If you have shoulder pain, is it bursitis or arthritis?

Both bursitis and arthritis may cause shoulder pain, however, the former is more commonly associated with pain above shoulder level----as the bursa and rotator cuff get "pinched" by the overlying bone, the acromium. Usually in cases of bursitis, range of motion, particularly rotation at your side--is normal. With arthritis, by contrast, your ache may be throughout all aspects of motion, and rotation may be more limited because of cartilage wear. These are generalizations, however, and to know for sure, and xray and examination are necessary.

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