Differential Diagnosis for Burning Shoulder Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain or sprain: This is often the most common cause of shoulder pain, including burning sensations, due to overuse, injury, or poor posture.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Tendinitis or bursitis: Inflammation of the tendons or bursae in the shoulder can cause burning pain, especially with movement.
- Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder): Characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, which can include a burning sensation.
- Referred pain from the neck: Cervical spine issues, such as herniated discs or cervical spondylosis, can refer pain to the shoulder, sometimes described as burning.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Although less common, shoulder pain can be a referred symptom of a heart attack, especially in women, and is critical not to miss.
- Pulmonary embolism: In rare cases, a pulmonary embolism can cause referred pain to the shoulder, which would be a medical emergency.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome: Compression of the nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib can cause burning pain in the shoulder and arm.
- Rare diagnoses
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition that can cause burning pain, usually after an injury or trauma.
- Brachial neuritis: Inflammation of the nerves that control the muscles of the shoulder, which can cause severe burning pain.
- Pancoast tumor: A type of lung cancer located at the top of the lung that can cause shoulder pain due to local invasion of the brachial plexus or ribs.