Q. What is the connection between gas and shoulder pain?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Gas can cause shoulder pain through a process known as referred pain. Referred pain occurs when pain originating from one area of the body is perceived in another area due to shared nerve pathways and connections in the nervous system.
In the case of gas causing shoulder pain, the nerves that innervate the diaphragm, a muscle located between the chest and abdominal cavity, also have connections with the nerves in the shoulder area. When gas accumulates in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the colon, it can lead to distension and irritation of the surrounding tissues, including the diaphragm. This irritation can then be perceived as pain that radiates to the shoulder region, due to the shared nerve pathways.
Additionally, the phrenic nerve, which originates from the cervical spine (neck) and travels through the chest and diaphragm, provides sensation to the diaphragm as well as the shoulder region. This nerve's involvement can contribute to the sensation of shoulder pain when there is irritation or distension in the diaphragm caused by gas.
It's important to note that while gas-related shoulder pain is typically mild and temporary, persistent or severe shoulder pain should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out other potential causes.
How to distinguish gas-related shoulder pain from other causes:
- Location and intensity: Gas-related shoulder pain is usually felt in the upper right shoulder or between the shoulder blades. It's often described as a dull ache or pressure, rather than a sharp or stabbing pain.
- Accompanying symptoms: Gas pain is often accompanied by bloating, indigestion, belching, or flatulence.
- Onset and duration: Gas-related shoulder pain typically comes on gradually after eating or drinking certain foods or beverages, and subsides within a few hours as the gas passes.
- Movement: Shoulder pain caused by gas usually doesn't worsen significantly with movement, unlike pain from a muscle strain or rotator cuff injury.
However, if you experience any of the following alongside shoulder pain, it's crucial to seek medical attention:
- Sudden or severe pain
- Pain that worsens with movement or restricts movement
- Fever or chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain radiating down the arm or into the chest (especially if accompanied by shortness of breath or sweating)
By considering these additional factors, you can get a better idea of whether your shoulder pain is likely related to gas or might require further evaluation by a healthcare professional.