Shoulder Pain After 50: When Should You Get It Checked?
Reaching your 50s doesn’t mean you should expect your shoulders to hurt.
However, shoulder pain and stiffness can become more common as we get older, particularly if you’ve had previous injuries, changes in activity or years of repetitive shoulder use.
You might notice discomfort when reaching overhead, putting on a jacket, lifting something from a shelf or sleeping on your side.
Sometimes the symptoms settle with time.
Other times, they gradually become more noticeable.
So, when should shoulder pain after 50 be checked?
A useful rule is that persistent, worsening or movement-limiting shoulder pain deserves attention rather than being dismissed as simply part of getting older.
Why Can Shoulder Pain Become More Noticeable After 50?
Your shoulders have a demanding job.
They allow you to reach, lift, push, pull, rotate and carry throughout the day.
Over many years, the muscles, tendons and joints involved in these movements are exposed to repeated loading.
Other factors may also contribute, including:
- previous shoulder injuries
- changes in physical activity
- reduced muscle strength
- reduced mobility
- repetitive work
- changes in exercise routines
- age-related changes within the shoulder
Importantly, not every age-related change causes pain.
Some people have changes within their shoulder without experiencing any symptoms, while others develop pain with relatively minor changes in activity.
The Location of the Pain Can Offer Clues:
Shoulder pain isn’t always felt in exactly the same place.
You might notice discomfort:
- at the front of the shoulder
- on the outside of the upper arm
- around the shoulder blade
- towards the neck
- deep within the shoulder joint
The location and behaviour of the pain can provide useful information during an assessment.
Does It Hurt When You Raise Your Arm?
One common sign that a shoulder needs attention is difficulty with overhead movement.
You may notice pain when:
- reaching into a cupboard
- hanging washing
- putting something on a high shelf
- swimming
- playing tennis
- lifting weights
Some people can raise their arm but experience pain at a particular point in the movement. Others notice that their range of motion has gradually reduced.
Both patterns are worth discussing with a healthcare professional if they persist.
Don’t Assume It’s Just Your Shoulder:
Shoulder movement depends on more than the shoulder joint.
Your:
- neck
- upper back
- shoulder blade
- ribs
- surrounding muscles
all contribute to how comfortably your arm moves.
For this reason, an assessment may examine several areas rather than focusing only on where you feel pain.
When Should Shoulder Pain Be Checked?
It’s worth arranging a professional assessment if your shoulder pain:
- lasts for more than a few weeks
- keeps returning
- is gradually getting worse
- limits your range of motion
- affects sleep
- makes everyday activities difficult
- causes noticeable weakness
- prevents you from exercising or working normally
You should seek urgent medical attention after significant trauma, if you suddenly cannot use the arm, or if shoulder pain occurs alongside chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating or other symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency.
How Chiropractic Care May Help:
Following an appropriate assessment, chiropractic care may form part of a broader approach to managing shoulder pain.
Depending on your individual presentation, care may include:
- manual therapy where appropriate
- soft tissue techniques
- mobility exercises
- strengthening recommendations
- movement retraining
- posture and ergonomic advice
- guidance on modifying activities
The approach is based on your symptoms, history and examination findings rather than your age alone.
FAQ
Is shoulder pain normal after 50?
Shoulder pain can become more common with age, but persistent pain isn’t something you simply have to accept. An assessment can help identify potential contributing factors.
What causes shoulder pain in older adults?
Possible contributors include previous injuries, changes in activity, muscle weakness, reduced mobility, tendon problems and age-related changes within the shoulder.
When should I see someone about shoulder pain?
Consider an assessment if pain persists for several weeks, becomes worse, limits movement, affects sleep or interferes with everyday activities.
Can shoulder pain be caused by the neck?
Yes. The neck and shoulder work closely together, and problems affecting the neck can sometimes contribute to pain felt around the shoulder.
Can chiropractic care help with shoulder pain?
Following an appropriate assessment, chiropractic care may help support shoulder mobility, movement quality and musculoskeletal function as part of an individualised management plan.
If shoulder pain is making everyday activities harder, book an appointment online with Wellbeing Chiropractic. With clinics across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, our experienced chiropractors can assess your movement, identify contributing factors and develop a personalised plan suited to your needs.
