Left Shoulder, Neck, and Collarbone Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor

Pain in the left shoulder, neck, and collarbone region can originate from musculoskeletal, neurological, or referred visceral sources. Common causes include:

1. Muscle strain/sprain – overuse, poor posture, sudden movement.
2. Rotator cuff injury – tendinopathy, tear; pain radiates to neck and clavicle.
3. Arthritis – osteoarthritis (AC joint, glenohumeral), rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Cervical radiculopathy – nerve root compression (C4–C6) from herniated disc, foraminal stenosis; radiates to shoulder/clavicle.
5. Bursitis – subacromial or subdeltoid bursa inflammation.
6. Fracture – clavicle, scapula, or cervical vertebra (trauma).
7. Referred pain – from heart (angina/MI), lungs (Pancoast tumor, pleurisy), gallbladder, spleen, or diaphragm.
8. Tumor – primary bone/soft tissue sarcoma, metastasis (rare).

Red Flags: Seek Urgent Care If

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, diaphoresis (possible cardiac)
• Neurological deficits (weakness, numbness, reflex changes)
• Fever with localized redness/warmth (infection)
• History of cancer with new bone pain
• Trauma with deformity or inability to move arm

A thorough clinical exam, imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT), and possibly ECG/stress testing will guide diagnosis and treatment.