General Fitness & Nutrition: Shoulder Cardio pain?

Hi,

Just to let you know. Cardivascular pain is unsually felt in the left shoulder/arm, but can be felt in the right side. If you have a family history of CHD I would suggest you go to you GP and have a chat. Particulerly if you have any other the other risk factors: Smoker, Over weight, raised blood pressure, raised cholesterol.

Best to get the all clear before putting yourself at risk! Good luck, hope its just related to your breathing technique.

M

First off, please see your doctor for better advice.

So, I've actually had this pain in the exact same area and its very interesting to hear someone else has the same issue. It's only in the right shoulder, almost like its cramping up (not getting good blood flow) during the run, and its recurring. When I run and that pain occurs, I usually try to shake/stretch that arm/shoulder mid-run. It sometimes goes away, but when it doesn't I will just run through it.

FYI, I'm 30, in shape, and have been running for about a year (~20 miles/week). I generally run and lift-weights five days a week.

Maybe that pain is a byproduct of weight-training? In general, the shoulder is the most complex joint in the human body. Theres a lot going on in that area.

I think it might be that you are pushing it a little bit too much. I've experienced the very same thing, and I've noticed that it almost always happens when I am not in peak performance shape and when I am going faster than I should be going during a particular workout (or occasionally race).

I honestly don't think its any kind of problem issue, but if it starts to really bother you more often or more painfully, then perhaps speaking with a doctor is the right thing to do.

good luck 

As a runner I have experienced the same thing (particularly when pushing it up hills) and as a chiropractor,  have an understanding of WHY it is happening. 

 You have a fantastic muscle called a diaphragm that is your main breathing muscle.  It is the reason that your belly seems to expand when you take a good deep breath (diaphragmatic breathing).  Now, for when you need to use every last bit of capacity in your lungs, there are "accessory breathing muscles".  These guys come out to help also lift your chest and make more air space.

 The trouble is, we often don't breath properly, and as runners, this can carry over to our running.  Most likely you are simply breathing incorrectly compounded by a postural imbalance.  You are over-stressing these muscles, so they are letting you know with spasms.  Work on breathing through with your diaghragm, then carry this into your running.  Run with your shoulders relaxed (not up around your ears, as many of us do!) and your spine properly aligned.  When I feel this problem come up, I know it is time to refocus on my technique and get myself adjusted!

 Hope that helps!

Thanks Dr. Pip!  I'm glad to know I wasn't crazy -- that my body was actually telling me something to related to my breathing. 

I have been focusing a lot lately on my running posture, but not much on my breathing.  Any hints on diaghragm breathing?  This is a new idea to me, but evidently something I should be aware of.

Also interesting as I look back -- I had just run a decent sized hill prior to the shoulder pain.  It all makes sense. 

Halfacoke

I actually get this sometimes when I run as well, but I often get it in both shoulders... if it's really bad it even radiates down as far as my lower arms/hands.

My personal opinion (not a doctor) is that the constant repetitive swinging motion of the arms exerts a lot of pressure on the various nerves and arteries that run through your brachial plexus, a very small path right in front of your shoulder (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachial_plexus). This might be exacerbated if your hold your arms further back while running. I feel like this tingling/shooting pain is the same I get if I wear a really heavy backpack for long periods of time.

However, it seems to clear up as soon as I stretch out my shoulders or loosen up and bring my arms forward. You can even do this while running by pointing your hand towards the air and rotating your arm until you feel your shoulder start to loosen up..... although this may make you look like a jackass running with your arm in the air, it seems to do the trick for me.