Shoulder pain involves discomfort from the joint or surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The shoulder is your body's most mobile joint, consisting of the ball-and-socket joint, acromioclavicular joint, and rotator cuff muscles. This mobility makes it vulnerable to injury. Pain ranges from dull aches to sharp discomfort limiting reaching, lifting, or sleeping. Common conditions include rotator cuff disorders, impingement syndrome, frozen shoulder, and arthritis.
The rotator cuff stabilizes the shoulder but is susceptible to injury from constant arm movement control. Prolonged computer work, weekend athletic patterns, and age-related degeneration contribute to shoulder problems. Unlike many joints, shoulder pain rarely resolves without intervention, making early treatment essential.