Contents
How to Diagnose Shoulder Pain: A Step-by-Step Guide
Published: Sep 05, 2024
Diagnosing shoulder pain can be tricky, but understanding the process can help you get to the root of the problem. Follow this guide to learn how medical professionals identify shoulder issues.
Step 1: Traumatic vs. Nontraumatic
The first step in diagnosing shoulder pain is determining if the pain is due to trauma. Traumatic injuries often include fractures, dislocations, or sprains, which are typically identified through patient history and physical examination. Visual deformities and localized pain are often present, making it easier to diagnose with the help of X-rays.
Step 2: Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Causes
Once trauma is ruled out, the next step is to see if the pain is due to extrinsic (referred) or intrinsic (shoulder-specific) causes. Extrinsic pain is often vague and hard to localize, while intrinsic pain can usually be pinpointed to a specific area of the shoulder. A deeper look into the patient's history and associated symptoms can provide clues.
Step 3: Glenohumeral vs. Extraglenohumeral
If intrinsic issues are suspected, the focus shifts to whether the glenohumeral joint or other areas are involved. Pain localized to the glenohumeral joint often indicates conditions like rotator cuff tears, while pain outside this joint might involve structures like the AC joint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Doctors first check if the pain is from trauma.
Extrinsic pain is referred from other areas, while intrinsic pain originates in the shoulder.
Pain in the glenohumeral joint suggests issues like rotator cuff tears.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the steps in diagnosing shoulder pain can guide you towards effective treatment.
References
- Holmes RE, Barfield WR, Woolf SK. Clinical evaluation of nonarthritic shoulder pain: Diagnosis and treatment. Phys Sportsmed 2015; 43:262.
- Johnson TR. The shoulder. In: Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, Snider RK (Ed), American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont 1997.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?