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Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain is a common condition, affecting up to 2 in 3 people at some point in their lives.¹ Because the shoulder is such a complex structure with many parts working together in a small space, shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of different things, each resulting in its own unique set of symptoms and impacting how shoulder pain is treated.²

Effectively managing shoulder pain usually requires a combination of treatments, including heat and cold packs, pain relief medicines and physical therapy.^1-3 Learn about simple ways to treat shoulder pain, and when to seek advice from a doctor.

Understanding shoulder pain

The shoulder is a complex structure made up of two joints that connect the upper arm to the shoulder blade, and the shoulder blade to the collarbone (clavicle). Strong connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and muscles support the shoulder and make it stable. In addition, fluid-filled sacs called bursae help to lubricate the shoulder joints and reduce friction.³

With many muscles, ligaments, tendons, fluid-filled sacs and bones all working together in a small space, there can be many causes of shoulder pain, which can impact how it is treated.²

Causes of shoulder pain

Causes of shoulder pain include:^1,3

• Inflammation of the tendons around your shoulder, called tendonitis
• Inflammation in the fluid sacs (bursa) in your joints, called bursitis
• Hardening of the tissues around your joint, called a frozen shoulder
• An injury to your shoulder (e.g. tears or strains, dislocation or fracture)
• Pain from a problem in your neck or spine, or nerve pain
• Weakness or overuse of the muscles around your shoulder, called the rotator cuff
• Poor posture
• Problems with the muscles, ligaments or tendons around your shoulder
• Osteoarthritis, due to ‘wear and tear’ as you get older or from an injury

While there are many possible causes of shoulder pain, sometimes a cause cannot be found. Don’t worry though, it’s still possible to treat shoulder pain even if the exact cause is unknown.¹

Symptoms of shoulder pain

People with shoulder pain can experience pain deep in the shoulder joint, in the back or front of the shoulder, and in the top of the arm. The location and type of shoulder pain often relates to the injured or inflamed structure that is causing the pain.3 Sometimes the pain is worse when you lie on your side at night; it might even wake you up from your sleep.¹

Symptoms that can accompany shoulder pain include:^1,3

• Numbness
• Tingling or pins and needles
• A ‘catching’ sensation in your shoulder joint
• Pain radiating from the shoulder into the arm, neck or head
• Weakness of the shoulder and upper arm
• Reduced movement or pain on movement

Managing acute shoulder pain

Effectively managing acute shoulder pain usually requires a combination of treatments, including:^1,3

• An initial period of rest
• Cold packs, used in the first few days after an injury to reduce inflammation
• Heat packs, to help relax the shoulder muscles
• Physical therapy like physiotherapy or occupational therapy, to help modify activities that exacerbate the pain, and help improve shoulder strength and flexibility
• Pain relievers like CELEBREX RELIEF^®, that work to reduce pain and inflammation; ask your pharmacist if this treatment is right for you.

While this basic management advice works for many people with shoulder pain, sometimes there is an underlying cause that also needs treatment. If shoulder pain persists despite simple management, see your doctor who may suggest other ways to manage your pain depending on its cause.¹

When to see a doctor

You should see a doctor if shoulder pain becomes more intense over time, or if it has not begun to settle within 5 days – you may need to discuss alternative treatment options.^1,4

If your shoulder pain is accompanied by a fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss, or if you have other symptoms that cause you concern, you should talk to your doctor.¹

Seek immediate medical attention if shoulder pain is accompanied by trouble breathing and/or chest tightness.^1,3