That searing, hot feeling in your shoulder isn’t just uncomfortable—burning shoulder pain can really limit what you’re able to do. It can make everyday tasks, like reaching for something on a high shelf or even just sleeping comfortably, a real challenge.
The causes behind that burning sensation can vary quite a bit. It could be something relatively minor, like a muscle strain from overdoing it at the gym. But it could also signal something more serious, like tendonitis, bursitis, a pinched nerve, or even a rotator cuff injury. Sometimes, you might even experience tingling or numbness along with the burning, which can point to a range of issues, from minor injuries to underlying medical conditions.
Because the causes can be so diverse, it’s really important to get it checked out by a doctor if you’re experiencing persistent or severe burning shoulder pain. The sooner you can identify the problem, the sooner you can start treatment and get back to feeling like yourself again.
Common causes of burning shoulder pain
Burning shoulder pain can stem from a variety of issues, often related to the musculoskeletal system or nerve-related conditions.
Musculoskeletal issues
Repetitive movements or sudden injuries can lead to muscle strain and that burning sensation in your shoulder. You might also experience some numbness. Here are a few other musculoskeletal issues that can cause burning shoulder pain:
- Tendonitis and bursitis. Tendons are the thick cords that attach muscle to bone. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints. When either becomes inflamed, it can cause pain.
- Rotator cuff injuries. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround your shoulder joint. Tears or inflammation in these tendons can cause burning pain and even tingling in the shoulder. Sometimes, rotator cuff injuries require surgical repair.
Nerve-related conditions
Sometimes, that burning sensation is related to the nerves in your shoulder or neck. Here are a few of the nerve-related conditions that can cause burning shoulder pain:
- Nerve compression. Nerves can become compressed in the shoulder or neck, leading to that burning pain.
- Brachial plexopathy. This condition affects the network of nerves (the brachial plexus) that sends signals from your spinal cord to your shoulder, arm, and hand. It can cause shoulder pain and numbness.
- Pinched nerve. A pinched nerve can cause tingling or burning, along with shoulder pain and numbness.
Other potential causes and contributing factors
Burning shoulder pain doesn’t always stem from a rotator cuff injury or frozen shoulder. Here are some other possible culprits:
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can both cause inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint. Arthritis can damage the cartilage, bone, and soft tissues around the shoulder, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Referred pain
Shoulder pain, including a burning sensation, can sometimes be a symptom of a problem elsewhere in the body. For instance, shoulder pain can be a sign of a heart attack. If you suspect you’re having a heart attack, seek immediate medical attention. Other sources of referred pain could include problems in the neck or upper back.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body. The pain can sometimes be felt in the shoulders.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome primarily affects the hand and wrist, but in some cases, it can cause pain and numbness that radiates up the arm and into the shoulder.
What does burning shoulder pain feel like?
Burning shoulder pain can vary in location and intensity. The sensation may feel like a hot, searing, or prickling ache deep within the shoulder joint or surrounding muscles. It may be constant or intermittent, and it can range from mild to excruciating.
Sometimes, the pain spreads to other areas, such as the neck, arm, or even the hand. Radiating pain should always prompt immediate medical attention.
Other symptoms that might come with burning shoulder pain include:
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Tingling or numbness in the arm or hand
- Weakness in the arm or hand
Make sure you tell your doctor about all of your symptoms. This can help them figure out what’s going on.
Diagnosis and When to Seek Medical Attention
Burning shoulder pain needs a thorough medical evaluation to figure out what’s causing it. A comprehensive approach is essential for managing pain, and that often means a personalized treatment plan.
Your doctor may want to perform these diagnostic tests:
- Physical examination
- Imaging studies (X-rays, MRI)
- Nerve conduction studies
You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience:
- Severe or ongoing pain
- Numbness or weakness in your arm or hand
- Signs of a heart attack or stroke
Treatment Options for Burning Shoulder Pain
There are many ways to treat burning shoulder pain. Usually, doctors start with conservative treatments and then move on to medical interventions if those don’t work.
Conservative Treatments
- Rest and Activity Modification: Resting your shoulder and avoiding activities that aggravate the pain is often the first thing doctors recommend.
- Ice and Heat Therapy: Try using ice packs for 15 to 20 minutes at a time to reduce inflammation. You can also use heat to relax the muscles.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help you strengthen the muscles in your shoulder and improve your range of motion.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen) and acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation. In some cases, doctors may also prescribe muscle relaxants.
Medical Interventions
If conservative treatments aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend medical interventions such as:
- Corticosteroid Injections: These injections can reduce inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint.
- Other Injections: Alternative options include viscosupplementation and ultrasound-guided injections.
- Surgery: In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include rotator cuff repair, shoulder replacement, and arthroscopy.
Lifestyle changes and prevention
In many cases, you can prevent shoulder pain from becoming a chronic problem by making a few simple lifestyle changes:
- Good posture: Be mindful of your posture while sitting, standing, and walking.
- Regular exercise: Staying active can improve strength and flexibility.
- Ergonomics: Use ergonomic furniture and equipment to reduce strain.
- Breaks: Take frequent breaks during long periods of activity.
- Warm-up: Warm up before exercise.
Key Takeaways
Burning shoulder pain can have many causes, and finding the right treatment starts with understanding the symptoms and potential causes. Don’t try to tough it out if the pain is intense or doesn’t go away.
Seeing a shoulder pain specialist is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Only a qualified provider can determine the root cause of your pain and suggest the best course of action.
Take proactive steps to protect your shoulder health and overall well-being. With the right care, you can reduce your risk of shoulder pain and enjoy a more active, pain-free life.