Overview
Pain in the left shoulder and neck in women can be alarming, often stemming from common issues like muscle strain, breast-related issues, hormonal issues, or more serious concerns such as autoimmune diseases, ectopic pregnancy, or a heart attack. This simultaneous pain is due to the interconnected nerves and muscles, leading to symptoms ranging from mild stiffness to severe numbness. While some cases require simple home remedies, others demand urgent medical attention. A significant percentage of women experience left shoulder tip pain during ectopic pregnancy. Keep reading to understand the causes and treatment options.
Women’s pain in left shoulder and neck -Causes and Treatment
If a woman suffers pain in the left shoulder and neck, various factors can be the cause, including musculoskeletal issues, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. Identifying the cause is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here’s a comprehensive look at potential causes:
Musculoskeletal issues
- Muscle strain and tension: Muscle strain is a common cause of pain in the left side of the neck and shoulder. It can occur due to overuse, such as repetitive motions or activities like lifting objects or participating in intense workouts. Poor posture over extended periods can also stress the shoulder muscles, leading to discomfort. Symptoms include worsened pain with movement, headaches, neck stiffness, and possible numbness and tingling in the arm.
- Rotator cuff injuries: Rotator cuff injuries occur either due to tendonitis or tears. Tendonitis is the inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons that can cause pain, particularly when lifting or moving the arm. Additionally, rotator cuff tendons can tear or become injured due to trauma or degeneration, resulting in pain.
- Frozen shoulder: The tissues around the shoulder joint become inflamed and thickened, causing pain and restricted mobility of the left shoulder and neck. Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of cartilage in the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
- Cervical disc bulge: The inner portion of cervical discs can bulge out, contacting spinal nerves and causing symptoms in the neck and shoulder. Pain is typically shooting, with tingling, numbness, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand.
- Cervical stenosis: This condition narrows the spinal canal and puts pressure on spinal nerves. Symptoms include shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome: Compression of the subclavian artery, vein, or brachial plexus nerve bundle can cause one-sided neck and shoulder pain, chest pain, headaches, and numbness or tingling in the fingers.
- Whiplash: Rapid neck movement from traumatic incidents like car accidents can irritate muscles, nerves, and ligaments, causing one-sided neck and shoulder pain, numbness, dizziness, and other symptoms.
- Cervical fracture: Sudden twists or impacts can fracture cervical vertebrae, leading to intense neck and shoulder pain, altered sensation, weakness, difficulty breathing, and even death. Immediate medical attention is required.
Breast-related issues
- Mastitis: Inflammation or infection of breast tissue can lead to shoulder pain.
- Breast cancer: Although less common, breast cancer spreading to lymph nodes or tissues can cause radiating shoulder pain.
- Breast surgery or reconstruction: Post-operative pain from mastectomies, lumpectomies, or breast reconstruction can radiate to the shoulder and neck.
- Large breasts: Extra weight from larger breasts can strain neck and shoulder muscles, leading to chronic pain.
Hormonal factors
- Menopause: Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can cause joint and muscle pain, including in the neck and shoulders.
- Pregnancy: Physical changes and added weight during pregnancy can cause posture-related pain in the neck and shoulders.
Gynecological factors
- Endometriosis: Although typically associated with pelvic pain, endometriosis can sometimes cause referred pain in the shoulder and neck.
- Ectopic pregnancy: A rare but serious condition where shoulder pain can be a referred pain from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancies cause 5%-10% of all pregnancy-related deaths and are the leading cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester. Don’t ignore the shoulder tip pain, and consult your doctor promptly.
Occupational hazards
- Nursing or childcare: Constantly carrying or nursing a baby can strain neck and shoulder muscles.
- Office work: Poor ergonomics and long hours at a desk without proper support can lead to chronic neck and shoulder pain.
Autoimmune diseases
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis more common in women, causing inflammation and pain in joints which could be one of the reason behind your pain in left shoulder and neck.
- Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, including in the neck and shoulders.
Heart-related issues
- Angina: Reduced blood flow to the heart can cause referred pain to the left shoulder, often described as a dull or heavy ache.
