Differential Diagnosis for Left Shoulder Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: This is the most common cause of shoulder pain, often resulting from overuse or strain of the muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. Activities that involve repetitive overhead motions or heavy lifting can lead to inflammation and pain.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): Characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, adhesive capsulitis can significantly limit the range of motion. It often occurs after a period of immobility or less commonly, without a known cause.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, the fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints, can cause pain and swelling in the shoulder.
- Labral Tears: Tears in the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint, can cause pain, especially with movements that involve lifting the arm.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Although less common, left shoulder pain can be a referred pain from a heart attack, especially if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or nausea.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Sudden onset of shoulder pain, especially if accompanied by difficulty breathing, could indicate a pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage of an artery in the lungs.
- Gallbladder Disease: Referred pain from gallbladder inflammation or stones can sometimes be felt in the right shoulder but less commonly in the left, though it's still a possibility, especially if accompanied by abdominal pain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pancoast Tumor: A type of lung cancer located at the top of the lung, which can cause shoulder pain due to local invasion of the tumor into the brachial plexus or other structures.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Compression of the nerves or blood vessels that pass into the thoracic outlet (the space between your collarbone and first rib) can cause pain in the shoulder and arm.
- Osteonecrosis of the Humeral Head: A condition where the blood supply to the bone tissue at the head of the humerus is interrupted, leading to bone death and potentially causing shoulder pain.