What if your right shoulder blade hurts and left arm?
If you are experiencing right shoulder blade pain that radiates to your left arm, it's important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive proper treatment. While it's possible to have shoulder pain that is referred to the left arm, it could also be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition. Some possible causes of right shoulder blade pain with left arm involvement include:
1. Cervical Spine Issues:
Bulging or Herniated Discs: A bulging or herniated disc in the neck can press on the nerves that travel down the left arm, causing pain in the shoulder and arm.
Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to shoulder and arm pain.
2. Brachial Plexus Injury:
Trauma or Compression: Damage to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that controls the shoulder, arm, and hand, can cause pain in the right shoulder blade and left arm.
3. Rotator Cuff Tear:
Partial or Complete Tear: A torn rotator cuff in the right shoulder can cause pain and discomfort that extends to the left arm.
4. Frozen Shoulder:
Adhesive Capsulitis: This condition causes the shoulder joint to become stiff and painful, making certain movements difficult and accompanied by pain in the shoulder blade and arm.
5. Heart Issues:
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Some people may experience referred shoulder and left arm pain during a heart attack. This is a medical emergency, so immediate attention is crucial.
6. Angina: Chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart can sometimes be felt as pain in the right shoulder blade and arm.
7. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:
Compression of Blood Vessels/Nerves: Narrowing of a space between the first rib and collarbone can put pressure on the blood vessels and nerves passing through, causing pain in the shoulder and arm.
8. Lung Problems:
Pleuritis: Inflammation of the pleurae, the lining of the lungs, can cause sharp pain in the shoulder blade and left arm.
9. Pancreatitis:
Inflammation of the Pancreas: In some cases, severe inflammation of the pancreas can lead to shoulder pain that may be referred to the left arm.
It's important to note that these are just some potential causes, and the right diagnosis can only be made by a healthcare professional after a thorough assessment and any necessary tests. If you are experiencing persistent right shoulder blade pain and left arm discomfort, don't delay in seeking medical advice to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.