Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Common Causes of Shoulder and Elbow Pain?

Sandra Koehler
Sandra Koehler

Shoulder and elbow pain can arise for many reasons, the most common being some sort of injury to the area. Since the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body and is designed to work in conjunction with the arm and hand, experiencing pain in both the shoulder and the elbow simultaneously can occur. Common causes of pain in the shoulder and elbow can include shoulder impingement syndrome and nerve root irritation in the neck. Many times, this type of pain is considered referred pain.

A nerve is a pathway which conveys messages to the body, such as sensation and movement. There are several nerves which originate at the shoulder and travel down the arm and into the hand. Shoulder impingement syndrome is a condition caused by trauma or muscle tightness where the nerve is pinched or squeezed. This pressure can cause shoulder and elbow pain.

The elbow joint. Pain can be caused by damage to the tendons, ligaments, nerves, or other parts of the joint.
The elbow joint. Pain can be caused by damage to the tendons, ligaments, nerves, or other parts of the joint.

Nerve root irritation, especially in the cervical or neck area, is when the nerve root becomes irritated or pinched as it exits the spine. This can occur with an injury or disc herniation. A herniated disc is a condition where the disc in between the bones of the spine, which acts as a shock absorber, becomes ruptured and pushes out through the bones. When this occurs in the neck nerves, it can trigger shoulder and elbow pain.

Shoulder and elbow pain often begin with neck nerves.
Shoulder and elbow pain often begin with neck nerves.

Referred pain is a term used to describe symptoms which originate in one area but are felt in another. Pain originating from shoulder impingement syndrome and cervical nerve root irritation which causes pain that travels down the arm is termed referred pain. Referred pain can also occur with muscle tightness or spasms, however. Muscle spasms occur when a muscle involuntarily contracts or becomes tight. The most common causes of spasms in the muscle include stress, overuse, dehydration, and conditions such as diabetes, anemia, and atherosclerosis.

Muscle tightness can cause shoulder pain.
Muscle tightness can cause shoulder pain.

Muscle tightness can cause trigger points. Trigger points are small areas or knots within the muscle that are hypersensitive and painful. Applying pressure to these areas can produce pain which shoots or radiates to another area of the body. In other words, experiencing a trigger point in the shoulder can bring about pain in the shoulder area and into the arm, elbow, or hand.

A herniated disc can trigger shoulder and elbow pain.
A herniated disc can trigger shoulder and elbow pain.

Shoulder and elbow pain can be treated through the use of ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. A temporary stoppage of the activity causing pain can also alleviate symptoms. If pain persists or if it arises from an injury or trauma, a physician may be able to determine the extent of the injury and recommend the proper treatment protocol to avoid further injury or complications.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The elbow joint. Pain can be caused by damage to the tendons, ligaments, nerves, or other parts of the joint.
      By: Alila
      The elbow joint. Pain can be caused by damage to the tendons, ligaments, nerves, or other parts of the joint.
    • Shoulder and elbow pain often begin with neck nerves.
      By: triocean
      Shoulder and elbow pain often begin with neck nerves.
    • Muscle tightness can cause shoulder pain.
      By: nebari
      Muscle tightness can cause shoulder pain.
    • A herniated disc can trigger shoulder and elbow pain.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      A herniated disc can trigger shoulder and elbow pain.
    • Nerve root irritation can cause shoulder and elbow pain.
      By: Konstantin Yuganov
      Nerve root irritation can cause shoulder and elbow pain.