Neck pain or shoulder pain during pregnancy is usually known as referred pain, one that originates from some other parts of the body and not where you feel it. Such pain can be caused by various reasons, including increased pregnancy weight, hormonal and physiological changes, and incorrect posture. The piercing pain can cause discomfort and also affect your daily activities. Read on to learn more about shoulder pain, including its causes, treatment, and preventative measures.
What Are The Causes Of Shoulder Pain During Pregnancy?
Shoulder pain could be due to a problem in the shoulder region (such as shoulder-joint pain). Or it could be a symptom of an underlying condition or injury to another part of the body. Some of the possible causes of shoulder pain are: The pain originates in the abdomen and may radiate to the tip of the shoulder (1); this is associated with internal bleeding (2). Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical attention (3).
Sometimes, shoulder pain could be due to ulcers or digestion problems (such as bloating, constipation and flatulence, or ulcers).
Mental strain, migraines, and tension headaches may result in stiffness and tension in the body, causing pain that might originate in the upper back and move towards the shoulders.
In rare cases, right shoulder pain may be due to laparoscopy done for an ovarian cyst or any other gynecological procedure (8).
Read on to know more about the symptoms of shoulder pain.
Symptoms Of Shoulder Pain During Pregnancy
Shoulder pain itself is a symptom of certain ailments and might occur in conjunction with other symptoms.
A dull pain like a sprain develops with muscle stiffness, or with changes in sleeping posture or hormonal changes.
Pain radiating to the cervical region, associated with a burning sensation in the eyes, develops with fatigue and tension.
A sore shoulder in the first trimester could be associated with nausea, vomiting, fainting, migraine, and low blood pressure writes Denise Tiran in the book Reflexology in Pregnancy and Childbirth.
Any of these symptoms might be a cause for concern, and it is good to discuss them with your doctor.
How To Deal With Shoulder Pain During Pregnancy?
Since the use of painkillers is not advisable for pregnant women, here are a few natural ways you may try to manage shoulder pain (9). If the shoulder pain persists despite the above remedies, it could indicate an underlying condition that needs medical care and treatment.
Treatment Options For Shoulder Pain When Pregnant
The treatment includes medications that are likely to relieve the pain and treat the underlying cause.
Anti-inflammatory ointments and sprays might alleviate pain and inflammation.
If the pain is due to ectopic pregnancy, the treatment depends upon the health of the mother and may include surgical intervention.
In the case of gallstones, a bland diet and medications could be recommended for managing the condition.
You may also prevent the pain in the shoulder with a few homecare tips.
How To Prevent Shoulder Pain During Pregnancy?
Here is how you could avoid shoulder ache when pregnant.
Sleep properly with pillows propped up to prevent tension build-up in the shoulder area.
Eat well to avoid gastric issues that could cause shoulder pain.
Maintain proper postures when standing, sitting, walking, and sleeping to prevent shoulder pain.
Indulge in safe sex since STDs may result in scarring the reproductive region, leading to ectopic or tubal pregnancy.
Quit smoking to minimize the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Change the mattress if that is the cause of your pain.
Next, know the answers to a few commonly asked questions about pregnancy shoulder pain.
