What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Posted on Thu, 27 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 Answered on

Fri, 25 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : i am experiencing some pain in my left shoulder i had sciatic nerve prolem in my leg few years ago pain is similar and sometimes comes round to top of my breast area i imagined i must have pulled a muscle and had pain killers i can move my arm no problem and sholder feels very cold sometimes

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Possible muscle strain/radiculopathy as causes... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your query and understood your concerns. The symptoms you are experiencing (pain in your left shoulder which comes round top of your breast area) might be related to: - muscle strain - radiculopathy (irritation of nerves in the cervical/thoracic spine level). It might be due to inflammation (arthritis) or compression of the nerve root. Further examinations by spine X-ray and MRI and consultation with neurologist are needed to identify the right cause. Meanwhile, I advise to: - take otc pain killers to reduce pain and inflammation - keep massaging the neck and thoracic part of the spine - apply warm clothing locally - take multivitamin supplementation containing vit.B complex, Ca, and Vit.D Hope it helped! Let me know if you have further queries! Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (24 hours later)

Why does my shoulder feel so cold at times ? I am trying to keep mobile any advice as to what position I should take in relation to fact I have to sit typing and use computer pain very sharp like someone sticking knife in shoulder

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (35 hours later)

Brief Answer: Nerve compression.... Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for following up. Feeling your shoulder cold might be related to nerve compression while keeping in a certain position, without moving while typing. I suggest to do some break while you stay sit in order to keep your shoulder joint and arm muscles in movement. Thus, can prevent the shoulder becoming cold and painful. Exercises might include stretching and rotation of the shoulder joint. Hope it answered to your query. Let me know if have further questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar