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July 28, 2022
Can Shoulder Pain Cause Headaches?
Your shoulder is your most mobile joint. Therefore, having shoulder pain not only makes it difficult to carry out everyday activities such as driving but also diminishes your quality of life. Many persons can attest to this. In fact, 18 to 26% of adults will complain about shoulder pain in any given year.
Unfortunately, for some people, it doesn’t stop there. Your discomfort may be further compounded by debilitating headaches. Why does this happen? Let us explain. At World Frozen Shoulder Clinic we specialize in finding relief for shoulder conditions such as Frozen Shoulder, Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, Bursitis and Rotator Cuff Tendonitis. In this article, we discuss the connection between shoulder pain and headaches, as well as what shoulder treatments to consider.
Why Does Shoulder Pain Cause Headaches?
The shoulder is made up of three primary bones- the collarbone (clavicle), shoulder blade (scapula) and the long arm bone (humerus). So how does pain in your shoulder lead to headaches? This is because the shoulder and the neck share the same muscles. Their ligaments and muscles, particularly the levator scapulae and the trapezius, also attach to the neck bones (cervical spine) and/or base of the skull. If the tissues are stressed then this could lead to neck pain and headaches.
The upper section of your trapezius muscle connects your shoulders to your neck and it allows you to shrug your shoulders, raise your shoulder blades and helps you to raise your arms. However, when it suffers an injury, it leaves the levator scapulae vulnerable, because it then must do the work of both muscles. Poor posture and strenuous activities will affect the levator scapulae which are connected to deep neck-stabilizing muscles. When the neck is unable to stabilize, you may end up with headaches.
How Can You Treat Shoulder Pain?
Rest, ice, over-the-counter medication and other at-home methods may help some people find relief. For instance, improving posture and replacing furniture with ergonomically sound ones may help. If you have an office job, try adjusting your chair and/or monitor placement to ensure you’re sitting upright and not slouching or hunching over the keyboard.
In addition, consider setting up reminders to make sure you take hourly breaks and walk around. It will give your body and your mind a break from the strain.
What if stress is the reason for the tension in your shoulder and headaches? You can then consider stress relief tactics such as meditation, yoga, calming herbal teas and a healthy diet.
The upper section of your trapezius muscle connects your shoulders to your neck and it allows you to shrug your shoulders, raise your shoulder blades and helps you to raise your arms. However, when it suffers an injury, it leaves the levator scapulae vulnerable, because it then must do the work of both muscles. Poor posture and strenuous activities will affect the levator scapulae which are connected to deep neck-stabilizing muscles. When the neck is unable to stabilize, you may end up with headaches.
What About Shoulder Treatments?
If the pain persists for up to a week of at-home care then you need to see a medical professional. They will do an assessment to determine the cause of your shoulder pain and headache.
If you have been diagnosed with Frozen Shoulder, you may be a candidate for the Manual Capsular Dissection (MCD) procedure – World Frozen Shoulder Clinic’s revolutionary non-surgical treatment to provide quick and lasting relief. We can also develop a course of treatment for all other shoulder conditions, including Frozen Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, Bursitis, and Rotator Cuff Tendonitis. You’ll find that the headaches will be alleviated once you’re on the road to recovery from shoulder pain.
Shoulder Treatments Available at World Frozen Shoulder Clinic
If you suspect that there’s a link between your shoulder pain and headaches you may speak with the frozen shoulder specialists at World Frozen Shoulder Clinic. In addition to our Manual Capsular Dissection (MCD) procedure, we offer the Shoulder Impingement Syndrome procedure which relieves the most excruciating shoulder pain. Request a free consultation today.
Categorised in: Blog - World Frozen Shoulder Clinic