Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Can Pneumonia Cause Shoulder Blade Pain

Can Shoulder Pain Be A Sign Of Lung Cancer

Can Pneumonia lead to shoulder pain? – Dr. Mohan M R

Yes, it can. Someone with lung cancer may notice pain or weakness in the shoulder . Shoulder pain may occur if a lung tumor exerts pressure on a nearby nerve or if lung cancer spreads to the bones in or around the shoulder. Its important to note, however, that shoulder pain could also result from a condition completely unrelated to cancer, such as arthritis.

If shoulder pain occurs when resting, worsens at night or doesnt involve any loss of motion, it may indicate lung cancer. Other lung cancer signs include:

  • A chronic, hacking cough
  • A harsh vibrating sound while breathing
  • Hoarseness
  • Recurrent respiratory infections like pneumonia or bronchitis
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss
  • Swelling in the face and neck
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Persistent chest pain unrelated to coughing

What Causes Upper Back And Chest Pain

When upper back and chest pain occur together, the symptoms can vary widely depending on the cause or severity. Some people may experience mild discomfort or tightness while others may have sharp or intense pain. This pain may be one-sided or on both sides. Below are potential causes of upper back and chest pain appearing at the same time.

Does Pneumonia Really Walk And Is Double Pneumonia Just Double Talk

Before answering the above questions, I want the reader and myself to be on the same initial page and agree that the basic subject about to be presented is pneumonia. Pneumonia is a disease of the lung tissue that involves inflammation of the alveoli . Although bacteria and viruses cause the majority of pneumonias, there can be other causes such as fungi, parasites, chemicals, and physical injury to the lung tissue. Pneumonias can result in fluid accumulation in alveoli and produce the typical signs and symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, and often fever and chest pain, especially when coughing.

Pneumonia is not bronchitis , and it’s not pleurisy , although both can produce some symptoms similar to pneumonias. Please note the use of the word “pneumonias” it’s plural and, in my view, has many different words used in both the lay and medical literature to identify subsets of the disease. Unfortunately, this can lead to confusion because there is a considerable amount of imprecision and overlap with these modifiers. We in the medical professions are guilty of developing and then using them I don’t see any evidence that the terminology will improve, so I’ll try at least to indicate what several of the prominent pneumonia modifiers mean and answer the questions asked above in the title.

Also Check: Is Wheezing A Symptom Of Pneumonia

Inflammation Of The Shoulder Capsule

The synovial membrane of the shoulder may become inflamed this is called ‘synovitis’. Synovitis may occur as a result of another condition or it may happen as a result of an injury, or the cause may be unknown.

Frozen shoulder is a condition that occurs when the shoulder capsule thickens and becomes inflamed and tight. There may also be less synovial fluid to lubricate the joint. As a result, the shoulder becomes difficult to move.

Frozen shoulder may occur as a result of another condition if the shoulder has been immobilised . Sometimes the cause of shoulder pain may not be known.

The Pain Gives Under The Left Shoulder Blade

Pneumonia back pain shoulder blade NISHIOHMIYA

The description of this symptom is a typical characteristic of the radiating pain, the pathological source of which can be located quite far from the place of pain. The pain gives under the left shoulder blade most often with diseases of the stomach and heart. Cardiac zone of the stomach, undergoing inflammatory or erosive process, often manifests itself as pain reflected to the left. For an experienced physician it is not difficult to accurately determine the primary source of pain according to the diagnostic scheme of Zakharyin-Gedd or Gaava-Luvsan. These methods are designed to differentiate the clinical signs of reflected pain according to the specific transmission of impulses along the vegetative path of the nervous system to symptomatic zones.

Don’t Miss: How Long Can A Cough Last After Pneumonia

What Helps Upper Back Pain From Coughing

Try to keep a natural arch in your back when you cough, instead of hunching forward. Keeping your shoulders down can also help your back relax during a cough. If you put your hand down on a surface like a table or counter when you cough, this helps the back not to compress.

