A patient came to the clinic with persistent upper shoulder pain, especially around the right side near the scapula. They were surprised to learn that their pain wasn’t just due to muscle strain but was actually connected to internal issues involving the heart and colon. Let’s explore how these organs can affect shoulder pain and what we can do to treat it.
1. Symptom: Upper Right Shoulder Pain
The patient complained of chronic pain in the upper right shoulder, particularly near the scapula (shoulder blade). The pain was sharp at times and worsened with movement or after meals. They had tried stretches and massages, but nothing seemed to provide lasting relief.
2. Cause: Heart and Colon Issues
The patient’s upper shoulder pain was linked to heart function and colon health, specifically issues with blood circulation and gas buildup in the digestive system.
- Heart Function: The right shoulder is connected to the nervous system that links to the heart. When the heart’s function is compromised, particularly if there are issues with blood flow, it can send pain signals to the upper right shoulder. Poor cardiac circulation can lead to tension and discomfort in the muscles around the shoulder blade.
- Colon Gas: Additionally, gas buildup in the transverse colon can cause pressure on nearby organs and nerves, leading to referred pain in the upper shoulder. The gas creates pressure in the upper abdomen, which then radiates upward toward the shoulder.
3. Treatment Principles: Improving Circulation and Reducing Gas
To address the patient’s shoulder pain, the treatment focused on improving heart function to enhance circulation and reducing gas buildup in the colon.
- Improving Circulation: Acupuncture was used to stimulate blood flow in the heart and reduce the strain on the muscles and nerves connected to the shoulder. This helped to alleviate the tension in the upper back and shoulder area.
- Reducing Gas Pressure: By addressing the digestive imbalance, acupuncture also helped reduce gas buildup in the colon, relieving the pressure that was contributing to the shoulder pain.
4. Treatment Methods: Acupuncture and Lifestyle Adjustments
The patient’s treatment combined acupuncture with lifestyle changes to improve both circulation and digestive health:
- Acupuncture: Needles were placed along the shoulder, upper back, and abdomen to relieve tension and stimulate blood flow. Points near the heart meridian were targeted to improve circulation, while abdominal points helped reduce gas buildup and relieve pressure on the colon.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: The patient was advised to make lifestyle changes to support heart health and digestion. These included light cardiovascular exercises to improve circulation and dietary adjustments to reduce foods that cause excessive gas, such as carbonated drinks and fatty meals.
- Stretching and Movement: Gentle stretching exercises for the upper back and shoulders were also recommended to help release muscle tension and improve flexibility in the affected area.
Conclusion: Shoulder Pain Can Be More Than Muscle Strain
This case shows that upper shoulder pain can sometimes be caused by issues related to the heart and digestive system. By addressing these underlying causes, the patient was able to find lasting relief from their pain.
If you’re dealing with chronic shoulder pain, it might be worth exploring whether your heart or colon health is contributing to the issue. Treating the root cause can help you find more effective relief and improve your overall well-being.
