Shoulder pain can feel like it comes out of nowhere. One day you’re reaching overhead or lifting a bag, and the next, you’re grimacing through even the simplest movements. According to pain management expert Jordan Sudberg, shoulder pain is not only common—it’s one of the most frequent reasons people seek medical care for musculoskeletal discomfort.
“The shoulder is incredibly mobile and versatile, but that mobility also makes it vulnerable,” says Dr. Sudberg. “Understanding how shoulder pain develops is the first step toward finding relief.”
In this article, we’ll break down the structure of the shoulder, how it’s injured or irritated, and what Dr. Jordan Sudberg recommends to prevent and manage shoulder pain effectively.
The Anatomy of the Shoulder: A Delicate Balancing Act
The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body. It’s made up of three bones—the humerus (upper arm), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone)—along with a network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
The rotator cuff, a group of four muscles and their tendons, plays a critical role in stabilizing the shoulder and enabling its wide range of motion. But this same flexibility makes the shoulder particularly prone to strain, injury, and overuse.
How Do We Get Shoulder Pain?
Dr. Jordan Sudberg identifies several key causes of shoulder pain, ranging from acute injuries to chronic degenerative conditions:
1. Repetitive Use and Overhead Motion
Jobs or activities that require frequent lifting, reaching, or overhead movement—like painting, swimming, or certain forms of exercise—can lead to overuse injuries.
“The rotator cuff is especially vulnerable to repetitive stress,” says Dr. Sudberg. “Over time, this can cause inflammation, microtears, and even tendon degeneration.”
This kind of shoulder pain often develops gradually and worsens with activity.
2. Rotator Cuff Tears
Partial or complete tears in the rotator cuff tendons can occur from trauma (like a fall) or slowly over time due to wear and tear.
Symptoms include:
- Weakness when lifting the arm
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Pain when lying on the affected side
“Some people assume a rotator cuff tear means surgery, but many cases can improve with physical therapy and conservative care,” Dr. Sudberg explains.
3. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder occurs when the joint capsule becomes thickened and tight, restricting movement. It typically develops gradually and is more common in people with diabetes or those recovering from prolonged shoulder immobilization.
“Frozen shoulder can take months to resolve,” notes Dr. Sudberg. “But with consistent therapy, most people regain full function.”
4. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Impingement happens when the shoulder blade puts pressure on the underlying soft tissues (tendons or bursa) when you raise your arm. This can lead to inflammation and irritation, especially with repetitive movement.
Common signs include:
- Pain when lifting or reaching overhead
- Pain that worsens at night
- Stiffness or limited range of motion
5. Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the shoulder, particularly in older adults. Cartilage wear leads to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
“Shoulder arthritis can be managed with a combination of exercise, medication, and in some cases, joint injections,” says Dr. Sudberg.
When to See a Pain Management Specialist
If your shoulder pain:
- Lasts longer than a few weeks
- Interferes with daily activities
- Occurs suddenly after trauma
- Comes with weakness, swelling, or numbness
…it’s time to seek evaluation. Jordan Sudberg emphasizes early intervention to avoid long-term dysfunction.
“The sooner we identify the underlying cause, the better the outcome,” he explains. “Our goal is always to restore function while minimizing pain.”
Treatment Options
At his practice, Dr. Sudberg offers a wide range of shoulder pain treatments tailored to each patient’s diagnosis and lifestyle. Options may include:
- Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
- Corticosteroid injections for targeted relief
- Regenerative medicine such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Minimally invasive procedures when necessary
Prevention Tips
Preventing shoulder pain starts with awareness and care. Dr. Sudberg recommends:
- Warming up before exercise
- Avoiding repetitive strain by varying movements
- Strengthening rotator cuff muscles
- Improving posture to reduce unnecessary tension
- Listening to your body and not pushing through pain
“Prevention is just as important as treatment,” Dr. Sudberg says. “Shoulder pain can be avoided when we prioritize mobility, strength, and smart movement.”
Final Thoughts
Shoulder pain may be common, but it doesn’t have to become a chronic condition. Understanding how it develops—and responding early—can make all the difference in recovery and long-term comfort.
With expert care from specialists like Jordan Sudberg, patients can not only manage shoulder pain effectively but regain the confidence to move freely again.