A burning sensation in the shoulder can feel like warmth, stinging, or intense heat. This common symptom arises from various issues, including muscle strain, nerve irritation, or inflammation. This article provides general information about common reasons for shoulder burning, but it is not medical advice or a diagnosis.
Muscle and Overuse-Related Causes
Muscle strain frequently causes burning shoulder pain, often from overstretching muscle fibers or sudden, forceful movements. Incorrectly lifting heavy objects or engaging in unaccustomed physical activity can trigger this injury. The burning sensation often stems from inflammation within the damaged muscle tissue.
Overuse injuries, developing from repetitive motions, are another common cause. Activities like throwing, swimming, or occupations requiring constant overhead movements can repeatedly stress shoulder tissues. This repetitive stress can lead to micro-tears in muscles and tendons, causing chronic inflammation and persistent burning.
Muscle fatigue and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) can also manifest as a burning sensation. DOMS appears 12 to 72 hours after intense or unfamiliar exercise. The associated soreness and burning are due to inflammatory responses.
Poor posture contributes significantly to muscle imbalance and strain in the shoulder and upper back. Chronic slouching or rounded shoulders can overstretch some muscles while shortening others. This imbalance creates continuous tension and fatigue, resulting in a dull ache or burning sensation. Poor posture can also narrow the space where shoulder tendons pass, leading to impingement and inflammation.
Nerve-Related Causes
Nerve irritation or compression can lead to a burning sensation in the shoulder. One common example is cervical radiculopathy, occurring when a nerve root in the neck is compressed or irritated. This compression, often due to a herniated disc or bone spurs, can cause pain that radiates from the neck down the arm and into the shoulder.
Nerve impingement, such as suprascapular nerve entrapment, can also cause burning pain. This occurs when the suprascapular nerve becomes compressed due to repetitive overhead activities or injury. When nerves are irritated, the brain may interpret these altered signals as a burning or tingling sensation. Brachial neuritis, an inflammation of the nerves controlling the shoulder, arm, and hand, can also cause severe burning pain and weakness.
Inflammatory Conditions and Other Causes
Inflammatory conditions are frequent sources of burning shoulder pain. Tendinitis, the inflammation of tendons, is a common issue, particularly rotator cuff tendinitis. Repetitive arm movements can irritate these tendons, causing pain that may feel like a deep ache or burning, especially with movement.
Bursitis involves the inflammation of bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints. Subacromial bursitis, affecting the bursa in the shoulder, is a common cause of burning pain. When inflamed, the bursa can swell and cause persistent burning, particularly during shoulder movement or when pressure is applied.
Referred pain is another possibility, where pain is felt in the shoulder but originates from a different part of the body. This occurs because nerves from various organs share pathways with nerves supplying the shoulder, leading to the brain misinterpreting the pain’s source. For instance, issues with the diaphragm, gallbladder, or even the heart can sometimes cause pain felt in the shoulder. Such pain usually does not change with shoulder movement.
When to Seek Medical Attention and Initial Steps for Relief
It is important to seek medical attention if shoulder burning is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Red flags that warrant professional evaluation include pain that does not improve with rest, pain following a direct injury or trauma, or the sudden onset of pain. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand, or signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or fever, also indicate a need for prompt medical assessment. Additionally, difficulty moving the arm or shoulder, or pain that worsens at night and disrupts sleep, suggests a medical consultation is necessary.
For initial relief of mild shoulder burning, several general steps can be taken. Resting the affected shoulder and avoiding activities that aggravate the pain can help reduce discomfort. Applying ice packs for acute pain and inflammation, especially within the first 24 to 48 hours, can help reduce swelling and numb the area. For chronic pain or muscle stiffness, heat packs can be beneficial to improve blood flow and relax muscles.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Acetaminophen can also be used for pain relief. It is important to follow package directions carefully and consult a healthcare professional if taking other medications or if there are underlying health conditions. While gentle, non-painful range-of-motion exercises may be helpful to prevent stiffness, specific exercises or treatments should only be undertaken with guidance from a healthcare provider.