Quick version
Pain in the shoulder is most often due to overuse, but it can also be caused by conditions such as impingement, rotator cuff injury, frozen shoulder or osteoarthritis. In some cases, shoulder pain is caused by the neck. Most problems go away with the right treatment and self-care, but you should seek medical attention if the pain is long-lasting, severe or affects your mobility. If necessary, the diagnosis can be confirmed through clinical examination or imaging such as MRI.
Why do I have shoulder pain?
The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the body, which also makes it more vulnerable. Pain can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time. Here are seven of the most common causes of shoulder pain:
1. Overuse and muscle tension
The most common cause is overuse and muscle tension, often resulting from prolonged desk work or a sudden increase in physical activity.
- Characteristics:Dull aching pain, stiffness in the neck/shoulder area, and tenderness when pressure is applied.
2. Impingement (Shoulder impingement syndrome)
When the space in the shoulder joint becomes too narrow, tendons and bursae can become compressed, causing pain. This is especially common in people who frequently work with their arms above shoulder height.
- Characteristics: Sharp pain when lifting the arm to the side (often within a specific range, such as between 60° and 120°).
Read more about shoulder impingement.
3. Rotator cuff injury
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. An injury can range from a minor tear to a complete tendon rupture.
- Characteristics: Noticeable weakness in the arm and difficulty keeping the arm lifted without support.
4. Frozen shoulder (Adhesive capsulitis)
This condition involves pain and stiffness in the shoulder when the joint capsule becomes thickened and tight, restricting movement. The course is often prolonged (up to 1–2 years) and typically includes a painful phase followed by a stiff phase.
- Characteristics: Severe stiffness, making it very difficult to rotate the arm outward or lift it overhead.
5. Bursitis (Inflammation of the bursa)
The bursae act as cushioning structures in the shoulder. When inflamed, they swell and become very painful.
- Characteristics: Distinct pain at rest and significant tenderness on the outside of the shoulder. It is often painful to lie on the affected side.
6. Shoulder osteoarthritis
Wear and tear of the joint cartilage typically develops gradually with age or after a previous injury.
- Characteristics: A grinding sensation in the joint, morning stiffness, and deep joint pain that worsens with activity.
7. Referred pain from the neck
It is not uncommon for a herniated disc or nerve compression in the neck to be felt as shoulder pain.
- Characteristics: The pain is often accompanied by tingling, numbness, or an “electric” sensation radiating down into the hand.
When should I seek medical care?
Most shoulder problems improve with proper rehabilitation, but you should not wait too long if you experience any of the following:
- Pain that has not improved after 2 weeks of rest or light movement.
- Pain that started after a fall or injury (risk of fracture or dislocation).
- Inability to sleep due to pain.
- Difficulty lifting your arm to perform daily activities like dressing or hygiene.
- Numbness or weakness in the arm or hand.
How is shoulder pain diagnosed?
A physiotherapist or physician can often make a diagnosis through simple physical tests. If needed, additional methods may be used:
- Clinical examination: Assessment of mobility, strength, and specific pain tests.
- Ultrasound or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the shoulder: To visualize soft tissues such as tendons and bursae.
- X-ray: Mainly used when osteoarthritis or bone injury is suspected.
While waiting for an examination – what you can do
Before your appointment, you can try to relieve symptoms with the following:
- Active rest: Keep the joint moving with light exercises, such as pendulum movements, while avoiding activities that cause pain.
- Ergonomics: How do you sit at work? Are your shoulders raised toward your ears? Review your workspace and ensure proper posture.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or cold therapy may help reduce acute inflammation.
Private MRI of the shoulder – how it works
Booking a private MRI of the shoulder via Testmottagningen.se is simple. After completing your purchase, you activate your referral request, answer a few questions, and describe your symptoms and the reason for the examination.
You will then be contacted by one of our physicians, who will review your case and ensure that the examination is appropriate. The doctor will determine the most suitable clinic and send the referral accordingly.
Within a few days, you will receive an appointment via Kivra. If the time suits you, you attend the clinic and undergo the MRI scan.
The images are reviewed by a specialist radiologist who provides a report. Once ready, you will receive access to the results via Zample, along with a medical assessment from one of our physicians.
If further evaluation or treatment is needed, we will help guide you to the next step.
