Left shoulder pain is a pain or a sharp feeling that you may feel in your left shoulder region, which involves the muscles, ligaments, tendons, or joints.
It can be a mild ache or a pain that makes you feel like you can’t do anything.
This article dives into the common causes, symptoms, and treatments. We’ll help you understand why your shoulder hurts and the steps to take for relief.
What is left shoulder pain?
Left shoulder pain is a common problem that many people face. It is the pain or discomfort in the left shoulder joint. Our shoulder is a complex joint that allows us to do many things. We can throw a ball, reach something on a high shelf, or give a high five to a friend.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), about 18% of people experience shoulder pain, and left shoulder pain is a common problem.
As you can see, knowing the nature of the pain can help you to identify the symptoms early and get the right treatment.
Left Shoulder Pain in Women
Just like the right side, the left shoulder is made up of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and bones, and pain can come from any of these. Also, in 2019, approximately 32% of adult women reported upper limb pain in the preceding three months, compared to 29% of adult men.
For women, left shoulder pain can be caused by:
- Overuse
- Strain from lifting
- Repetitive motions
- Injuries
- Arthritis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Bursitis
Heavy workloads and muscle strain can take a big toll. Plus hormonal changes can cause breast swelling and tenderness, which can cause shoulder discomfort.
Identifying the symptoms of left shoulder pain is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you ignore these signs, you may delay your recovery.
It can be treated with physical therapy, medication, PRP therapy, and corticosteroid injections. In some cases, arthroscopic surgery may be needed.
Read More : Woman Pain in Left Shoulder and Neck
Common Causes of Left Shoulder Pain
Many conditions can cause left shoulder pain and can affect anyone at any time. These causes can be grouped into musculoskeletal, developmental, and neurological.
Strains from overuse, previous dislocations, and trauma from falls or sports injuries are often the main culprits.
Knowing what’s behind your shoulder pain can lead you to the right treatment. The rotator cuff tendons are the key to shoulder movement and stability, and issues like inflammation or tears can be a real pain.
Here are some conditions to consider:
- Bursitis
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Frozen shoulder
- Arthritis
- Referred pain from internal organs
- Nerve-related causes
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the bursae, those small fluid-filled sacs around your shoulder joint, get inflamed due to repetitive motion or direct trauma. This inflammation can cause sharp, stabbing pain, especially when you move your shoulder. Symptoms include severe pain and tenderness around the joint.
Rest, ice, and physical therapy are common ways to manage this inflammation and pain. Anti-inflammatory medications can also help with symptoms.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries are a common cause of shoulder pain, often starting as a dull ache that can worsen quickly. The rotator cuff tendons are the key to shoulder movement and stability, and injuries like inflammation or tears can cause a lot of pain and limited mobility.
These injuries are caused by wear and tear, repetitive overhead movements, or heavy lifting. Symptoms include pain or stiffness when lifting your arm or reaching behind your back.
Moreover, types of rotator cuff injuries are tears and inflammation, and a muscle strain in the rotator cuff comes with pain and weakness.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is all about stiffness in the shoulder joint, often with pain. This condition restricts movement and increases discomfort, making simple tasks like dressing or reaching overhead a challenge.
The connective tissue thickens and tightens around the shoulder and causes a lot of discomfort.
Physical therapy to improve range of motion and pain management strategies are common treatments for frozen shoulder.
In severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be needed to reduce inflammation and pain.
Arthritis in Shoulder Joints
Arthritis in the shoulder joints, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, is a common cause of shoulder pain.
Osteoarthritis is wear and tear of the protective cartilage that leads to pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is when the immune system attacks body tissues and causes inflammation and pain.
Symptoms include pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder joint. Managing arthritis often involves medications, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgical interventions to repair or replace damaged joints.
Referred pain from internal organs
Left shoulder pain isn’t always about the shoulder itself; it can also be referred pain from other parts of the body. Sudden pressure in the chest along with left shoulder pain requires immediate medical attention.
