Differential Diagnosis for Left Shoulder Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Subacromial Bursitis or Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: This condition is likely due to the repetitive motion of washing cars, which can cause inflammation of the bursae or tendons in the shoulder, leading to pain and grinding sensations.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): The repetitive motion and possible minor injuries from washing cars could lead to inflammation and scarring of the shoulder joint, causing pain and limited mobility.
- Labral Tear: A tear in the labrum, the cartilage surrounding the socket of the shoulder joint, could cause pain, especially with movements that involve lifting or rotating the arm, such as washing cars.
- Impingement Syndrome: The repetitive motion of washing cars could cause the tendons of the rotator cuff to become impinged, leading to pain and grinding sensations in the shoulder.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Although less likely, left shoulder pain can be a referred pain from a heart attack, especially if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or nausea.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause referred pain in the shoulder, especially if the pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, coughing, or chest pain.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Compression of the nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet can cause pain in the shoulder and arm, especially with repetitive motions.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pancoast Tumor: A rare type of lung cancer that can cause shoulder pain due to compression of the nerves and tissues in the shoulder region.
- Osteonecrosis of the Humeral Head: A rare condition where the bone tissue in the humeral head dies due to lack of blood supply, causing pain and limited mobility in the shoulder.
- Infectious or Inflammatory Arthritis: Rare conditions such as septic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause shoulder pain and limited mobility, especially if accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever or fatigue.