Shoulder Problems and Injuries
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have pain or tenderness in your shoulder?
See significance of pain or tenderness in the shoulder if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have severe pain?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have shoulder pain (not from an injury) that does not change when you move your neck, shoulder, or arm? Note: Shoulder pain that does not change with movement may be related to chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack.
Yes Do you have pain with swelling or bruising that began within 30 minutes of an injury?
Yes Do you have moderate pain that is getting worse?
Yes Is a young child protecting a shoulder or unable to use an arm?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have moderate pain that has not gotten better after 24 hours of home treatment?
Yes Is your shoulder tender to the touch but not red or swollen after 24 hours of home treatment?
Yes Does moving or lifting your arm still cause shoulder pain after 48 hours of home treatment?
Yes Does shoulder pain keep you awake at night?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Have you had mild pain that comes and goes with no other symptoms for 1 week or longer?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: September 24, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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