There are many reasons a shoulder might hurt, including overuse and age-related degeneration (such as osteoarthritis). But certain types of shoulder pain require medical attention.
See a doctor if you think you have a fracture, dislocation, or torn muscle. Symptoms of those injuries may include immediate severe pain, swelling, bruising, numbness, or an inability to move the shoulder.
Go to an emergency room or urgent care “if you can’t lift your arm, or something visibly doesn’t look right,” Bicket says. For example, if your hand or arm goes numb, cold, or blue after an injury, it could mean a serious problem with a nerve or blood vessel that requires immediate attention. Head to an ER if you have left shoulder pain radiating into the chest, along with shortness of breath or sweating. This could signal a heart attack.