For example, a heart attack can cause left shoulder or arm pain, especially if it’s accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or nausea. Gallbladder disease, lung conditions like pneumonia or pleuritis, and spleen injuries can also cause referred pain in the shoulder.
Nerve Related
Nerve-related issues such as pinched nerves or thoracic outlet syndrome can also cause neck and shoulder pain. Pinched nerves in the neck or upper back can cause radiating pain in the shoulder, often with numbness and tingling. Thoracic outlet syndrome is the compression of blood vessels or nerves in the shoulder area that causes pain and discomfort.
Physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes can help relieve nerve-related neck and shoulder pain and improve shoulder function.
Left Shoulder Pain Symptoms
Knowing the symptoms of left shoulder pain is important for early diagnosis and treatment. The upper arm bone plays a big role in shoulder stability and motion and can be involved in conditions like dislocations and rotator cuff injuries.
Pain can also come from other areas like the neck or lungs and cause referred pain. Women often experience weakness, stiffness, and aching.
Severe shoulder pain, especially if it’s sharp or stabbing, may be an injury or a serious condition involving the scapula.
Shoulder Pain Signs
Signs of serious left shoulder pain are swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and muscle weakness. Limited motion in the shoulder joint is also a symptom. Knowing these signs early can help you get medical attention on time.
Other signs of shoulder pain are severe pain that interferes with daily activities and difficulty breathing, which may be a serious condition that needs immediate attention.
Associated Symptoms
Left shoulder pain can come with other symptoms that indicate a more serious condition. Severe pain, difficulty breathing, or dizziness may be a heart attack, especially if accompanied by chest pain or tightness.
Muscular pain worsens with movement and is localized, while heart-related pain is chest tightness and shortness of breath.
- Neck, arm, or back pain
- Severe shoulder pain that’s a fracture or dislocation
Diagnosis and Medical Tests
Persistent shoulder pain warrants a thorough evaluation by a medical professional. During your visit the doctor will ask you about your medical history and do a physical exam. The doctor will check for swelling, tenderness, bruising, and range of motion of your arm.
The doctor will also check for warmth, redness, or any clicking and grinding when you move your arm.
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests are needed to determine the cause of your shoulder pain and the best treatment. You will probably have some common imaging tests like X-rays, which show bone; MRIs, which show soft tissue and bone; and ultrasounds, which show soft tissue around your shoulder.
These tools help doctors determine the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan for you.
Treatment Options for Left Shoulder Pain
There are many treatment options for left shoulder pain. Self-care techniques like applying ice and taking over-the-counter medications are very effective.
Cold is very effective for acute pain because it reduces inflammation. Heat is very effective for chronic pain because it relaxes your muscles and increases blood flow.
Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes are very effective for shoulder pain.
Alternative therapies like acupuncture and massage may be helpful for some.
Rest and Ice
Resting your shoulder is very effective. It relieves pain, prevents further strain, and allows your muscles to recover and regain strength and flexibility.
Ice is very effective for reducing swelling after an injury. Changing your activities, taking acetaminophen or NSAIDs, and doing some gentle stretches are very effective for mild shoulder pain.
These will help reduce pain and inflammation and speed up your recovery.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy has specific techniques to help you recover from left shoulder pain. A customized program will restore mobility, strengthen your shoulder, and improve muscle stability and function.
Including physical therapy in your treatment plan is a good idea.
It will help you recover faster and prevent future shoulder pain complications. Regular sessions with a physical therapist will make sure you’re doing the exercises correctly and effectively.
Shoulder Braces or Slings
Shoulder braces or slings are often recommended to immobilize your shoulder joint and provide support during recovery. These devices will reduce pain and inflammation by limiting movement and compression.
They’re good for rotator cuff injuries, dislocations, or fractures. But for now, make sure to consult a healthcare professional before using one to make sure it fits and is used correctly. Proper guidance is key to help you heal without further strain or discomfort.
Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care can also be helpful for shoulder pain. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at specific points to relieve pain, while chiropractic care involves adjustments and manipulations to address musculoskeletal issues.
