Damage to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, or peripheral nerves in the right shoulder and arm is frequently the cause of right shoulder pain. Right shoulder pain without injury is also quite common. In worst case scenarios, unexplained shoulder and arm pain can be a symptom of a heart attack. Often, though not always, heart-related pain affects the left side.
In this blog, we will explore the possible causes of right shoulder pain and causes of shoulder pain in female and male and discuss the different treatment options.
Causes of Shoulder Pain in Female and Male
The most common cause of right shoulder pain is rotator cuff tendinitis or bursitis, which occurs when rotator cuff tendons become trapped under the bony area of the shoulder. The tendons become inflamed or damaged.
The following conditions can also result in right shoulder pain:
- Shoulder joint arthritis
- Spurs in the bone of the shoulder
- Bursitis, an inflammation of a fluid-filled sac (bursa) that typically shields the joint and facilitates smooth motion
- Broken shoulder bone
- Shoulder dislocation
- Frozen shoulder, a condition where the shoulder’s tendons, ligaments, and muscles stiffen up, making movement uncomfortable and challenging.
- Overuse or damage to adjacent tendons, like the arm bicep muscles
- Damage to the nerves, causing unusual shoulder mobility
- Rotator cuff tendons’ tears
One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is improper shoulder mechanics and posture.
Right shoulder pain can occasionally be the result of an issue with the neck or lungs, among other parts of the body. It is called referred pain. There is usually pain at rest and no worsening of pain when moving the shoulder.
Right Shoulder Pain Symptoms
Referred shoulder pain is frequently persistent, which means it will ache even when you’re at rest or not utilising your shoulder or arm. However, it could also come and go. Here are some of the common symptoms you may face:
- An intense ache below your shoulder blade
- Discomfort that radiates down your shoulder blade from your neck (or vice versa)
- A burning, tingling, stabbing, or even “electric” sensation in your shoulder
Link Between Right Shoulder Pain and Heart Attack
You might assume that the pain you experience from a heart attack is limited to your left arm and shoulder. However, a study found that one or both arms and shoulders can experience heart attack pain.
If experiencing right shoulder pain that occurs with any of the symptoms below, dial emergency number immediately.
- Chest pain or pressure that goes on for more than a few minutes
- Pain in the jaw, neck, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling lightheaded
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Nausea or vomiting
Right Shoulder Pain Home Remedies
Try the following home remedies if your right shoulder and arm pain is minor to moderate.
Shortly after an injury, R.I.C.E. can be applied to reduce right shoulder pain symptoms and aid healing. It includes:
- Rest: Stop doing any activities that cause further pain or irritation.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack or cool compress to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day.
- Compression: Wrap or bandage the affected area to help alleviate swelling.
- Elevation: Try to elevate your right shoulder and arm about the level of your heart.
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications: There are several types of OTC medications that can help ease right shoulder pain symptoms like pain and swelling. Some examples include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).
- Try some light stretching: Stretching regularly can assist in increasing the range of motion and flexibility.
- Keep your posture straight: Your arm and shoulder tissues may be subjected to additional strain if you have a bad posture.
Right Shoulder Pain Treatment Options
If you talk with your doctor about right shoulder and arm pain, they may recommend the following, depending on the severity of your condition.
- Immobilisation: Restricting the range of motion in your arm or shoulder could occasionally aid in its healing. A cast, brace, or sling is often used to achieve this.
- Corticosteroid injections: This is a type of medication that your doctor can inject into the affected area to help reduce inflammation.
- Prescription medications: Prescription pain medications may be given for severe pain. Oral corticosteroids can help ease inflammation. If you have RA, your doctor will likely prescribe a disease-modifying drug.
- Physical therapy: Physical exercises can help you regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Surgery: Doctors may recommend you to go through a surgery if right shoulder pain treatment hasn’t been effective or when damage is severe.
Conclusion
Many conditions can lead to right shoulder pain in women and men. This pain can affect different locations and you may also sometimes get right shoulder pain without injury.The most common causes of shoulder pain in female is an issue with your rotator cuff, such as tendinitis or bursitis. Other potential right shoulder pain in women causes fractures, arthritis, and cervical radiculopathy. Talk with your doctor if home care isn’t effective or pain happens with numbness or increasing swelling.