- Heart attack: Left shoulder pain, along with other symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea, can indicate a heart attack, especially in women.
Studies report that 30% of women show atypical symptoms, i.e., are more likely to experience left arm weakness and shoulder and neck pain during a heart attack instead of chest pain. However, 22-64% of the population show a complete absence of symptoms and are referred to as “Silent myocardial infarction.”
Don’t ignore these signs.
Digestive problems
- Gallbladder disease: Inflammation or gallstones in the gallbladder can lead to referred pain in the left shoulder blade.
- Acid reflux: Stomach acid can irritate nerves in the diaphragm, causing shoulder pain.
Lung issues
- Pneumonia: Lung infections can lead to pain in the left shoulder, often accompanied by cough and difficulty breathing.
- Pleurisy: Inflammation of the lining around the lungs can cause sharp shoulder pain, worsened by breathing or coughing.
- Lung cancer: Certain types of lung cancer, like Pancoast tumors, cause sharp shoulder pain. Symptoms include neck, rib, shoulder blade, and chest wall pain, upper arm swelling, chest tightness, hand tingling and weakness, fatigue, drooping of the eyelid, and unexplained weight loss.
Other causes
- Pinched nerves: Conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome or cervical radiculopathy compress nerves, causing referred pain to the left shoulder. Tingling and numbness may accompany nerve compression.
- Torticollis: A condition causing the neck to bend, twist, or tilt to one side. Symptoms include pain, difficulty moving the neck, headaches, balance problems, vision problems, difficulty walking, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
- Cervical radiculopathy: Compression of a nerve root in the cervical spine causing radiating neck pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.
- Emotional stress: Women often carry stress in their neck and shoulders, leading to tension and pain.
- Shingles: This viral infection can cause a rash and discomfort that may extend to the shoulder, causing pain in the neck and shoulder.
It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Left-sided neck and shoulder pain in women can be a sign of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. It’s essential to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Dr. Ola Tarabzuni at Your Doctors Online
How do you treat a woman’s left shoulder and neck pain?
Left shoulder and neck pain in women can be debilitating and significantly affect daily life. Treatment options vary depending on the cause and severity of the pain, ranging from non-invasive methods to surgical interventions. Here, we explore comprehensive treatment strategies for managing shoulder pain in women.
Non-invasive treatments
- Activity modification: Taking rest is often the first step in relieving shoulder pain. Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain to prevent further strain. Adjusting activities to reduce stress on the shoulder joint can aid healing and alleviate pain.
- Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat packs or warm compresses to the area can help relax muscles and alleviate pain. Utilizing cold packs can reduce inflammation and numbness, providing relief.
- Over-the-counter medications: Using pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) can help manage pain.
- General stretching: Incorporating stretching routines can improve flexibility and increase the range of motion in the shoulder.
- Neck brace: Wearing a soft neck brace briefly can alleviate pressure on injured structures.
- Posture correction: Maintaining good posture can prevent shoulder pain by reducing strain on the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles.
Medical interventions
- Corticosteroid injections: In cases of inflammation, corticosteroid injections administered directly into the shoulder joint can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. These injections provide short-term pain relief and are not a long-term solution.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP therapy involves injecting a solution of the patient’s platelets to aid in healing and tissue regeneration. Considered in cases needing tissue repair and regeneration.
- Physical therapy (PT): Physical therapists may recommend exercises to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint, enhancing stability and reducing pain. PT can help address pain from strains, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, whiplash injuries, and thoracic outlet syndrome through massage, strengthening, stretching, and pain-relieving modalities.
- Medications: Oral prescription medications may be prescribed for severe pain relief and for treating inflammatory conditions.
- Acupuncture: It may improve pain from stenosis in certain individuals, though the evidence is mixed.
Surgical interventions
- Arthroscopy: Arthroscopic surgery involves making small incisions and using specialized instruments to repair or remove damaged tissue within the shoulder joint. It is used for rotator cuff tears, labral tears, or impingement syndrome.
- Open surgery: In severe cases, open surgery may involve larger incisions to access and repair damaged structures. Reserved for severe conditions like fractures or dislocations.