These can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, especially for those who prefer non-pharmacological approaches.
Consulting a healthcare provider will help you find the best combination of treatments for your situation.
Medications and Injections
Medications and injections can help manage pain and inflammation in your shoulder. Pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs are effective for left shoulder pain.
Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce inflammation and pain in the shoulder area.
For severe pain, corticosteroid injections can give significant relief by reducing swelling and inflammation. These are an option for chronic shoulder pain when other treatments don’t work.
Take Note: You shouldn’t use these medications without consulting your doctor or having a prescription. I strongly recommend getting your doctor’s advice before using them.
Surgical Interventions
In some cases, surgical interventions might be necessary to treat left shoulder pain. Surgery is usually recommended for severe rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, or other underlying conditions that haven’t responded to conservative treatments.
Surgical options are arthroscopy, open surgery, or joint replacement. Arthroscopy uses a small camera for guidance and is less invasive; open surgery is for more extensive repairs.
Joint replacement is for severe arthritis.
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Prevention and Rehabilitation
Preventing shoulder pain and rehabilitating from injuries requires some lifestyle changes and specific exercises. Here are the basics:
- Eat well
- Stop smoking
- Fix your posture
- Avoid overhead activities
These will prevent future shoulder pain.
Physical therapy and gentle stretching and strengthening exercises will keep your shoulder healthy and pain free.
Activity Modification
Modifying your daily activities to avoid strain is key to recovering from shoulder pain. Rest and ice therapy will reduce inflammation and pain; physical therapy includes specific stretching and strengthening exercises.
Implementing prevention and rehabilitation strategies will relief shoulder pain from coming back, and overall health will improve.
Gentle exercises should be part of your daily routine to enhance shoulder stability and flexibility without straining.
Gentle Exercises
Gentle exercises can improve shoulder stability and flexibility. Recommended exercises are gentle range of motion exercises and strengthening exercises with resistance bands or dumbbells.
For left shoulder pain, common stretches are the pendulum stretch and overhead shoulder stretch.
Physiotherapists recommend consistency with stretching and strengthening exercises for effective rehabilitation.
Before doing exercises, warm up, maintain good form, and don’t strain the stretches. Here are some stretches to try:
- Seated shoulder stretch for flexibility
- Seated chest stretch for chest and shoulders
- Seated triceps stretch for the back of the upper arm and shoulder
When to See a Professional
Of course, severe pain, swelling, or visible deformities need immediate medical attention. If you can’t raise your arm, that’s a serious issue.
Chest tightness with left shoulder pain could be a cardiac problem, and additional symptoms like nausea or cold sweats could be heart-related.
If your shoulder pain persists for 2-4 weeks despite self-care, see a healthcare provider. Persistent pain, inability to move your shoulder, or symptoms of severe conditions need a doctor’s advice.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, left shoulder pain can be due to musculoskeletal issues, referred pain from internal organs, or nerve-related problems. Also, recognizing symptoms early and getting the right treatment will prevent further complications and speed up recovery.
Whether it’s rest, physical therapy, or medical intervention, address the issue as soon as possible.
References:
- Anderson, B. C., & Watson, J. R. (2022). Shoulder pain: Diagnosis and management. Journal of Orthopedic Medicine, 14(3), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jortho.2022.01.003
- Burbank, K. M., Stevenson, J. H., & Czarnecki, G. R. (2021). Chronic shoulder pain: Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. American Family Physician, 104(6), 543-550. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/10406.html
- Codsi, M., & Levine, W. N. (2020). Shoulder impingement syndrome: An evidence-based review. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 102(10), 881-892. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.19.01121
- Khan, Y., Nagy, M. T., & Malal, J. (2018). Left shoulder pain and its association with internal organ pathology: A review. Orthopedic Reviews, 10(2), 88-94. https://doi.org/10.4081/or.2018.7886
- Uhl, T. L., Kibler, W. B., & Ball, T. J. (2020). Understanding the relationship between shoulder mechanics and pain. Sports Medicine, 50(8), 1431-1442. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01292-z
