ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Shoulder Pain

What is shoulder pain?

23 January 2026

This is one of the most frequent medical complaints and consultations because the shoulders are the most mobile joints in the body. Consequently, they can be affected by inflammation or injuries in the joint itself or in the muscles, ligaments, or tendons of the rotator cuff, which is responsible for the wide range of shoulder movement.

Shoulder pain, also known as rotator cuff bursitis or tendinitis, occurs most frequently in elderly people or those who perform heavy manual activities.

There are various reasons why shoulder pain may develop, including:

  • Arthritis.
  • Bursitis.
  • Torn rotator cuff tendons.
  • Dislocations.
  • Bone spur (osteophyte).
  • Fractures.
  • Separations (of the joint).
  • Inadequate posture.
  • Pathologies of the heart and gallbladder.

Shoulder pain usually increases with activity or movement of the arm or shoulder.

Signs and symptoms Shoulder Pain

  • Reddish color in the skin of the shoulder area.
  • Continuous and persistent pain in the shoulder.
  • Swelling or redness of the shoulder.
  • Mobility problems.

The pain usually increases at night, especially when sleeping on the arm. On occasion, it can be intense and sharp, reflecting down into the arm and hand.

Diagnosis and treatment Shoulder Pain

Once the orthopedist analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination and request the following studies:

  • Blood tests.
  • X-rays.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

The treatment plan is focused on controlling the symptoms, which consists of:

  • Analgesics (Pain relievers).
  • Anti-inflammatories.
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation.

When positive results are not achieved with conservative options, the therapeutic alternatives are direct steroid injections into the affected area to counteract the pain and reduce inflammation.

If none of these options relieves the pain, surgery will be necessary to correct the problem.

At the Center for Orthopedics and Traumatology, we seek to improve the lives of patients restricted or immobilized by musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We specialize in the care of the locomotor system by integrating the latest medical, biological, and technological advances, in strict adherence to the highest international standards of patient care.

Related centers and departments Shoulder Pain

Orthopedics and Traumatology Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Sources:

  • inforeuma.com
  • orthoinfo.aaos.org
  • mayoclinic.org
  • intramed.com
  • medlineplus.gov
  • topdoctors.es
  • medigraphic.com
  • Zárate JA, Arriaga RJ, Alejo GMP. Bursitis masiva bilateral del hombro con «granos de arroz» en paciente geriátrica. Reporte de un caso y revisión bibliográfica. Rev Mex Med Fis Rehab. 2017;29(1-2):26-29.
  • Rosa GA, Cuevas AC, Kumazawa IMR. Dolor cervical y de hombros asociado al uso laboral de computadoras de escritorio. COLUMNA. 2011;1(4):70-76.
  • Chavarría SJ. Síndrome de dolor miofascial, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Rev Med Cos Cen. 2014;71(612):683-689.

How can we help you?

    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.