Pain in Left Shoulder Area
Do you suffer from pain in the left shoulder area?
Shoulder pain involves any pain in or around the shoulder. The shoulder has the most mobility of any joint in the body. The tendons in the shoulder hold muscle to bone. There are four rotator cuff tendons that stabilize the shoulder. They also allow for a wide range of motion.
Understanding the pain you feel
The tendons in the left shoulder area pass underneath a stiff bony arch. When the tendons become trapped under the arch, pain develops. You have tendonitis of the left shoulder area when the tendons become inflamed or are damaged. As you age this condition sometimes develops because of general wear and tear. It can be accelerated by job activity that requires constant left shoulder use.
Possible Causes of your Pain in the Left Shoulder Area
Left shoulder area pain is most commonly caused by some kind of arthritic condition. Arthritis can cause narrowing of the joints and loss of cartilage. Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, a fluid filled sac that protects tendon from bone. Other causes of pain in the left shoulder area are:
- Fractures of the shoulder
- Dislocation of the left shoulder
- A syndrome called Frozen Shoulder occurs when you don’t move your shoulder due to pain or injury
What can you do to ease the pain?
If you have pain in the left shoulder area, apply ice for 15 minutes every hour for several hours. You may continue this for 3 to 4 days. Rest the shoulder and avoid strenuous activity for a few days. Take over-the-counter pain medicine as directed. You should seek the help of a health care provider. Call your health care professional immediately if:
- There is swelling and redness in the left shoulder area
- You have a fever
- You are unable to use the left shoulder joint
- The pain lasts more than 1 week
Preparing to Discuss your Symptoms with your Health Care Professional
Your health care professional will need your help in providing a correct diagnosis. Some questions you might be asked are:
- Does the left shoulder pain travel to other joints?
- Do you have pain when you hold your left arm away from your body?
- Do you have pain when you hold your left arm over your head?
- In what area of the left should is the pain more intense?
Are you ready for a consultation? Contact one of our offices. We will schedule an appointment and help you ease the pain that you are experiencing.
What Type of Pain are you Experiencing?
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