Pain in the left shoulder can arise from several causes, being common due to inflammation of the tendons or bursa in the shoulder region, as in the case of tendonitis or bursitis, but it can also arise due to the clamping of the nerves in the neck region, or health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, for example.
In addition, pain in the left shoulder may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain, tingling sensation or numbness in the left arm, being a sign of a serious problem, such as heart attack or angina, for example, being important to seek medical help immediately.
In the presence of pain the left shoulder, it is always important to consult the orthopedist or the general practitioner, to evaluate the characteristics of pain, which may have caused, and the presence of other symptoms and, thus, the diagnosis and started the most appropriate treatment. In the case of afart or angina, the emergency room should be sought immediately.
The main causes
The main causes of pain in the left shoulder are:
1. Infarction
A heart attack is the abrupt interruption of blood flow to the heart, which causes the death of the heart cells in the affected region, causing symptoms such as chest pain that can radiate to the neck, jaw, arm, back, arm, left shoulder or even to the right shoulder and arm.
This pain in the chest, shoulder and arm can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness, malaise, nausea, cold sweat or pallor.
What to do: one should seek medical help immediately or the nearest emergency room in the case of the onset of the symptoms of infarction, as it is a serious condition that can put life at risk. In this way it is possible to start treatment immediately, with medicines, catheterization or angioplasty to regulate the passage of blood to the heart and avoid complications. Find out how the treatment of the heart attack is done.
2.Angina
Angina is pain or tightness in the chest or feeling of heaviness in the chest, which can radiate to the left shoulder, arm or neck, caused by a decrease in the flow of blood through the arteries that carry oxygen to the heart.
Angina is usually caused by atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of fat in the heart arteries, and some factors may contribute to its development, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high fat diet, for example. In addition, the symptoms of angina can be aggravated by exertion or moments of great emotion.
What to do: the treatment of angina should be done with cardiologist guidance and depends on the type of angina, and the use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet remedies, vasodilators or beta-blockers, for example, may be indicated. Look at the main types of angina and how the treatment is done.
3. Tendinitis
Pain in the left shoulder may arise due to tendonitis that is inflammation in the tendon, which is the final part of the muscle that binds to the bone, and may affect the tendons of the rotator cuff or the long head of the biceps.
In addition to the pain in the left shoulder, tendonitis can lead to the appearance of other symptoms such as shoulder cramps, weakness or difficulty moving the arm, or feeling of hooks in the shoulder.
Generally, tendonitis in the shoulder is caused by injuries or repetitive exertion in people who engage in intense physical activity, such as basketball, volleyball, or tennis, or in professions, such as carpenters, teachers, or painters.
What to do: one should rest the joint, avoiding repetitive strain, to reduce inflammation of the tendon and thus relieve pain and discomfort. In addition, one can put an ice pack on the knee for 20 minutes daily, 2 times a day. In some cases, the orthopedist may recommend physical therapy, use of anti-inflammatory drugs, or surgery. See more details about the treatment of tendonitis.
4. Bursitis and Bur
The pain in the left shoulder can also be caused by bursitis, which is an inflammation of the subacromial bursa, a small fluid-filled pouch that serves as a buffer between the bones, tendons and shoulder muscles, avoiding contact with these structures that could be damaged by constant friction.
Bursitis in the left shoulder is usually associated with trauma or repetitive shoulder movements, as in the case of athletes or people who work with painting, carpentry or cleaning, but can also arise due to health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or gout, for example.
What to do: one can do an ice pack in the shoulder, for about 20 minutes, 1 or 2 times a day to reduce inflammation, and consult the orthopedist that may indicate treatment with the use of analgesic or anti-inflammatory remedies, physiotherapy, corticosteroid injection in the shoulder joint or even surgery.
5. Pinching of the cervical nerve
Pain in the left shoulder can arise due to the clamping of cervical nerves, located in the neck, usually caused by cervical hernia or narrowing of the cervical canal, causing pain in the neck that radiates to the shoulder, arm, hand or fingers.
In addition, symptoms may arise such as feeling weak or tingling in one of the arms and difficulty moving the neck or raising the arms.
What to do: you should consult the orthopedist so that the cause of the clamping of the cervical nerve is identified and the most appropriate treatment, which can be done with physical therapy or use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory remedies. In the most severe cases, the doctor may recommend surgery. See the main treatment options for cervical disc herniation.
6. Dislocation
The pain in the left shoulder can be caused by dislocation that is an injury in which the shoulder bone joint moves from its natural position, usually due to accidents such as falls, blows into sports or by lifting a heavy object incorrectly, for example.
The pain in the left shoulder caused by dislocation is intense, and is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain that radiates to the arm and neck, difficulty moving the arm, swelling in the shoulder, numbness, weakness or tingling in the neck or left arm.
What to do: the treatment of dislocation in the shoulder should be done as soon as possible with guidance from the orthopedist according to the severity of the dislocation, and may put the shoulder in place and indicate the use of medicines, physiotherapy sessions or surgery, in the most severe cases. See all treatment options for dislocation.
