Differential Diagnosis for Right Shoulder Pain Worse with Movement
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: This is the most common cause of shoulder pain, especially when it worsens with movement. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, and inflammation or strain in this area can cause significant pain.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): Characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, adhesive capsulitis can cause pain that worsens with movement. It often occurs after a period of immobility or injury.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints, can cause pain that increases with movement.
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: This occurs when the shoulder blade puts pressure on the underlying tissues, including the rotator cuff, when the arm is lifted away from the body, causing pain.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less common, referred pain from a pulmonary embolism can manifest as shoulder pain, especially if the embolism is located in the upper lobes of the lungs. This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): In some cases, a heart attack can cause referred pain in the shoulder, especially on the left side, but it can occasionally occur on the right. Prompt diagnosis is crucial for survival.
- Spinal Cord Injury or Herniated Disk: Pain radiating from the neck down to the shoulder can be a sign of a spinal issue. Missing this diagnosis could lead to permanent neurological damage if not addressed promptly.
- Rare diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: A bacterial infection within the shoulder joint, which is rare but can cause severe pain, especially with movement. It requires urgent medical attention to prevent joint destruction.
- Tumor: Both benign and malignant tumors can cause shoulder pain, although this is a rare cause. The pain might worsen with movement due to the mechanical effects of the tumor on surrounding structures.
- Brachial Plexus Injury: An injury to the network of nerves that conducts signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder and arm, which can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder and arm.