There are two types of shoulder pain, one indicating a chronic condition and the other potentially signaling cancer. The first type is persistent shoulder pain, especially worsened at night. The pain is not relieved by medication or other interventions. Most shoulder pain caused by shoulder bursitis will eventually improve on its own.

The second type is accompanied by other symptoms. Pain caused by cancer is typically spreading and involves multiple areas. It is often accompanied by loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and nighttime coughing. These are concerning symptoms and should be taken seriously.