Referred shoulder pain

Shoulder pain may be provoked by injuries and pathologic processes in the shoulder, but also by problems in other parts of the body. This type of pain, occurring in some area of the body besides the shoulder(s) and yet felt in the shoulder is known as referred shoulder pain. This is very easy to recognize because referred shoulder pain doesn’t worsen with the movements of the shoulder.

Possible Causes of Referred Shoulder Pain

One of the most common causes of referred shoulder pain is cervical spondylosis. This condition is usually provoked by degeneration of the bones, cartilage or the cushions between cervical vertebrae. There is some abnormal growth on the bones of the neck and condition may also progress further, causing compression of the nerves and leading to referred shoulder pain.

Excessive physical and mental stress, different injuries and muscles cramps are also very commonly blamed back and neck pain felt in the shoulder.

Diaphragmatic irritation like abscesses under left or right diaphragm or at some other area of the body could lead to referred shoulder pain. Another explanation for referred shoulder pain may be upper genital tract infection in women, causing inflammation of the stomach lining and around the liver and known as Fitz-Hugh syndrome.

Gallstones, gallbladder disease, inflammation or blockage of the bile ducts and pancreas problems may all provoke referred shoulder pain. Ulcers of the stomach or intestine, pneumonia, pulmonary embolus or aortic dissection could also be the real reason behind referred shoulder pain you are experiencing.

Ectopic pregnancy may also provoke referred shoulder pain as one of its symptoms. Angina, heart attack and some other heart diseases may well be the causes of your shoulder pain.

Breast cancer surgery may also have referred shoulder pain as the post-operative symptom, especially if it was removal of the lymph nodes under the armpit, mastectomy or lumpectomy. Liver cancer can be the cause of abdominal pain radiating to the back and to the shoulder. Endodremal sinus and extragonadal germ cell tumors, as well as some apical lung tumors have been known to provoke referred shoulder pain.

Get Some Relief from Shoulder Pain

Special exercises under the professional guidance may help you relieve shoulder pain you are feeling, especially if you happen to suffer from cervical spondylosis. To help your shoulder, always watch your posture and sit and walk straight and with your shoulder pulled back.

Make sure to visit your doctor, diagnose your problem and treat it accordingly. Sufficient rest, healthy diet and shoulder massage might be of great help when your shoulder hurt. Regular yoga practice may relieve most of referred shoulder pain causes, but meditation could be your solution for successful stress management and resolution of referred shoulder pain.