Shoulder Pain: Is It a Herniated Disc?

Herniated disc

Hello Director Chen: I have a dull pain extending from my left arm to the scapula, making it difficult to sleep on my left side.
Could this be a cartilage herniation? Sometimes, I experience similar pain on the right side as well.
Besides taking glucosamine daily, what else should I pay attention to? Thank you! Gary

gary, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/07/08

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation

(1) It may be a cervical disc herniation.
(2) Please pay attention to your neck posture and strengthen isometric exercises for the neck.
(3) Avoid excessive neck flexion and lifting heavy objects.

Reply Date: 2006/07/08

More Info

Hello Gary,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your shoulder pain and the discomfort radiating down your left arm. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing symptoms that could be associated with a variety of conditions, including a herniated disc, rotator cuff injury, or even referred pain from cervical spine issues.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Pain Location and Nature: The pain extending from your shoulder blade to your arm suggests that there may be an issue with the nerves or muscles in that area. If the pain is accompanied by weakness or numbness in your arm, this could indicate nerve involvement, potentially from a herniated disc in the cervical spine.

2. Sleeping Position: Your inability to sleep on your left side due to pain could also be a sign of shoulder impingement or rotator cuff issues. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder and allow for a range of motion. If these structures are inflamed or injured, it can lead to pain, especially when lying in certain positions.

3. Bilateral Symptoms: The fact that you sometimes experience similar symptoms on the right side may suggest a systemic issue, such as muscle strain or postural problems, rather than a localized injury.

Possible Conditions
- Herniated Disc: This occurs when the soft material inside a spinal disc bulges out and compresses nearby nerves. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, or weakness in the arm, depending on which nerve root is affected. An MRI of the cervical spine would be beneficial to confirm this diagnosis.

- Rotator Cuff Injury: This is a common cause of shoulder pain, especially in individuals who engage in repetitive overhead activities. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion, particularly when lifting the arm.

- Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, leading to pain that radiates down the arm. It can be caused by herniated discs, bone spurs, or degenerative changes in the spine.

Recommendations
1. Consult a Specialist: Since your symptoms are persistent and affecting your quality of life, it is advisable to consult an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI, to assess for any herniated discs or other structural issues.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around your shoulder and neck, improve flexibility, and alleviate pain. A physical therapist can provide you with specific exercises tailored to your condition.

3. Pain Management: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage pain and inflammation. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.

4. Posture and Ergonomics: Pay attention to your posture, especially if you spend long hours sitting or working at a desk. Ergonomic adjustments to your workspace can help reduce strain on your neck and shoulders.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporating regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and ensuring adequate hydration can also support overall musculoskeletal health.

Conclusion
In summary, while your symptoms could be indicative of a herniated disc, they may also be related to other musculoskeletal issues. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. In the meantime, consider the recommendations above to help manage your symptoms.

Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!
Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Similar Q&A

Understanding Upper Back Pain: Causes and Connections to MRI Findings

Hello, Doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing frequent upper back pain (on the right side, around the scapula) for the past two months. Sometimes, I also have shoulder pain (on both sides). When I turn my head to the left, I feel a slight pain... It hurts when I sit for a ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Miss Sophia, You mentioned, "Is the pain related to previous symptoms? What could be the possible causes?" Your MRI report indicates: 2. Posterior bulging disc of C6/7 with mild anterior indentation on the thecal sac and mild narrowing of bilateral neural foramina...

Understanding Shoulder Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello Dr. Chen! During my studies, I had to rush a report and ended up typing on the computer for a long time. After that, I started to feel pain in my shoulder, followed by a warm sensation that even felt cool like applying menthol. Now, due to work requirements, I have to type ...

Dr. Chen Weiming reply Orthopedics
I apologize for the delay in my response. I only learned about your issue yesterday. Your condition is mostly due to overuse or improper posture, which has resulted in tendinitis or fasciitis. With adequate rest and heat therapy, I believe it will gradually improve.

Shoulder Pain from Low Sidearm Throwing: When to Seek Help?

Based on your description, it sounds like you may be experiencing shoulder pain related to your throwing technique and possibly overuse. Since you have persistent pain that worsens with activity and lifting, it would be advisable to consult an orthopedic specialist, particularly ...

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello: If there is no injury to the bones, X-rays rarely show any abnormalities. However, there is a possibility that your injury may have affected the muscles or the soft tissues within the joints. It is recommended that you visit an orthopedic clinic for further examination. Th...

Should You Seek Rehab for Shoulder Blade Pain? Expert Advice

Hello, Dr. Chen! My mother has been experiencing shoulder pain after carrying a reusable bag on her shoulder while shopping in recent days. The pain is particularly intense near her spine, and she also feels sharp and throbbing pain on the right side. She has to take painkillers ...

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. It could be due to muscle overuse, but it may also be related to lumbar disc herniation or facet joint syndrome. All of these conditions can be evaluated and treated in a rehabilitation department....