How to Treat a Burning Sensation in Your Shoulder

To treat a burning shoulder, rest, apply ice, take anti-inflammatories, do gentle stretches, and see a physical therapist for proper diagnosis and care.

Introduction

A burning sensation in the shoulder can be distressing. Understanding the potential causes and treatments can help alleviate discomfort.

Key Takeaways

Common Causes: Burning shoulder sensations can arise from nerve compression, tendonitis, bursitis, brachial neuritis, shoulder impingement, or cervical spondylosis.
Diagnosis: Seek professional evaluation through physical exams, imaging tests, and nerve conduction studies to pinpoint the underlying cause.
Treatment Options: Effective treatments include rest, physical therapy, medications (NSAIDs or corticosteroids), heat and cold therapy, and, in severe cases, nerve blocks or surgery.
Prevention: Strengthen shoulder muscles, practice good posture, limit overhead activities, and warm up before physical activities to reduce the risk of shoulder pain.
When to Seek Help: Consult a healthcare provider if burning sensations are accompanied by severe pain, weakness, or persist despite home treatments.
Personalized Care: For tailored treatment options, consider scheduling an evaluation at Manhattan Physical Therapy.

What Causes a Burning Sensation in the Shoulder?

A burning sensation in the shoulder often results from nerve irritation, muscle overuse, or inflammation. Common causes include:

Nerve Compression

When nerves in the neck or shoulder are compressed or irritated, it can lead to burning pain radiating down the arm. This condition, known as radiculopathy, may result from herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).

Tendonitis or Bursitis

Overuse of shoulder muscles can lead to inflammation in the tendons (tendonitis) or bursae (bursitis), causing a burning sensation. Tendonitis, especially in the rotator cuff, is common among athletes and those engaging in repetitive overhead activities.

Brachial Neuritis

This rare condition involves inflammation of the brachial plexus, a network of nerves running from the spine through the shoulder. It results in severe burning pain and weakness in the shoulder and arm.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

When the rotator cuff tendons are pinched or irritated under the shoulder blade, it causes inflammation and burning pain. This condition is common among individuals who perform repetitive shoulder movements, such as athletes or manual laborers.

Cervical Spondylosis

As neck discs degenerate with age, they can exert pressure on nerves, leading to referred burning pain in the shoulder. This is particularly common in individuals over 50.

How to Diagnose the Cause of Burning Shoulder Pain

To determine the exact cause of a burning sensation in your shoulder, seek professional help. Medical professionals may use:

Physical Examination: A doctor will assess your shoulder's range of motion and check for tenderness, swelling, or muscle weakness.
Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans can help visualize underlying structures to check for herniated discs, bone spurs, or soft tissue injuries.
Nerve Conduction Studies: These tests evaluate nerve function and detect any compression or damage.

Treatment Options for Burning Sensation in the Shoulder

Once the cause is identified, the treatment plan will focus on reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and improving function.

Rest and Activity Modification

For many overuse injuries, such as tendonitis or bursitis, resting the shoulder and avoiding repetitive movements are crucial. Reducing activities that aggravate the shoulder can prevent the worsening of the condition.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can guide you through specific exercises to strengthen shoulder muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture. Common exercises include:

Stretching: Helps alleviate stiffness and increases range of motion.
Strengthening Exercises: Focus on stabilizing muscles around the shoulder to reduce the risk of tendonitis and impingement.
Posture Correction: Exercises that target proper alignment of the neck and shoulders can relieve nerve compression.

Medications

Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen help reduce inflammation and pain.

Corticosteroid Injections: For persistent pain, a corticosteroid injection may alleviate inflammation, especially in cases of bursitis or tendonitis.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Ice Packs: Applying ice to the shoulder can reduce swelling and numb pain, especially effective within the first 48 hours after symptoms start.
Heat Therapy: Using a heating pad or warm compress can relax tight muscles and improve blood flow to the area, promoting healing.

Nerve Block or Surgery

In severe cases of nerve compression, a doctor may suggest a nerve block for immediate pain relief. If conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery might be necessary to decompress nerves, repair torn tendons, or remove bone spurs.

Postural Adjustments

Improving posture can effectively prevent shoulder pain. If poor posture contributes to nerve irritation or muscle strain, ergonomic changes—such as adjusting your workstation or using supportive cushions—can reduce shoulder strain.

Preventing Shoulder Burning Sensation

Preventing the recurrence of a shoulder burning sensation is essential for maintaining shoulder health. One effective way to do this is by regularly strengthening the shoulder muscles. Exercises targeting the rotator cuff and scapular muscles can provide the stability needed to protect the shoulder joint and tendons.

In addition, practicing good posture plays a crucial role in preventing nerve compression and reducing strain on the shoulder muscles. Maintaining an upright posture, particularly during desk work, helps to avoid slouching, which can exacerbate discomfort.

It's also important to limit repetitive overhead movements, as these can lead to conditions such as tendonitis or impingement syndrome. Taking frequent breaks and performing stretching exercises can alleviate strain.

Finally, warming up properly before engaging in physical activity is a must. Stretching and performing gentle movements can help prepare the shoulder for the demands of exercise, reducing the risk of injury.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If the burning sensation is accompanied by severe pain, weakness, or numbness, or if it persists despite rest and home treatments, consult a healthcare provider. These could be signs of a more serious condition, such as a nerve injury or rotator cuff tear, requiring more aggressive intervention.

Conclusion

A burning sensation in the shoulder can stem from various factors, including nerve irritation, muscle overuse, or inflammation. While many cases can be treated with rest, physical therapy, and medications, severe or persistent pain may necessitate further evaluation. By identifying the root cause and following appropriate treatment, you can relieve pain and restore full shoulder function.

If you're experiencing ongoing shoulder pain, consider scheduling an evaluation at Manhattan Physical Therapy for personalized treatment options tailored to your needs.