hot, swollen, painful joint with fever — seek urgent help, as this can be a joint infection.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if shoulder pain is not improving after a few weeks, is getting worse, or is stopping you sleeping or using your arm normally. It is also worth being seen if the shoulder is becoming increasingly stiff, if the pain followed an injury, or if both shoulders are affected along with stiffness in the hips, which can point to a treatable inflammatory cause. Early advice and the right exercises often speed recovery.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of shoulder pain
Shoulder pain has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
For most shoulder pain it helps to keep the joint moving gently within comfort rather than letting it stiffen, while avoiding the movements that flare the pain, such as heavy lifting or repeated overhead reaching. A cold or warm pack can ease discomfort, and adjusting how you sleep, sit and work to avoid awkward shoulder positions often helps. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, built up slowly, support recovery. Be patient, as shoulder problems can take weeks to months to settle, and try not to leave the arm completely still, as that can make stiffness worse.
Answers
Shoulder pain: frequently asked questions
Why does my shoulder hurt more at night?
Many shoulder problems, including frozen shoulder and tendon inflammation, hurt more when lying on the affected side, partly because the position loads the shoulder and there is less distraction. Adjusting your sleeping position can help.
How long does shoulder pain take to settle?
It varies. Simple strains often ease within a few weeks, while conditions such as frozen shoulder can take many months. Keeping the shoulder gently moving and doing the right exercises usually helps recovery.
Can shoulder pain come from the heart?
Occasionally. Pain from the heart can be felt in the shoulder, arm or jaw. If shoulder pain comes with chest tightness, breathlessness or sweating, treat it as an emergency and call 999.
Should I keep my arm still if my shoulder hurts?
Usually not completely. Gentle movement within comfort helps prevent stiffness, while keeping the arm totally still can make a stiff shoulder worse. Avoid the movements that sharply increase the pain.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Shoulder pain.
- Versus Arthritis (charity)
Related symptoms
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