Referred Shoulder Pain

Pain in the shoulder when the actual injury or problem is somewhere away from shoulder is called referred shoulder pain. The severity of the pain does not depend upon the movement of the arm as the pain is associated with the symptoms of an injury elsewhere in the body. There exist several types of referred pain. You probably know a few, for instance, throat problems can refer pain to the ear, toothache can refer pain to the ear or eyes, sinus problems can refer pain to the eyes or gums.

Causes of Referred Shoulder Pain

• Cervical spondylosis is the most common cause of such pain. Degeneration of the bones and cartilage of the cervical vertebrae or the neck or the cushions or cervical disks between the vertebrae is responsible for constant shoulder pain.
• In case of cervical spondylosis, 'spurs' or abnormal growths on the bones of the neck can be noticed and as the degeneration worsens, one or more of the nerves in the area may get compressed. A pinched nerve in neck can lead to stabbing pain in shoulder.
• Diaphragmatic irritation such as a subphrenic abscess, abscess underneath the right or left hemi-diaphragm can cause shoulder pain. Abscesses are also noticed on the lesser sac, beneath the liver and in the hepato-renal pouch.
• Fitz-Hugh syndrome is a problem related to upper genital tract infections in female wherein the membrane lining the stomach (peritoneum) and tissues surrounding the liver become inflamed. This results in shoulder pain.
• Women might experience shoulder blade pain after breast lumpectomy or mastectomy and removal of lymph nodes from the armpit.
• Pancreas problems like inflammation of pancreas, pleura or pericardium, stomach or intestine ulcers, pulmonary embolus, pneumonia and aortic dissection can lead to shoulder pain.
• Gallbladder disease or gallstones can cause shoulder blade pain.
• Ectopic pregnancy can result in constant pain in shoulder.
• In case of liver cancer, abdominal pain can extend towards back and shoulder.
• Bile duct inflammation, cholangitis or blocked bile duct can lead to pain in the shoulder.
• Endodermal sinus tumor, extragonadal germ cell tumor are responsible for pain in the muscles of the shoulder.
• Heart disease like angina can cause pain in shoulder. Shoulder pain can be an early symptom of heart attack.
• Apical lung tumor or respiratory problems can also lead to shoulder blade pain.
• Back pain or neck pain due to excessive physical or mental stress, an injury or a muscle cramp can be the reasons of painful shoulder.

Shoulder Pain Relief

• Shoulder exercises performed under the guidance of the physician and physical trainer can offer great relief from the pain in the shoulder blades.
• You should consult your doctor for the underlying problem that has given rise to the pain. When the original problem is solved, the pain will also subside.
• Watch for your body posture continuously. Straight posture of the back and pulled back shoulders will help relieve the pain fast.
• Massage with sesame oil, olive oil, mustard oil works great for muscle pain in shoulder.
• Providing sufficient rest to the shoulders is also necessary for fast recovery.
• Healthy diet consisting of all nutrients will help you fight the problem.
• Yoga exercises if performed consistently, can offer relief from most of the above mentioned problems.
• If you can manage stress by learning some techniques like meditation, you will be able to keep most of the diseases away.

Constant pain in the shoulder can result in restricted movement of your neck, hand or whole body. Pain involves the nervous system, immune system, digestive system, respiratory system, etc. To avoid referred shoulder pain or any kind of referred pain, you should have a strong immune system for prevention of diseases. A strong body can fight any kind of infection or disease. Balanced diet, regular exercises and stress free mind are the keys to lead a happy and active life.