The causes of shoulder pain are seemingly endless, but let's go over some of the more common causes for pain in the shoulder. Shoulder pain may be the result of conditions, such as:

• Neck and upper back tightness
• Spinal misalignment
• Arthritis
• Abnormal patterns of movement
• Athletic injuries and automobile accidents

While a few of the items on this list may indicate localized swelling in the shoulder joint, more of them point to the spine as the probable source of pain. The nerves that control the shoulder originate in the spine. If the vertebrae around the neck and upper back are compressed or injured, the nerves that go to the shoulder will be irritated and cause pain. Even a minor spinal misalignment can interrupt communication between the nerves and the shoulder and a cascade of problems can begin. So, what appears as shoulder pain may actually be referred pain from the spinal column.

• Shoulder pain that lasts for more than a week
• Shoulder pain that goes away and then returns frequently
• Difficulty raising your arm above your head
• Trouble or pain when carrying objects
• Pain in the shoulder joint that becomes more pronounced in the evening
• Any visual signs of damage to the joint such as bruising or swelling
• Unusual snapping or clicking sensations in the joint during movement