What are some common causes of shoulder pain?
Pain that originates in the shoulder itself has many possible causes. Tendonitis, or an inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, is one of the most common causes of pain. A torn rotator cuff is another common cause of pain, and may be accompanied by shoulder weakness. Arthritis of the shoulder is a cause of pain and stiffness, as is frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis. Instability of the shoulder, where the “ball” fails to remain centered in the “socket” is another cause of pain, particularly in teenagers and young adults. Infrequently, infection, bleeding, and tumors can produce shoulder pain. Pain in the area of the shoulder may also be referred to the shoulder from a problem in the neck, chest, or abdomen.
