SymptomsBack, joints and limbs

Shoulder pain: which doctor should I see?

Shoulder pain often makes it hard to raise the arm, get dressed and sleep on that side. It can follow an injury or build up from repeated movements. Here you will learn what may be behind it, when it is urgent and which specialist to see.

Book a specialist

When it is urgent

After an injury the shoulder is deformed or you cannot move the arm.
Pain in the shoulder or arm — left or right — with chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, nausea or sweating.
The shoulder is hot, red and swollen and you have a fever.
The arm suddenly becomes numb or weak, or turns cold or pale.
You may be pregnant and have pain at the tip of the shoulder with abdominal pain, marked dizziness or fainting.

With these signs, seek emergency help — call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Call 112

What it may mean

Inflammation or damage of the shoulder tendons — pain when you raise the arm above your head.
Inflammation of the bursa (bursitis) — pain and tenderness on the outer side of the shoulder.
A “frozen shoulder” — gradual stiffening, so that the arm is hard to move in any direction.
An injury — a dislocation, a torn tendon or a fracture after a fall.
Pain coming from the neck — felt in the shoulder, but the cause is in the neck vertebrae.

Which specialist

Orthopedist in Sofia — 29 doctors and services Orthopedist — all doctors

Orthopedist in Sofia

How to prepare for the visit

Note when the pain started, which movements are difficult and whether you had an injury. Bring any X-rays and earlier test results, and a list of the medicines you take. Dress so the shoulder can be examined easily.

A specialist visit paid by НЗОК (NHIF) usually needs a referral from your GP; a referral is valid for 30 days. A paid visit is possible without one.

Frequently asked questions

Should I move the arm if it hurts?

Do not force painful movements, but do not keep the arm completely still for a long time without a doctor's advice.

Will I need an ultrasound or an MRI?

Sometimes. The doctor decides after the examination which test is needed.

When should I see an orthopaedist?

When the pain does not pass, disturbs your sleep or your usual movements, or after an injury. Book a visit without delay if the pain is sudden or very severe, you cannot move the arm, the shoulder is swollen, deformed or hot, even without a fever, both shoulders hurt badly, or tingling in the arm does not go away. With a new headache, jaw pain when eating or a change in vision, see a doctor the same day.

This information does not replace a visit to a doctor.