Causes of Shoulder Pain and Problems

What Causes Shoulder Problems?

Although the shoulder is the most movable joint in the body, it is also an unstable joint because of its range-of-motion. Because the ball of the upper arm is larger than the socket of the shoulder, it is susceptible to injury.

The shoulder joint must also be supported by soft tissues—muscles, tendons, and ligaments—which are also subject to injury, overuse, and under use. Degenerative conditions and other diseases in the body may also contribute to shoulder problems, or generate pain that travels along nerves to the shoulder.