Burning pain in the shoulder is a common yet concerning symptom that affects many people. This type of pain can stem from a variety of causes, and knowing how to treat burning sensation in shoulder is crucial for proper recovery and long-term relief. The burning sensation can occur suddenly or develop over time, ranging from mild to severe. It often interferes with daily activities, making simple tasks like lifting objects or moving the arm painful. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for burning pain in the shoulder is essential for finding relief and preventing further damage.
What is Burning Pain in the Shoulder?
Burning pain in the shoulder, including burning pain in the shoulder blade, refers to a sharp or persistent burning sensation that may be accompanied by other symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness. This pain can be due to issues with the soft tissues, such as muscles and tendons, or from nerve irritation and damage. The shoulder joint is one of the most movable joints in the body, but its flexibility makes it vulnerable to injuries and other health issues. Burning pain often suggests nerve involvement or inflammation, and it can vary in intensity depending on the extent of injury.
Common Causes of Burning Pain in Shoulder
Burning pain in the shoulder can stem from a variety of underlying issues, ranging from nerve irritation to joint or tissue damage. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment, as each type of pain may indicate a different shoulder condition. Below are some of the most common causes that can trigger this type of discomfort and limit your mobility.
Nerve Irritation or Damage
Nerve-related shoulder pain is a significant cause of burning sensations. When nerves in the shoulder region become irritated or damaged, it can lead to stinging pain or even a burning sensation that radiates down the arm.
- Burner: A common nerve injury seen in athletes, especially those involved in contact sports. It occurs when the spinal cord or nerve roots are compressed, resulting in burning pain in the shoulder and upper arm.
- Parsonage-Turner Syndrome: This rare inflammatory condition causes severe shoulder pain due to damage to the nerves. It often starts as burning pain and leads to muscle weakness and loss of muscle strength over time.
- Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment Syndrome (SNES): Compression of the suprascapular nerve can lead to burning pain in the shoulder blade and rotator cuff tendons, reducing shoulder function and causing discomfort during everyday activities.
Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the bursae, the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles. Inflammation of the bursae causes burning pain, especially when moving the arm or shoulder joint. This type of shoulder pain is often worsened by repetitive motions, such as heavy lifting or reaching overhead.
Shoulder Fractures
Fractures in the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), or collarbone can cause burning pain. As the shoulder heals, blood vessels and connective tissues regenerate, which may lead to nerve irritation and burning pain sensations. Fractures are usually accompanied by severe shoulder pain and swelling, making it difficult to perform daily activities.
Proximal humerus fractures, which affect the upper arm bone near the shoulder, become increasingly common with age. The incidence of these fractures rises by approximately 15% annually, and the complexity of such fractures tends to increase as well.
Treatment for shoulder fractures usually involves rest, immobilization, and in some cases, surgery, depending on the severity of the injury.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a shoulder condition that causes the joint capsule to become thickened and inflamed, limiting shoulder mobility. This condition often results in burning pain in the shoulder joint, making arm movements painful and difficult. It typically progresses through three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing, with burning pain being most intense during the freezing phase.
Shoulder Tendonitis
Rotator cuff tendonitis, also known as shoulder tendonitis, is inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, which are responsible for stabilizing the shoulder. Tendonitis is often caused by repetitive motions or overuse of the shoulder muscles. The pain can range from a mild ache to a burning sensation, especially during activities like lifting or rotating the arm.
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
A rotator cuff tear or strain can result in significant burning pain in the shoulder. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder, and any injury to these structures can cause persistent pain and discomfort. Acute rotator cuff tears often occur from trauma, while chronic tears may develop from overuse, causing pain worse with movement.
SLAP Tears
A SLAP tear refers to an injury to the labrum, a ring of cartilage surrounding the shoulder socket. SLAP tears can cause burning pain in the shoulder, especially during overhead arm movements. This type of shoulder injury is common among athletes and individuals who engage in repetitive shoulder motions.
Brachial Neuritis
Brachial neuritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the nerves controlling the shoulder and arm. It causes intense burning pain that radiates from the shoulder to the arm. This nerve issue can also lead to muscle weakness and difficulty performing everyday activities.
Underlying Conditions
In some cases, burning shoulder pain can result from underlying medical conditions, such as:
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition that causes widespread pain, including burning pain in the shoulder region.
- Angina: A heart condition that can manifest as shoulder pain, sometimes mimicking the symptoms of a musculoskeletal problem.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An inflammatory condition affecting the joints, including the shoulder joint. It can lead to burning pain and stiffness, especially during periods of activity.
Symptoms Associated With Burning Pain in Shoulder
Burning pain in the shoulder is often accompanied by additional symptoms, which can help identify the root cause. These symptoms may include:
- Tingling or numbness: Often a sign of nerve involvement, this can affect the shoulder, arm, or hand.
- Weakness: A decrease in muscle strength in the affected shoulder or arm, making it difficult to lift or carry objects.
- Limited range of motion: Difficulty moving the shoulder or performing routine tasks, such as reaching overhead.
- Swelling or bruising: These are common in cases of injury, such as fractures or shoulder injuries.