The Link Between Shoulder Pain And Lung Cancer

People who get shoulder pain may worry about it being caused by lung cancer. While this is possible, its much more likely that your shoulder pain is caused by something like an injury, tendonitis, or arthritis. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your pain.

Shoulder pain can be a symptom of lung cancer from early through late stages of the disease.

Read on to learn about the types of lung cancer that can cause shoulder pain.

Don’t Miss: How Treat Pneumonia In Elderly

Pressing Pain Under The Left Shoulder Blade

This is a sign of developing osteochondrosis, a possible onset of an attack of IHD, as well as evidence of exacerbation of vegetative-vascular dystonia. Pressing pain under the left shoulder blade, which feels like bursting, burning, requires immediate medical attention and relief of the attack, as it is most likely associated with angina pectoris or a pre-infarction condition. Pressing pain under the left shoulder blade may also indicate a vegetative-vascular crisis, which is very similar in symptomatology to cardiac pain, but it does not stop with heart drugs, but is susceptible to sedatives or tranquilizers. Also for the IRR is characterized by the absence of a causal relationship between pain and physical activity, the load, while coronary artery disease may be aggravated by overstrain, intensive work.

What Is Shoulder Pain

Lung Cancer And Shoulder Pain: Link

Shoulder pain is usually felt in the front of the shoulder, or at the top of the arm. Often, the pain is only felt when you move your arm in a certain way.

The pain may be deep and sharp, or there may be numbness, tingling or pins and needles. It may radiate down into the arm or up into the head, or there may be pain between the shoulder blades. Sometimes the pain may be caused by problems in the neck or spine, rather than the shoulder.

Read Also: How Long Am I Contagious With Pneumonia

Treatment Options For Pain Between Shoulder Blades

Treatment for the pain between shoulder blades depends on the severity and the outlying condition. Some of the treatment options involve activities or exercises you can do at home to help manage the pain. After first confirming with a doctor to diagnose the source of your pain you can move on to try some of these remedies.

Stretching A cat stretch to be more precise. It involves rounding your shoulders while pushing your spine back so you stretch the upper back area. The best time to do this is after a hot shower because the muscles will be most malleable.

Heat Heat is great for relieving the tension in the afflicted area of the back. A heated towel or heat bag should be appropriate.

Posture Better posture means less stress on the spine.

Sleep Put an asterisk beside this one. We dont only mean sleep, but sleep well on a good mattress. Sleeping on a poor mattress can actually contribute to back pain. If you find yourself not sleeping well on a regular basis and cant point to any other external factor, try changing your mattress.

When To Contact A Medical Professional

  • You have sudden crushing, squeezing, tightening, or pressure in your chest.
  • Pain spreads to your jaw, left arm, or between your shoulder blades.
  • You have nausea, dizziness, sweating, a racing heart, or shortness of breath.
  • You know you have angina and your chest discomfort is suddenly more intense, brought on by lighter activity, or lasts longer than usual.
  • Your angina symptoms occur while you are at rest.
  • You have sudden, sharp chest pain with shortness of breath, especially after a long trip, a stretch of bedrest , or other lack of movement, especially if one leg is swollen or more swollen than the other .
  • You have been diagnosed with a serious condition, such as heart attack or pulmonary embolism.

Your risk of having a heart attack is greater if:

  • You have a family history of heart disease.
  • You smoke, use cocaine, or are overweight.
  • You have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
  • You already have heart disease.

Don’t Miss: Does The Flu Cause Pneumonia

Symptoms Of Upper Back Pain When Breathing

Upper back pain mostly occurs anywhere along the spine between the base of the neck and the bottom of the ribs. Some people with upper back pain feel discomfort when they sneeze, cough, or take a deep breath.

If you have a medical condition that affects your internal organs like your lungs or heart, you may experience upper back pain while breathing.

You may also feel upper back pain in your shoulders and neck if they have been affected by a medical condition or injury.

