What causes pain in the left shoulder and back?
I have been experiencing persistent pain in my left shoulder and back recently, sometimes accompanied by stiffness and limited range of motion. The pain worsens after physical exertion and improves slightly with rest. What could be causing this left shoulder and back pain?
Doctor's answer (1)
Main causes of left shoulder and back pain:
1. Periarthritis of the shoulder: Commonly caused by degenerative changes in soft tissues or long-term overuse. Pain is mild at the beginning, but can worsen with disease progression, accompanied by restricted shoulder joint movement and muscle spasms.
2. Cervical spondylosis: Long-term strain, bone spurs, and intervertebral disc herniation can all lead to cervical spondylosis. Clinical symptoms include neck and back pain, weakness in limbs, and severe cases may radiate pain to the left shoulder and back.
3. Trauma: Shoulder injuries caused by impact or long-term poor posture, especially injuries to the left shoulder and back area, may cause pain.
4. Referred pain: Angina, myocardial infarction, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, cholecystitis, pancreatitis may also manifest as shoulder and back pain.
If the pain is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or severe headache, it is recommended to go to the hospital for examination immediately.
