Left Shoulder Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Left shoulder pain can strike suddenly, but do you know the reality behind it?

Of course, sometimes it may be like common pain, but in some cases it can be a symptom of serious issues such as rotator cuff injuries, nerve impingement, joint inflammation, or even a warning sign of a heart attack.

So, are you experiencing persistent pain in the left shoulder? If it affects your sleep cycle or body movement, it's time to seek medical attention without delay. Early care not only cures your pain but also gives you a stress-free confirmation from serious complications like a heart attack.

Here, we cover all the topics you need to know about shoulder pain, including causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

What is left shoulder pain?

Your shoulders carry more than weight and power with every reach, lift, and hug in your daily life. When something goes wrong with your shoulder, it affects your daily life.

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, which has three prominent bones:  the humerus (long arm bone), the clavicle (collarbone), and the scapula (also known as the shoulder blade). These three bones are cushioned by a layer of cartilage and have two main joints- the acromioclavicular joint and the glenohumeral joint(shoulder joint). 

The shoulder joint is mainly responsible for your shoulder's forward and backwards movement. It also allows the arms to move freely. 

The range of motion of your shoulder is determined by the rotato-r cuff. This rotator cuff is made up of four tendons. The tendons are the tissue that makes the connection between muscles and bones. It may harm your arm if the tendons around the rotator cuff are damaged or swollen. 

You may injure your shoulder by performing heavy lifting, manual labour, playing sports games, or repetitive movements. Sometimes, aging can also cause shoulder pain. 

What are the main reasons for left shoulder pain?

Several factors and conditions can contribute to shoulder pain. It is not limited to a heart problem; it can be a sign of musculoskeletal, developmental, and neurological conditions. The most common cause is rotator cuff tendonitis. The causes of left shoulder pain in women are also the same, but women have a higher risk of heart-related disease than men.

Here are the common causes of left shoulder pain:

• Arthritis
• Torn cartilage
• Torn rotator cuff
• Swollen bursa sacs or tendons
• Pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder
• Broken shoulder or arm bone
• Frozen shoulder
• Dislocated shoulder
• Injury due to overuse or repetitive use
• Spinal cord injury

Common symptoms of left shoulder pain

If you face trouble lifting your arm, it could be an early symptom of shoulder pain. Recognising it early can be helpful. Otherwise, sometimes the conditions can worsen. Here are some signs, including:

• Intense pain or dull throbbing in the shoulder, particularly during motion.
• Pain around the shoulder blade or spreading unease reaching the arm, neck, or upper back.
• Reduced range of motion makes lifting, rotating, or carrying items hard.
• Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arm or fingertips.
• Swelling, discoloration, or inflammation near the shoulder joint.
• Clicking, popping, or grating sensations during shoulder movement.
• Rigidity or muscle cramps, especially after extended periods of rest.
• Breathlessness or chest pressure in heart-related conditions.
• A noticeable deformity or bone protrusion is present in a dislocated joint.

If you notice these symptoms persistently, your condition could worsen. It is essential to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and early treatment.

Is Left Shoulder Pain a Sign of a Heart Attack?

Most causes of left shoulder pain are musculoskeletal issues, and it can also be an early sign of a heart attack. While a heart attack pain often starts with chest pain, it can also radiate through the left shoulder, arm, jaw, or shoulder blade.

Suppose you notice chest tightness, shortness of breath, nausea, unexplained dizziness, cold sweats, or clammy skin. In that case, you need to pay close attention, as it may indicate a serious complication of a cardiac emergency. Especially if you feel sudden heavy pain in the left side of your shoulder, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Treatment Options for Left Shoulder Pain

In some cases, left shoulder pain can be treated at home. To prevent recurrence, practice good posture, avoid heavy lifting, do regular shoulder-strengthening exercises, and take breaks from repetitive movements or prolonged sitting. Additionally, applying ice or heat, resting the shoulder, doing gentle stretches, and using over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve mild shoulder pain. Shoulder pain can also be caused by improper sleep posture or awkward positions. Therefore, try to sleep in a good posture to relieve pain.

Doctors diagnose shoulder pain through physical examination, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, and sometimes ECG or blood tests if a heart-related issue is suspected.

You can also book your ECG test at home with Redcliffe Labs for confirmation. It helps to monitor your heart's electrical activity & rhythm to diagnose heart diseases.

Final Words

Left shoulder pain may seem minor, but it can signal anything from a strain to a serious heart condition. Knowing the underlying causes, such as rotator cuff injury, nerve compression, and joint inflammation, can be treated early and provide long-term relief.

Good posture, regular activities, and stress management can help maintain shoulder health.

However, if you are in doubt, get tested and stay informed.

FAQ 

1. What does pain in the left shoulder indicate?

Left shoulder pain can indicate muscle strain, rotator cuff injury, or referred pain from organs like the heart or lungs. It may also result from poor posture or nerve compression.

2. How do I know if my shoulder pain is heart-related?

Heart-related shoulder pain often occurs suddenly and may be accompanied by chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea. If you notice these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

3. When should I worry about left shoulder pain?

You should be concerned if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness, or swelling. Immediate medical evaluation may be necessary.

4. Can stress or anxiety cause pain in the left shoulder?

Yes, stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension, especially in the shoulders and upper back, potentially causing pain or stiffness in the left shoulder.