What causes pain below the right shoulder?
Sep 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
In general, pain below the right shoulder may be caused by factors such as trauma, fasciitis, cervical spondylosis, periarthritis of the shoulder, or gallstones. Trauma and other factors affecting the area below the patient's right shoulder can lead to fractures of the scapula or injuries to muscles and surrounding soft tissues, resulting in pain below the right shoulder. Patients may take medications such as Huoxue Zhitong Capsules under the guidance of a physician.
In general, pain below the right arm and shoulder may be caused by factors such as trauma, fasciitis, cervical spondylosis, periarthritis of the shoulder (frozen shoulder), gallstones, and others. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Trauma
Trauma or other external factors affecting the area below the patient's right shoulder can lead to scapular fractures, muscle injuries, or damage to surrounding soft tissues, resulting in pain below the right shoulder. Patients may take medications such as Huoxue Zhitong Capsules or Meloxicam Tablets under medical guidance for treatment.
2. Fasciitis
Chronic overuse or strain of the shoulder may cause aseptic inflammation in local muscles and fascia, leading to pain below the right shoulder. It is recommended that patients avoid prolonged sitting and engage in regular shoulder movement to prevent joint adhesion. Acupuncture and physical therapy are generally helpful, along with applying warm compresses using a heated towel. In cases of severe joint adhesion, minimally invasive needle-knife therapy may also be required.
3. Cervical Spondylosis
When pathological changes occur in the cervical spine—such as bone spurs or intervertebral disc protrusion—they may compress nerves controlling upper limb movement. This compression impairs blood supply and oxygen delivery to the nerves, causing ischemia and resulting in pain in the right shoulder area. Treatment may include medications such as Adenosylcobalamin Tablets or Phenylbutazone Tablets, taken under a doctor’s supervision.
4. Periarthritis of the Shoulder (Frozen Shoulder)
This condition is a degenerative disorder involving inflammation of the shoulder joint. Over time, aging leads to swelling, narrowing of joint spaces, adhesion of the joint capsule, and impaired blood circulation, which results in restricted movement and pain. Patients may use medications such as Diclofenac Sodium Sustained-Release Capsules or Qinchuan Tongbi Capsules under medical advice.
5. Gallstones
Gallstones can sometimes cause referred pain in the right shoulder. Gallstones are a common condition characterized by stone formation within the gallbladder. With improvements in living standards, its incidence has been clearly increasing. Pain-relieving medications such as Butylbromide Scopolamine Capsules or Atropine Sulfate Tablets may be used according to medical instructions. Surgical removal may be necessary when indicated.
Besides the above causes, pain below the right arm and shoulder may also be related to tumors or other serious conditions. Patients should seek timely medical evaluation to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
