Differential Diagnosis for Pain in Left Shoulder from Lifting
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Rotator Cuff Strain: This is the most common cause of shoulder pain after lifting, due to the strain on the muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Shoulder Impingement: The lifting motion can cause the shoulder blade to impinge on the rotator cuff, leading to pain and inflammation.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae in the shoulder joint can occur due to repetitive motion or direct trauma from lifting.
- Muscle Strain: Strain of the surrounding muscles, such as the deltoid or trapezius, can also cause shoulder pain after lifting.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Although less common, shoulder pain can be a referred symptom of a heart attack, especially if the pain is radiating to the arm or jaw.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Sudden onset of shoulder pain, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain, could be a sign of a pulmonary embolism.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Compression of the nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet can cause shoulder pain, numbness, or tingling.
Rare Diagnoses
- Osteonecrosis: Avascular necrosis of the humeral head can cause shoulder pain, although it is less common and usually associated with other risk factors such as steroid use or trauma.
- Tumor: A tumor in the shoulder region, such as a bone or soft tissue tumor, can cause pain and should be considered in the differential diagnosis, although it is rare.
- Infection: Septic arthritis or osteomyelitis of the shoulder joint can cause pain and fever, although it is uncommon and usually associated with other symptoms such as redness, swelling, or warmth.