7. Cervical spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a wear of the vertebrae and the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine in the neck region, usually caused by osteoarthritis, and may affect the left or right side, resulting in symptoms such as neck pain, pain in the shoulder that radiates to the arms or fingers, weakness in the arms or numbness of the fingers. See other symptoms of cervical spondylosis.
How to treat: treatment for cervical spondylosis is initiated with the use of painkillers, anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxants, indicated by the orthopedist, in addition to physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.
8. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic rheumatologic condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body, increased sensitivity, difficulty sleeping, frequent tiredness, headache and dizziness, muscle stiffness and numbness of the hands and feet.
This condition can also lead to the appearance of pain in the muscles and joints of the left shoulder, stiffness or discomfort in the shoulder.
How to treat: treatment should be guided by the rheumatologist who may indicate the use of analgesic or antidepressant remedies, physical therapy or physical exercise. See more about treatment for fibromyalgia.
9. Breaking of rotator cuff
Pain in the left shoulder can arise due to a rupture of the rotator cuff, which is formed by four muscles, which are responsible for moving and giving stability to the shoulder, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain in the arm that worsen when moving, weakness in the arm or difficulty in day-to-day activities.
The rupture of the rotator cuff can arise due to inflammation caused by wear, irritation or an impact due to the excessive use of the joint, with the case of athletes or people who work carrying weight with their arms
What to do: treatment should be indicated by the orthopedist may include shoulder rest, ice application, physical therapy or use of anti-inflammatory remedies or corticosteroid injection into the joint. See other treatments that can be indicated by the doctor for rupture of the rotator cuff.
10. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune, inflammatory and chronic disease that causes stiffness, pain and swelling in the joints, and can affect the left shoulder, causing long-lasting pain in the shoulder, difficulty moving the shoulder and left arm, or even deformity in the joint.
What to do: treatment should be guided by the rheumatologist and includes the use of medicines, anti-inflammatory diet and physiotherapy, for example, to relieve pain and swelling in the joints and improve the quality of life. See all treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis.
11. Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that occurs due to prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels, which can cause progressive damage to the nerves of the body, and may affect the shoulder, arm and hand on the left and/or right sides, leading to the appearance of symptoms such as acute pain, burning sensation, tingling or numbness.
Diabetic neuropathy is usually more frequent in people who do not treat diabetes properly to control blood sugar levels. Learn how to control your blood sugar levels.
What to do: one should do the treatment indicated by the endocrinologist, which is usually done with antidiabetic drugs, such as insulin, to normalize blood sugar levels. In addition, to relieve pain the doctor may prescribe anticonvulsant medications, antidepressants or opioids, such as pregabalin, amitriptyline or tramadol, for example. Understand how the treatment of diabetic neuropathy is done.
12. The frozen shoulder syndrome
Frozen shoulder syndrome, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is an inflammation that arises in the shoulder joint capsule, which is a tissue that covers the shoulder joint, and can affect the left shoulder, causing pain, stiffness of the shoulder, or limitation in movements.
This inflammation can be caused by long periods of immobilization of the shoulder after surgery on the shoulder, breast or cervical spine, or health conditions such as diabetes, hyper or hypothyroidism or Parkinson’s disease, for example.
What to do: Orthopedist-guided treatment should be done, which may indicate the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy or surgery. Find out how the treatment of adhesive capsulitis is done.
13. Artrose
Arthrosis, or osteoarthritis, is a rheumatic disease that causes degeneration of the shoulder cartilage, reducing the quality, quantity and thickness of this cartilage, causing chronic pain in the left shoulder, which can be constant and more intense when moving the arm.
Arthritis is more common in people over 50 years of age and may be associated with other conditions, and also to excess weight, or weakness of the shoulder muscles.
What to do: it is important to consult an orthopedist who may indicate the use of painkillers, such as paracetamol, or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. In addition, physical therapy sessions are also recommended, and in some cases, the doctor may make corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections into the affected shoulder. See how physical therapy can be done for osteoarthritis.
14. Syndrome of the thoracic gorge
The syndrome of the thoracic canyon can also cause pain in the left shoulder, and occurs due to a compression of the nerves and/or blood vessels that are located in the region of the thoracic canyon, between the clavicle and the first rib.
Usually, thoracic gorge syndrome occurs due to injuries or irritations in these structures, caused by trauma, accidents or repetitive efforts, as in the case of athletes or professional activity, leading to the appearance of symptoms such as shoulder pain, arm and neck, tingling sensation or difficulty moving the arms.
What to do: treatment should be done with guidance from the orthopedist, which may indicate the use of analgesic, anti-inflammatory or anticoagulant remedies, physiotherapy or even surgery. Learn how the treatment of thoracic canyon syndrome is done.
15. Lung cancer
Lung cancer, especially when it affects the upper part of the lung, can also cause pain in the left shoulder, arm or weakness in the hand. This condition is known as Pancoast Syndrome.
Usually, the pain in the shoulder caused by lung cancer arises due to tumor cells to invade the nerves of the brachial plexus, present in the neck region up to the armpits, or the pleura that is the membrane that covers the lung.
What to do: the treatment of lung cancer indicated by the oncologist can be done with surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, for example, which varies according to the type of cancer, tumor size, presence of metastases and general health status. Look at the main treatments for lung cancer.
