Left Shoulder Pain: Possible Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments

Left shoulder pain is a common issue many individuals suffer from. In fact, it's quite common these days. Shoulder pain ranks as the third most frequent cause of muscle and bone pain, affecting about 18-26% of adults worldwide. This discomfort can swing from feeling mild to really strong, making it hard to go about daily life. It's not just limited to heart attack symptoms; it can occur because of various musculoskeletal, developmental, or neurological conditions. Understanding the root cause, severity of symptoms, and treatment options can help you to manage this discomfort effectively.

Common Causes of Left Shoulder Pain

There could be numerous reasons for the cause of left shoulder pain. It might come from an injury or a long-term problem. Here are some of the main causes:

Tendinitis and Bursitis: These happen when tendons or bursa become inflamed. This inflammation often comes from overuse or repeating motions too many times. Studies show these conditions make up about 15-20% of shoulder pain cases.

Rotator Cuff Injuries: This part of the shoulder has four muscles & tendons that keep the shoulder stable. Injuries here are very common. Research shows that about 65-70% of all shoulder pain cases are linked to rotator cuff disorders. Those engaged in repetitive overhead actions, like athletes & labourers; often face this issue.

Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis & rheumatoid arthritis can affect the shoulder joint too. This leads to constant pain & may limit movement. According to some studies around 4% of adults aged 60+ face symptomatic shoulder osteoarthritis. OA occurs due to wear and tear of the protective cartilage that provides cushioning to the endings of the bone , whereas RA is an autoimmune disorder leading to chronic pain and inflammation. 

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Frozen shoulder brings stiffness and pain to the joint, usually getting worse slowly over time. Studies estimate that about 2-5% of people might have it, especially those aged 40-60 years & women. The risk of developing a frozen shoulder increases if you keep your shoulder still for a long time.

Trauma or Injury: Falls and accidents can lead to fractures or dislocations that can cause sharp pain in the shoulder joint. 

Common Signs and Symptoms of Left Shoulder Pain

It’s helpful to know what symptoms signal left shoulder pain so you can spot what’s going on early. Some common signs and symptoms are:

• Sharp Pain: If you suddenly feel intense pain that spreads to your neck or arm, it could mean a rotator cuff tear or impingement.
• Sore Left Shoulder: If your shoulder always feels sore, especially during certain movements, you should pay attention to that. Research has found that soreness often links to other issues like tendinitis or early arthritis.
• Swelling and Tenderness: If there’s swelling around your shoulder joint, it probably means bursitis or tendinitis could be the reason.
• Limited Range of Motion: When moving your shoulder hurts too much or feels stiff, it’s often seen in frozen shoulder cases.
• Weakness: Sometimes, your left shoulder might feel weak, making regular tasks tough. This often occurs due to rotator cuff tears.
• Other symptoms are:  1. Grinding, clicking, or popping sound. 2. Neck, arm or back pain. 3. Shortness of breath and chest pain. 

Diagnosing Left Shoulder Pain

To find out what’s causing left shoulder pain accurately, doctors take several steps, such as:

1. Conducting a few physical exams

2. Reviewing medical history

3. Imaging tests such as: X-rays or MRI scans. A study highlighted that MRI works best to find soft tissue injuries like rotator cuff tears; it’s got a sensitivity of up to 91%.

Effective Treatments for Left Shoulder Pain

Treatment depends on the root cause and severity of the symptoms. Let’s talk about some ways to treat left shoulder pain:

• Home Remedies: Things like Rest, ice or heat therapy on the sore spot can help manage symptoms at home, for a short time at least! These methods work best when paired with other treatments, too.
• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can decrease inflammation & pain. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections are used to reduce pain & inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: One study found that exercise therapy helped about 80% of patients with rotator cuff-related pain feel better in terms of both pain & mobility. A physiotherapist will design your rehabilitation program according to the root cause of your left shoulder pain and its severity. 
• Surgical Intervention: If other treatments don’t work well enough, surgery might be needed. Procedures like arthroscopy or rotator cuff repairs tend to be pretty common. Research says arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has an 85-90% success rate in relieving pain & improving function.
• Alternative Therapies: You can even try acupuncture, massage therapy, or chiropractic care. In one study, acupuncture helped lower shoulder pain intensity for 68% of patients.

Preventing Left Shoulder Pain

To keep from having trouble with left shoulder pain down the road, here are some things you can do:

• Regular Exercise: Building strength in your shoulders through exercises can help avoid injuries & keep joints healthy. Research indicates targeted strength exercises may lower injury risk by up to 40%.
• Proper Ergonomics: Setting up workspaces correctly & minding good posture keeps strain off your shoulders.
• Avoiding Repetitive Strain: Don’t forget to take breaks if you’re doing stuff that involves repeated movements with your shoulders.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Managing Left Shoulder Pain

Physiotherapy is important to treat left shoulder pain, it acts as a non-invasive method to restore function, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries. Whether dealing with a rotator cuff injury, frozen shoulder, or tendinitis, physiotherapy is required.

• Pain Relief:  According to  some research combining both electrotherapy and manual therapy is more effective in reducing pain and improving functions. To reduce pain and inflammation a physiotherapist will use techniques like manual therapy, electrical stimulations or ultrasound. 
• Restoring Range of Motion: Conditions like frozen shoulders can limit the range of motion. Following basic stretching and strengthening exercises can help to increase flexibility and restore the normal range of motion of the shoulder.
• Strengthening Muscles: Weak shoulder muscles, especially in the rotator cuff, can lead to instability and pain. Strengthening exercises can improve shoulder strength and function by 70-80%.
• Improving Posture: Poor posture often contributes to shoulder pain. Physiotherapy is required to maintain proper posture and ergonomics to reduce strain and prevent pain. 
• Preventing Recurrence: Beyond pain relief, physiotherapy can prevent future injuries by assessing the root causes of left shoulder pain.
• Specific Techniques: Key physiotherapy techniques include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, heat and cold therapy, and kinesiology taping. These methods provide comprehensive support for pain relief and promote healing.
  Conclusion:

Pain in the left shoulder can have many different origins and manifestations. People may obtain effective relief from left shoulder pain and enhance their quality of life by researching traditional and alternative remedies, identifying the symptoms, and comprehending the underlying concerns. To receive a precise diagnosis and individualised treatment plan, it's critical to speak with a healthcare provider if you have ongoing left shoulder discomfort. In order to get long-term comfort and avoid any further issues, early intervention is highly essential. Check out Granimals' expert physiotherapy programs if you are suffering from chronic pain. Book your rehab consultation with Granimals today!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1- What is the difference between muscle-related left shoulder pain and heart-related left shoulder pain?

Answer- Muscle-related left shoulder pain usually worsens with movements and is localised to the shoulder area, whereas heart-related left shoulder pain is a radiating pain to the arm or jaw, accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath.

Q2- What are the basic exercises for left shoulder pain?

Answer- Basic exercises for left shoulder pain are-

1. Pendulum exercises
2. Wall ladder
3. Shoulder blade squeezes
4. Rotator cuff stretching exercises
5. Strengthening exercises with resistance bands and dumbbells.