Experiencing pain in the left shoulder when breathing can be a concerning symptom. Ranging from dull to sharp, this sensation necessitates careful consideration and medical evaluation due to diverse potential causes.
Musculoskeletal and Nerve-Related Causes
Left shoulder pain during breathing stems from musculoskeletal issues. Muscle strains, particularly of intercostal or larger shoulder and upper back muscles, are common. These muscles work continuously during breathing; injury impacts respiratory mechanics, causing sharp pain when inflamed or overworked.
Rib injuries, like fractures or bruising, exacerbate pain with chest expansion. Misaligned or injured ribs cause pain radiating through the upper back and shoulder blade, intensifying with deep breaths. Costochondritis, inflammation of cartilage connecting ribs to the breastbone, presents as localized chest wall pain radiating to the shoulder, worsening with breathing or coughing. This results in sharp or aching pain.
Nerve impingement causes referred shoulder pain. A compressed nerve root in the cervical spine sends sharp pain, tingling, or numbness. This pain worsens with head movements or deep breaths.
Respiratory System Involvement
Respiratory system conditions, involving the lungs and pleura, cause left shoulder pain with breathing. Pleurisy, or pleuritis, is inflammation of this pleural lining, leading to sharp, stabbing pain that worsens during inhalation, exhalation, or coughing as inflamed layers rub together. Pneumonia or viral respiratory illnesses are common.
Pneumonia causes shoulder pain due to pleural irritation. Bronchitis, an inflammation of bronchial tubes, can cause radiating chest discomfort.
More severe respiratory issues include pneumothorax (a collapsed lung), where air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall. This causes sudden, sharp chest pain extending to the shoulder, worsening with deep breathing. A pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lung, is a serious condition causing sharp pain near the shoulder blade. Lung cancer can present with shoulder pain worsening with deep breaths or coughing.
Cardiovascular and Other Internal Organ Concerns
Left shoulder pain during breathing indicates heart issues. Angina, chest pain from reduced heart blood flow, presents as pressure or tightness behind the breastbone, spreading to the left shoulder or arm. A heart attack (myocardial infarction), caused by a blockage stopping blood flow, causes symptoms radiating to the left shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw, including chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, nausea.
Pericarditis, inflammation of the sac-like tissue surrounding the heart, causes sharp chest pain spreading to the left shoulder and neck. This pain typically worsens with deep breathing or coughing, improving when sitting up or leaning forward.
Beyond the heart, other internal organs cause referred pain in the left shoulder. Digestive problems like GERD or acid reflux can irritate nerves linked to the shoulder. Esophageal spasms or ulcers can mimic chest and shoulder pain. Anxiety or panic attacks trigger symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath, and perceived shoulder pain.
When to Seek Medical Care
While left shoulder pain with breathing can be benign, immediate medical attention is warranted. Seek emergency care if the pain is sudden, severe, or radiates to the arm, back, neck, or jaw. Accompanying symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, nausea, or chest tightness are significant warning signs, indicating a heart attack.
Pain with fever, chills, unexplained cough should prompt a healthcare professional visit. These may suggest infection or inflammatory conditions requiring diagnosis and treatment. If pain does not improve, worsens, seek medical advice.
A professional medical evaluation is essential for accurately determining the underlying cause. Early diagnosis allows for appropriate treatment.