- Radiating pain: Pain that travels from the shoulder to the neck, back, or arm, potentially indicating nerve damage.
When to See a Doctor:
It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent pain or any of the following:
- Severe shoulder pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relief.
- Symptoms of nerve irritation, such as tingling or numbness that extends down the arm.
- Inability to move the shoulder or perform daily activities.
- Swelling, redness, or deformity around the shoulder area.
- A sudden onset of shoulder pain that may indicate serious conditions like heart attacks.
Diagnosis of Burning Pain in Shoulder
Diagnosing the cause of burning shoulder pain involves a physical exam, medical history review, and diagnostic tests. Your doctor may recommend X-rays, MRIs, or nerve conduction studies to assess any damage to the bones, tendons, or nerves.
Shoulder pain affects a significant portion of the population, with a prevalence estimated between 4% and 26%. Each year, around 1% of adults over the age of 45 in the UK seek medical advice from their general practitioner due to new shoulder pain symptoms. Depending on the suspected cause, the following diagnostic tests may be recommended:
- X-rays: Used to detect fractures, dislocations, or joint abnormalities in the shoulder.
- MRI: This imaging test can provide detailed information about soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Nerve conduction studies: These tests evaluate the function of the nerves and can help diagnose conditions like brachial neuritis or suprascapular nerve entrapment.
- Blood tests: In cases where underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia are suspected, blood tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Burning Shoulder Pain
When dealing with burning pain in the shoulder, treatment options vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. The goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent future injury. Whether you’re seeking conservative methods or more invasive approaches, there are multiple ways to manage and relieve the discomfort effectively.
Conservative Treatments:
For most cases of burning shoulder pain, including burning pain in the shoulder blade, conservative treatments are effective. Understanding how to relieve burning pain in shoulder blade can significantly improve your daily activities and overall shoulder function.
- Rest: Giving the shoulder joint time to heal is crucial, especially if the pain is caused by overuse or an acute injury.
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can reduce swelling and provide immediate pain relief.
- Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain, such as heavy lifting or repetitive motions, can prevent further injury.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve flexibility.
Invasive Treatments:
For more severe conditions, conservative methods may not provide sufficient pain relief. In these cases, more invasive treatments may be necessary.
- Steroid Injection: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and provide long-lasting pain relief, particularly for conditions like bursitis or rotator cuff tendonitis.
- Surgery: Surgical intervention may be needed for conditions such as severe rotator cuff tears, fractures, or SLAP tears. Surgery is often reserved for cases where other treatments have failed.
Treatment for Underlying Conditions
If the burning pain in the shoulder is due to an underlying condition like rheumatoid arthritis or angina, treating the root cause is essential for pain relief. Managing these conditions with medications, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-up with a healthcare provider can help prevent future episodes of shoulder pain.
How Can You Prevent Burning Shoulder Pain in the Future?
Preventing burning pain in the shoulder involves maintaining shoulder health and avoiding risk factors that lead to injury. Here are some tips:
- Regular Stretching and Strengthening: Engage in exercises that target the shoulder muscles, particularly the rotator cuff tendons, to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
- Proper Lifting Techniques: Avoid heavy lifting or use correct techniques to prevent straining the shoulder muscles and joints.
- Modify Activity Levels: Listen to your body and avoid pushing through pain during exercise or daily activities.
- Ergonomics: Ensure your workstation and posture are optimized to avoid unnecessary strain on the shoulder and neck muscles.
Conclusion
Burning pain in the shoulder can be caused by a wide range of conditions, from nerve irritation to underlying medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Identifying the root cause is essential for proper treatment and recovery. With the right treatment approaches, whether conservative or invasive, most individuals can find relief and return to their normal daily activities. If you are experiencing burning pain in the shoulder, consult a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and begin an appropriate treatment plan.
At Land and Sea PT, we specialize in treating shoulder pain, including burning pain in the shoulder, through comprehensive and personalized physical therapy services. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you regain mobility, reduce pain, and restore your quality of life with targeted treatments designed to address your specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with nerve irritation, shoulder injuries, or underlying conditions, we’re here to provide effective solutions. Request an appointment today to start your journey to recovery!
FAQ’s
Why does it feel like my shoulder blade is burning?
A burning sensation in the shoulder blade may result from nerve irritation, muscle strain, or inflammation of the shoulder joint. In some cases, conditions like shoulder bursitis, rotator cuff tendonitis, or nerve entrapment can cause burning pain in the shoulder region.
How do I get rid of the burning in my shoulder?
To relieve burning pain in the shoulder, try resting the shoulder, applying ice to reduce inflammation, and avoiding repetitive motions that aggravate the pain. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can also help. If the pain persists, a physical therapist can guide you through exercises for shoulder pain relief.
How do I know if my shoulder pain is nerve-related?
If you experience pain sensations such as burning, tingling, or numbness that radiates down the arm or into the shoulder blade, it may be nerve-related. Nerve irritation or damage can also cause weakness in the arm and difficulty performing normal arm movements. A healthcare provider can perform diagnostic tests to confirm if your shoulder pain is due to a nerve issue.