Many women experience left shoulder pain, which can range from mild to severe. Left shoulder pain is often caused by shoulder muscles, bones, or joints. However, it may also signify a myocardial infarction. To manage left shoulder pain and know when to seek medical attention, you must understand its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
What Causes Women’s Left Shoulder Pain?
Left shoulder pain in women can be caused by muscle, bone, or serious health issues. Prevalent etiologies of left shoulder discomfort in females encompass:
Injury to Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff muscles and tendons provide stability and facilitate movement of the shoulder. Strained, torn, or inflamed rotator cuff muscles and tendons cause shoulder pain. Overusing your shoulder or moving it in a new way can cause these injuries.
Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
A frozen shoulder causes stiffness and pain. Frozen shoulders are hard to move. Frozen shoulders are more prevalent in women over 40 with diabetes than in men. When shoulder tissues stiffen, this condition can occur.
Arthritis
Symptoms of arthritis include joint pain and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can cause left shoulder pain. Osteoarthritis occurs when bone cartilage deteriorates. The immune system attacks joints in rheumatoid arthritis. Both types of arthritis cause shoulder pain and swelling. Sleeping or using your shoulder may worsen the pain.
Tendonitis/Bursitis
The tendons or bursa (fluid-filled sacs) around the shoulder joint swell and irritate, causing bursitis and tendonitis. Inflamed structures can cause shoulder pain, especially when moving your arm. Shoulder pain in women is often caused by bursitis and tendonitis.
Heart Problems
Left shoulder pain can indicate a serious heart issue, especially in women. This discomfort may radiate to the arm, neck, or jaw, signifying a myocardial infarction. Chest discomfort, dyspnea, and nausea are additional symptoms of a myocardial infarction.
Gallbladder Issues
Despite being in the abdomen, gallbladder issues can cause left shoulder pain. Referred pain is when one part of the body hurts another part of the body. Shoulder pain on the left side can be caused by gallstones or an inflamed gallbladder.
Nerve Compression
Left shoulder pain can be caused by conditions that put pressure on nerves in the neck or arm. When a disc in the neck bulges out, it hurts the soft cushion between the bones of the spine, which puts pressure on the nerves. For example, thoracic outlet syndrome happens when muscles, tendons, or bones in the shoulder put pressure on nerves or blood vessels in the arm or neck.
Overuse or Injury
Trauma, repetitive motion, or poor posture can strain shoulder muscles and joints, causing shoulder pain but no other symptoms. This is a list of shoulder injuries and overuse problems that happen because of bad shoulder use. To help your shoulder heal, rest and take care of it if you only have shoulder pain.
Left Shoulder Pain Symptoms
Left shoulder pain feels different depending on the cause. Left shoulder pain symptoms include:
Localized Pain
Sharp, dull, or throbbing pain can range from mild to severe. The discomfort may intensify when you elevate your arm or extend it overhead. Localized pain is experienced in a specific region, such as the left shoulder.
Stiffness or Limited Motion
A stiff or frozen left shoulder may indicate frozen shoulder, arthritis, or tendonitis. These conditions can stiffen and limit shoulder movement.
Radiating Pain
Occasionally, shoulder pain radiates to the arm, neck, or chest. This is called “radiating pain” because it moves away from the shoulder. It can be caused by nerve compression or, rarely, heart problems.
Redness or Swelling
Shoulder joint inflammation can cause swelling, redness, and warmth. This can happen with bursitis or infections. Inflammation swells and reddens an injured area by sending fluid and cells to heal it.
Tingling/Numbness
Pinched nerves or thoracic outlet syndrome may tingling, numbness, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, and hand. This may result in tingling or numbness in the shoulder, arm, or hand. You may also feel weak or have trouble controlling these muscles.
Nighttime or Rest Pain
Shoulder problems can cause persistent pain even when resting or sleeping. Rotator cuff injuries and arthritis can cause this. These issues can cause shoulder pain even when not using it, making it hard to fall or stay asleep.
Related Systemic Symptoms
Some left shoulder pain conditions can also cause chest pain, trouble breathing, dizziness, nausea, and sweating. A myocardial infarction may induce left shoulder pain and additional symptoms. These symptoms can be serious, so seek medical attention.
Left Shoulder Pain Treatments
Left shoulder pain is treated by identifying the cause and trying different methods to relieve it. Doctors treat left shoulder pain in these ways:
Rest and Activity Changes
Allow your shoulder to heal after an injury. Avoid shoulder-straining activities. That could include lifting heavy objects or playing sports. To stretch your shoulders, your doctor may suggest gentle exercises. Your shoulder needs time to adjust to these exercises, so start slowly.
Medications
OTC painkillers like ibuprofen or prescription drugs for inflammation or chronic conditions can help. This means you can reduce pain and inflammation with store-bought or doctor-prescribed painkillers.
PT
Physical therapists help you strengthen and flex your shoulders through exercises and stretches. These exercises can improve shoulder range of motion and reduce pain.
Ice/Heat Therapy
Ice and heat can relieve shoulder pain. Ice reduces swelling, reducing pain. Heat can relax shoulder muscles and reduce stiffness, making shoulder movement easier. Ice and heat therapy may be recommended by your shoulder pain doctor in Dallas to treat shoulder pain.
Injections
Corticosteroids may be prescribed for severe shoulder inflammation or chronic pain. Corticosteroids reduce shoulder inflammation and pain. Injections directly into the shoulder joint rapidly alleviate pain and inflammation.
Surgery
Shoulder pain may be caused by rotator cuff tears or arthritis. Therefore, your doctor at a pain clinic in Dallas may recommend surgery to repair or restore shoulder function. Surgical intervention can alleviate left shoulder pain and enhance functionality.Conclusion
Left shoulder pain in women may vary from mild to severe intensity. Knowing what causes left shoulder pain and its symptoms is crucial. This can help you fix and prevent the issue. Visit the doctor immediately if you have left shoulder pain. This can help prevent complications and ensure you get the right left shoulder pain treatment.