What Is Acute Bronchitis

What is Lung Cancer?

Bronchitis is inflammation of the breathing tubes. These airways are called bronchi. This inflammation causes increased mucus production and other changes. Although there are several different types of bronchitis, the most common are acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis may also be called a chest cold.

Most symptoms of acute bronchitis last for up to 2 weeks. The cough can last for up to 8 weeks in some people. Chronic bronchitis lasts a long time. It is more common among smokers.

You May Like: How Do I Know If I Have Pneumonia Or Bronchitis

Treatment For Shoulder Pain From Other Causes

If your shoulder pain isnt due to lung cancer, its important to determine the cause. This will help your doctor come up with a treatment plan.

For example, they may recommend physical therapy if you have shoulder pain due to tendonitis.

If you have shoulder pain due to frozen shoulder , your doctor may recommend a combination of glucose-lowering drugs and a low carbohydrate diet.

You can manage shoulder pain properly if you deal with its underlying cause. If your doctor diagnoses you with lung cancer, its important to get the best treatment available.

You can try home treatments for your shoulder pain while youre waiting to see your doctor:

  • Avoid using your injured shoulder.
  • Try icing your shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This may help reduce pain and swelling.
  • Try wrapping your shoulder with an elastic bandage. Using compression can help you avoid overusing your shoulder.
  • Elevate your shoulder above your heart as much as possible. You can use pillows to help you with this.

How To Prevent Pain Under The Left Shoulder Blade

In order to prevent a pain symptom, it is necessary to find out its root cause, then the prevention of pain under the left shoulder blade will be really effective.

If a person suffers from angina pectoris, ischemic heart disease or has already suffered a myocardial infarction, the best prevention of pain under the left shoulder blade is a constant use of cardiovascular drugs, compliance with gentle physical activity, diet and psycho-emotional balance.

If the pain is caused by a deforming, progressive process in the spine, then pain prevention should consist of a long period during which special therapeutic exercises, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are performed

Pain at the bottom of the scapula, triggered by gastrointestinal diseases, is prevented by a sparing diet and taking antacids, prescribed drugs. In addition, YABZH very much depends on the psycho-emotional state, therefore, a positive attitude, mastering relaxation techniques, anti-stress techniques will help to prevent pain under the left shoulder blade.

Preventive measures in the prevention of pain symptoms and the development of the disease in principle – this is primarily regular medical check-ups. Even if there are no disturbing signs, pains, you should consult a doctor, undergo a preventive examination to make sure that neither pain nor illness will not threaten you in the near future.

Also Check: Spot On Lung Pneumonia Or Cancer

Treating And Preventing Pulmonary Embolisms

Pulmonary embolisms can be life-threatening. However, they can be treated if a patient gets immediate medical help. Doctors will need to break up the blood clot, and will then use medications to prevent new clots from forming.

Doctors can also work with patients to prevent pulmonary embolisms from happening in the first place. Medications can help to prevent blood clots, and lifestyle changes can also help. For instance, your doctor might recommend losing weight, quitting smoking, or changing certain medications to prevent blood clots.

What Are The Signs Of Pneumonia In Children

Location, Location, Location | A Case of Shoulder Pain After Vaccination

When children have pneumonia, they can experience the same symptoms asadults including high fever, cough, difficulty breathing and pain in the chest,but they may also complain of stomach pain, ear pain, have a decreased appetiteand be more tired or irritable than usual. If a child has “walkingpneumonia” their symptoms may be milder and can appear like a cold. Someinfants may not appear to have any symptoms beyond being restless and adecreased appetite. In extreme cases of pneumonia, infants and small childrenmay have bluish fingernails, toenails, lips and mouth.

Don’t Miss: How Do You Get Rid Of Bacterial Pneumonia

Treatment For Shoulder Pain From Lung Cancer

If your doctor thinks lung cancer may be causing your shoulder pain, they will begin the screening process by ordering imaging tests.