- Spinal surgery: Stabilizes vertebrae after cervical fractures; laminectomy or discectomy for stenosis or disc bulges.
- Heart attack: Angioplasty, coronary bypass, or stenting procedures.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome: Procedures to decompress structures if conservative treatments fail.
For women experiencing left shoulder and neck pain, seeking medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment is crucial. Various treatment options, from physical therapy to surgery and lifestyle modifications like posture correction, can manage and alleviate pain. Always consult a healthcare provider for the best course of action based on individual circumstances.
Chances are high for ectopic pregnancy. Don’t delay in taking action.
What is the best painkiller for neck and shoulder pain?
Managing neck and shoulder pain effectively often involves the use of painkillers. The choice of painkillers depends on the severity and nature of the pain. Here are some commonly recommended options:
Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers
Ibuprofen
- Brand names: Advil, Motrin
- Type: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
- Benefits: Reduces inflammation and pain.
Naproxen
- Brand names: Aleve, Naprosyn
- Type: NSAID
- Benefits: Provides longer-lasting pain relief and reduces inflammation.
Acetaminophen
- Brand names: Tylenol
- Type: Analgesic
- Benefits: Relieves pain but does not reduce inflammation.
Prescription medications
If OTC painkillers are insufficient, doctors may prescribe stronger medications:
Muscle relaxers
- Examples: Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
- Benefits: Alleviates muscle spasms that contribute to pain.
Antidepressants
- Examples: Amitriptyline, Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Benefits: Certain antidepressants can help manage chronic pain by affecting pain pathways in the brain.
Doctors often recommend starting with ibuprofen or naproxen for most neck and shoulder pain cases due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Acetaminophen is another option, especially for those who cannot take NSAIDs. If these medications do not provide sufficient relief, a healthcare provider may prescribe muscle relaxers or certain antidepressants to help manage the pain. Always consult a doctor to determine your condition’s most appropriate pain management strategy.
Take neck and shoulder pain seriously.
When to see a doctor
Left shoulder pain in women, particularly when accompanied by other concerning symptoms, should not be ignored. Seeking medical evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Identifying the cause of the discomfort is the first step towards effectively addressing it and ensuring optimal outcomes.
Signs your neck and shoulder pain may be serious
If your neck and shoulder pain on the left side persists despite at-home treatments, it is important to contact your healthcare provider. Additionally, you should seek medical attention if you have experienced a recent trauma or injury.
Emergency symptoms
Pain that occurs suddenly for no apparent reason or radiates down your left side should be treated as a medical emergency. Talk to a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Headaches or dizziness
- Fever and chills
- Unexplained weight loss
- Neurological symptoms such as confusion or loss of consciousness
In these cases, you may have a muscle or tendon tear or another serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider to ensure proper diagnosis and management.
FAQs about left shoulder and neck pain
To sleep with a pinched nerve in the neck and shoulder, position yourself on your back with a pillow that maintains neutral spine alignment, reducing pressure on the nerves. Alternatively, if you prefer sleeping on your side, use a supportive pillow that keeps your head and neck aligned. This approach helps alleviate discomfort and supports proper posture while sleeping.
Neck and shoulder pain may intensify at night due to factors such as direct pressure on the affected area when lying down, overuse or strain accumulated throughout the day, and the effects of gravity on tendons or ligaments. The position in which you sleep and how you support your neck and shoulder can also contribute to increased discomfort during the night.
While left-side neck pain is not commonly associated with heart issues, it can be a sign of a heart attack if accompanied by other symptoms like pain radiating to the arm, jaw, shoulder, or upper back. If you experience sudden or severe neck pain along with these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
A pinched nerve in the neck can cause symptoms such as numbness or reduced sensation in the area served by the nerve, sharp or aching pain that may radiate outward, tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation, and muscle weakness in the affected region. These sensations are often indicative of nerve compression or irritation.
Neck and shoulder pain can sometimes be linked to issues with various organs, including the heart, lungs, and abdominal organs, as well as spinal cord problems. It’s crucial to take these symptoms seriously and consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
