Non-specific shoulder pain, also called NSSP, means that the cause of pain in the shoulder is not obvious. The shoulder is made up of many ligaments and several bones. The cause of shoulder pain is often difficult to figure out because of how complicated the joint is.

The pain may be from a condition or injury in the joint itself, or in any of the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding it.

Rarity: Common

Symptoms

Rotator cuff injuries are surprisingly common, especially as people age. Studies have found that the prevalence of rotator cuff tears increases significantly in each decade of life after age 50, with over 20% of the general population having some degree of rotator cuff tear. While not all tears cause symptoms, rotator cuff injuries can be a major source of shoulder pain and dysfunction. Risk factors for developing a rotator cuff injury include advanced age, repetitive overhead arm motions, smoking, family history, and certain medical conditions like diabetes. Athletes in throwing sports and workers who frequently lift items overhead are at higher risk of rotator cuff problems due to the repetitive stress placed on the shoulder. Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take steps to protect their rotator cuffs and seek early treatment if symptoms develop.

Symptoms include pain that worsens with movement of the arm and shoulder, especially following overuse, or injury.

If you have swelling, redness, joint deformity, inability to move the arm, or severe pain, you should see a doctor immediately.

Shoulder pain with shortness of breath and/or pain or tightness in the chest can be signs of a heart attack. Go to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.

Non-specific shoulder pain quiz

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Treatment

When you see a doctor, they will do a physical examination, asking you to move your arm in different ways, and they may order an X-ray or CT scan.

Treatment usually begins with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers like Motrin (ibuprofen). Your doctor may recommend physical therapy or other treatments.

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The stories shared below are not written by Buoy employees. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. Whenever you have questions or concerns about a medical condition, you should always contact your doctor or a healthcare provider.

Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH.

Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP...

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References

Teunis T, Lubberts B, Reilly BT, Ring D. A systematic review and pooled analysis of the prevalence of rotator cuff disease with increasing age. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(12):1913-1921. https://www.jshoulderelbow.org/article/S1058-2746(14)00401-6/fulltext
Yamamoto A, Takagishi K, Osawa T, et al. Prevalence and risk factors of a rotator cuff tear in the general population. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2010;19(1):116-120. https://www.jshoulderelbow.org/article/S1058-2746(09)00204-3/fulltext
Tashjian RZ. Epidemiology, natural history, and indications for treatment of rotator cuff tears. Clin Sports Med. 2012;31(4):589-604. https://www.sportsmed.theclinics.com/article/S0278-5919(12)00071-6/fulltext