What causes back and shoulder pain after doing push-ups, and what should you do about it?
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Back and shoulder pain after push-ups may be caused by overexertion, muscle fatigue or strain, fasciitis, shoulder arthritis, cervical spondylosis, or other reasons, and targeted treatment should be based on the specific underlying cause. Excessive push-up exercises, especially overly aggressive training at the beginning, may lead to overuse and pain in the back and shoulder muscles. It is important to progress gradually.
Generally, back and shoulder pain after push-ups may be caused by excessive force, muscle fatigue or strain, fasciitis, shoulder arthritis, cervical spondylosis, or other reasons. Targeted treatment should be based on the specific underlying cause. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Excessive exertion
Performing push-ups with excessive effort, especially too aggressively at the beginning, may lead to overuse and pain in the back and shoulder muscles. It is important to progress gradually.
2. Muscle fatigue or strain
Push-ups are an exercise that places demands on the back and shoulder muscles. If the muscles are already fatigued or if proper warm-up is lacking, discomfort or muscle strain may occur. Symptoms can be relieved with heat therapy and massage.
3. Fasciitis
This is an aseptic inflammation of the fascia, usually associated with overexertion, cold exposure, and similar factors. When aseptic inflammation occurs in the fascia of the back muscles, patients may experience symptoms such as pain and warmth. It is generally recommended that patients take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or celecoxib capsules under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.
4. Shoulder arthritis
Shoulder arthritis involves degenerative damage to the cartilage of the shoulder joint, which may cause shoulder pain and stiffness. Push-up movements may exacerbate symptoms of shoulder arthritis. Treatment may include medications such as nimesulide dispersible tablets or Jintiange capsules, taken under a doctor's supervision.
5. Cervical spondylosis
This condition is commonly related to age and poor posture, leading to degenerative changes in the cervical spine. When it occurs, it may irritate surrounding nerve tissues, causing local pain along with symptoms such as headache and dizziness. Patients should take medications such as Maizhiling tablets or oryzanol tablets under medical guidance.
If symptoms persist, timely medical consultation is recommended to avoid delaying treatment.
