Left Shoulder Pain

According to the available statistics, more than 4 million Americans seek medical attention for painful shoulder conditions, every year. Pain in the right or left shoulder is a very common complaint. Left shoulder pain causes can be either simple or life-threatening. As the causes of shoulder blade pain are innumerable, accurate diagnosis plays an important role in pain relief. Knowing the exact underlying cause of shoulder pain helps determine the treatment.

Shoulder pain can be experienced in only left or only right or in both the shoulders simultaneously. It can be described as back pain between shoulder blades. Pain radiating from the chest all the way to shoulders and upper back, or pain spreading to the jaw, neck, arms and shoulder, especially left shoulder, is considered as a warning sign of an impending heart attack.

Pain in Left Shoulder

Causes

• Arthritis and osteoporosis can lead to shoulder pain.
• Muscle cramps can cause severe shoulder pain.
• A trapped nerve in the arm or a pinched nerve in the neck can lead to shoulder pain.
• Rotator cuff injury can result in shoulder pain. Rotator cuff exercises performed under the guidance of a physician promote fast recovery.
• Shoulder pain when breathing is experienced due to lung problems or cervical spine problems.
• Bad postures while sitting, standing, working or sleeping and improper body mechanics can lead to pain in the shoulder.
• Chronic physical or mental stress can lead to constant left arm shoulder pain.
• Breast cancer can metastasize to the shoulder. Even if it is detected at an earlier stage, lumpectomy or mastectomy performed on the left breast can lead to left shoulder pain.
• Cancer of the upper end of the humerus can cause shoulder pain.
• Excessive stretching, flexing, extending or rotating of the arm or shoulder joint can lead to shoulder pain. A pulled shoulder muscle can lead to pain and discomfort.
• Structural injuries to the bones, ligaments, etc. or injuries causing shoulder dislocation or shoulder separation, can make the left arm and shoulder painful.
• Inflammation of the tendons can lead to shoulder pain. Bursitis or tendonitis of rotator cuff or calcific tendonitis of rotator cuff wherein calcium deposits within the tendon, can lead to shoulder pain.
• An underlying heart disease like angina, may lead to pain in the left shoulder, which may radiate down to the left arm. A dull or shooting pain from the left shoulder radiating to the arm can be a symptom of an impending heart attack.

The list of the causes of left arm shoulder pain doesn't end here. There are hundreds of reasons why left shoulder aches. You should immediately consult your physician if you have pain in the shoulder. Make sure that the pain is not due to a life-threatening heart condition. Certain symptoms of shoulder pain need prompt medical attention.

Symptoms

• Deformity of the shoulder joint due to injury
• Mild to severe shoulder pain while working or resting, that persists beyond a few days.
• Frozen shoulder or inability to carry objects or use the arm or lift the arm
• Swelling or noticeable bruising around the joint or arm
• Shoulder infection, including fever, redness, warmth
• Shoulder impingement syndrome

Treatment

The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medications. Ice packs or heat pads can be used to relieve the pain. Sufficient rest should be provided to the affected shoulder. Stretching shoulder exercises performed under the guidance of a physical trainer can help improve the condition of the shoulder. Physical therapy and massage play an important role in the treatment of shoulder pain. Cortisone injections are recommended for severe shoulder pain.

Certain medical conditions like multiple sclerosis or bone cancer and personal habits like unhealthy diet or insufficient sleep can increase the risk of developing pain under left shoulder blade. Left shoulder pain can affect people of all ages. Timely treatment can offer you relief from shoulder pain and can help you regain your freedom of movement.