Theyll use a screening procedure such as a CT scan or a positron emission tomography scan to get an internal image of your lungs. This gives a clearer picture of any potentially cancerous growths.

If they still suspect lung cancer following your screening, they may ask to take a small piece of tissue from the lungs to examine it closely for cancer cells. This is called a biopsy.

Doctors can perform lung biopsies in two different ways. They may pass a needle through the skin to your lungs and remove a small amount of tissue. This is called a needle biopsy.

Alternatively, your doctor may use bronchoscopy to perform the biopsy. In this case, your doctor inserts a small tube with an attached light through your nose or mouth and into your lungs to remove a small tissue sample.

If they find cancer cells, your doctor may conduct a genetic test. This can help determine what type of lung cancer you have and possibly identify underlying causes, such as genetic mutations.

If you have lung cancer, your doctor may use a variety of treatments based on your specific circumstances, including:

  • surgery
  • targeted drugs
  • immunotherapy

Doctors will often use more than one method to treat lung cancer. For example, they might prescribe chemotherapy or radiation to shrink a tumor before surgery.

Is Your Chest Pain A Sign Of A Heart Attack Or Something Else

Heart Health, Medical Tips

Chest pain is frightening and must be taken seriously. So know this: If you are having severe discomfort in the chestespecially if the chest pain is radiating to your neck, jaw or armsand its accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness and sweating, call 911 immediately. Some people may not have chest pain at all during a heart attack, but they may have the other symptoms listed. In that case, its still best to call 911.

But sometimes chest pain isnt a heart attack. It might have a different cardiac cause or be totally unrelated to your heart. Here are three clues that its not a heart attack:

  • Pinpointed chest pain. If a sharp pain seems to be coming from a very specific location, its probably not heart pain. The pain associated with a heart attack is generally dull and diffusely located in the chest.
  • Chestpain that shows up in different areas. For example: One day your chest pain is on the right side of your chest, and the next day its on the left side of your chest. Heart pain can radiate into the arms, jaw and between the shoulder blades, but it rarely moves from place to place on different days.
  • Chestpain that gets worse when you take a breath. This could be anything from pericarditis to a cracked rib.
  • If you are experiencing chest pain like this, call your doctor to make an appointment.

    Chest pain that isnt a heart attack can be heart-related or not .

    Read Also: How Often Should Seniors Get Pneumonia Shots

    How Do You Feel When You Have Pleurisy

    The most common symptom of pleurisy is a sharp chest pain when breathing deeply. Sometimes the pain is also felt in the shoulder. The pain may be worse when you cough, sneeze or move around, and it may be relieved by taking shallow breaths. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath and a dry cough.

    Acute Pain Under The Left Shoulder Blade

    Shoulder Blade Pain Location Left Right Under Between ...

    It may signal an attack of angina pectoris, which starts from the chest zone and manifests itself in spilling pains reflected in the left side. The pain in angina pectoris is characterized as sharp, squeezing, compressive, the symptom may subside at rest and after taking certain drugs – validol, nitroglycerin, other drugs that activate the coronary blood supply. In addition, acute pain under the left shoulder blade can be caused by left-sided protrusion of the intervertebral disk, the symptom is aggravated by movement, change of body position, that is, when the position of the spine or ribs changes. The most dangerous is severe, acute pain in this zone, caused by perforation of the cardial region of the stomach during peptic ulcer disease. This condition is accompanied by a drop in blood pressure, pulse , and perspiration. The pain is so acute that it is called dagger, most often it begins in the epigastric zone and gives to the left or right, depending on where the perforation occurs. Also for a YABZH in an aggravation stage the typical pose of the patient is characteristic – the drawn-in legs, the hands covering a stomach. Irradiation to the left, under the scapula, is characteristic of atypical perforation, when the ulcerative process is localized in the posterior part of the duodenal wall or in the cardiac zone of the stomach.

    Recommended Reading: Pneumonia Vaccine For Adults Over 50

    Popular Articles
    Related news