Why Is My Shoulder Clicking or Popping?

Clicking, popping, grinding, or catching sensations in the shoulder are common and may arise from several different shoulder conditions.

Some mechanical symptoms are harmless, while others may indicate structural shoulder pathology.

Common causes

• Labral tears
• Biceps tendon instability
• Rotator cuff pathology
• Shoulder instability
• Arthritis
• Scar tissue or inflammation

Mechanical symptoms associated with pain, weakness, or instability deserve further evaluation.

What this means for patients

Not all shoulder clicking is dangerous, but painful mechanical symptoms may indicate underlying structural problems requiring treatment.