9 Causes of Shoulder Pain in Females

Shoulder pain is a common problem in women. Whether it’s a dull ache, sharp pain, or stiffness, it can affect your daily activities. Some women feel it on one side, right shoulder pain in women or left shoulder pain in women. Others may experience sudden shoulder pain without injury or pain that gets worse at night.

In this blog, we will clearly explain the causes of shoulder pain in females, how it affects women, treatments, and home remedies. We’ll also cover nighttime pain, statistics, and common questions.

What Is Shoulder Pain in Females?

Shoulder pain in females refers to any discomfort, stiffness, or ache in the shoulder joint or surrounding muscles. It may start suddenly or build up over time. Sometimes there’s no obvious injury, which can be confusing. It may also wake you up at night or hurt when lifting your arm.

• 18.6% of women have shoulder pain at any given time.
• Frozen shoulder affects women more than men (70–75%).

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain in Females

1. Rotator Cuff Problems

Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help lift and rotate your arm. In women, these tendons may get inflamed (tendonitis) or torn due to ageing or overuse.

• Symptoms: Pain when lifting the arm, weakness, and pain at night.
• Right or Left Side: Can affect either.
• Treatment: Rest, ice, physical therapy, sometimes injections.

2. Bursitis

A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction. If it becomes inflamed, it causes bursitis.

• Symptoms: Swelling, pain when lying on that side, limited motion.
• Night Pain: Gets worse while sleeping.
• Treatment: Ice, anti-inflammatory medicine, and exercises.

3. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

This is a condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful over time. Women aged 40–60 are more likely to get it.

• Cause: May follow injury or happen without reason.
• Symptoms: Difficulty moving the shoulder, pain at night.
• Treatment: Exercises, physical therapy, sometimes injections.

4. Calcific Tendonitis

Calcium deposits can build up in the tendons, especially in women over 30.

• Symptoms: Sudden shoulder pain without injury, very painful to move the arm.
• Treatment: Ice, rest, medicine, and therapy.

5. Shoulder Impingement

This happens when tendons get squeezed in the shoulder joint.

• Symptoms: Pain when lifting the arm, worse at night.
• Treatment: Exercises, posture changes, therapy.

6. Arthritis

Arthritis causes joint pain and stiffness. It often affects older women.

• Symptoms: Pain, cracking sound, swelling.
• Night Pain: Common with arthritis.
• Treatment: Pain medicine, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

7. Nerve Problems (Cervical Radiculopathy)

Pain in your shoulder might come from your neck.

• Cause: Pinched nerve in the neck.
• Symptoms: Tingling, numbness, and pain going down the arm.
• Treatment: Neck stretches, posture care, therapy.

8. Parsonage-Turner Syndrome

This is a rare nerve problem that causes sudden shoulder pain without injury.

• Symptoms: Sharp pain, then weakness in the arm.
• Treatment: Pain management and physiotherapy.

9. Heart or Lung Issues

Sometimes, left shoulder pain in women is a warning sign.

• Example: Heart problems or lung infections.
• When to worry: Pain with chest tightness or shortness of breath.
• Action: Get emergency care.

Causes of Shoulder Pain in Female at Night

Many women say that shoulder pain feels worse at night. This is common and happens for a few clear reasons.

• Why does it hurt more at night? When you lie down, especially on the sore shoulder, it puts extra pressure on already inflamed tissues like tendons or muscles. This increases the pain. Your body is also more still during sleep, which can make stiffness worse.
• Common causes of night pain: Conditions like frozen shoulder, bursitis, and tendonitis tend to worsen at night. These involve inflammation and tightness, which feel more painful when resting or lying on your side.
• Tips for better sleep: Try sleeping on your back with a pillow under your arm for support. If you sleep on your side, choose the side that doesn’t hurt. Use a soft pillow to keep your shoulder in a comfortable position. A warm pack before bed may also relax the muscles and reduce pain.

Sudden pain without injury often comes from calcium deposits or nerve issues.

Treatment for Shoulder Pain in Female

1. Rest and Posture

• Avoid lifting heavy objects.
• Keep your back and neck straight while sitting.

2. Medicines

• Pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help.
• Anti-inflammatory creams also work for mild pain.

3. Physical Therapy

• Helps regain movement and reduce stiffness.
• Strengthens shoulder muscles.

4. Steroid Injections

• Reduce inflammation quickly.
• Used for bursitis or arthritis pain.

5. Surgery

• Rarely needed.
• Done if pain does not improve after other treatments.

Home Remedies for Shoulder Pain in Females

Ice Pack

Applying a cold pack for 15 to 20 minutes can help reduce swelling and numb the pain, especially if your shoulder hurts after an activity.

Heat Pack

A warm pack helps to relax tight muscles and relieve stiffness. Use it before gentle exercises or when your shoulder feels tense.

Gentle Exercises

• Pendulum swings: Lean forward, let your arm hang down, and gently swing it in circles. This keeps the shoulder moving without stress.
• Wall crawl: Stand near a wall and slowly walk your fingers upward on the wall. This stretches your shoulder gently.

Improve Posture

Sitting or standing straight reduces extra pressure on your shoulders. Avoid slouching and do not sleep on your stomach, as it can twist your shoulder awkwardly.

Use Support

While sleeping, use a pillow under your sore shoulder or hug a pillow to keep your arm supported and reduce pressure.

Conclusion

Shoulder pain in females is a common issue that affects daily life. It may occur on the right or left side, appear suddenly, or hurt more at night. Conditions like tendonitis, bursitis, frozen shoulder, or arthritis are frequent causes.

Simple home remedies like ice, heat, posture care, and exercises help in most cases. Always consult a doctor if the pain is severe, constant, or comes with chest problems.

By understanding the causes of shoulder pain in females, you can manage it better and get back to your daily routine safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

+ What are the causes of shoulder pain in female?

Conditions like tendonitis, frozen shoulder, arthritis, nerve problems, or referred pain can cause shoulder pain in women.

+ Why do women get shoulder pain more than men?

Hormonal changes, menopause, and joint issues make women more likely to have shoulder pain.

+ What causes right shoulder pain in women?

Rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, and gallbladder problems can cause right-side shoulder pain in women.

+ What causes left shoulder pain in women?

It may be due to muscle strain or heart/lung issues. Always check if pain comes with chest discomfort.

+ Why sudden shoulder pain without injury?

It could be calcific tendonitis or nerve-related pain. This needs medical attention if severe.

+ What are the causes of shoulder pain in female at night?

Pain may worsen due to inflammation or pressure while sleeping. Common issues include bursitis and frozen shoulder.