Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get StartedDefinition
By Mayo Clinic staffShoulder pain is pain that occurs in and around your shoulder — the group of joints that connect your arm to your torso. Shoulder pain can arise from within the shoulder joints and surrounding muscles, ligaments and tendons. Shoulder pain caused by a problem within the shoulder usually worsens when you move your arm or shoulder. Shoulder pain that isn't worsened by moving your shoulder is more likely to be something called "referred pain," which is caused by diseases and conditions affecting structures in your chest or abdomen. Shoulder pain accompanied by difficulty breathing or a sense of tightness in the chest may be a symptom of a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention.