Pain in the left shoulder
Pain in the left shoulder doesn’t exactly sound like an IBS symptom, but the fact is, it’s not uncommon to experience shoulder pain when dealing with IBS. So, how is the shoulder connected to the stomach? Let’s explain.
The Diaphragm Can Cause Shoulder Pain
The diaphragm muscle sits like a lid just below the ribs and has reference points in the shoulder area. When the intestines expand, meaning they increase in volume, signals are sent to the shoulder area. The same thing happens when you go for a run and get a stitch, which can be felt in the neck and shoulder area. By breathing correctly, deeply into your abdomen, the diaphragm can loosen up and adapt when the intestines need more space.
Upper body sensations
The vagus nerve runs from the gut to the brain, branching into the chest along the way. When the large intestine starts acting up, it sends signals to the brain. Sometimes, these signals from the gut can trigger other signals along the way. The brain might interpret them as coming from elsewhere, causing sensations in the areas that were triggered. Symptoms like chest pressure, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeats, panic attacks, shoulder pain radiating down the arm, and anxiety can arise when the intestines are unsettled.
It’s essential to consult a doctor to rule out heart problems. However, if you’ve already done that and the symptoms persist, it’s highly likely that your gut is the culprit. Simply knowing that the heart isn’t the issue can sometimes help calm the system.
Through the treatment in our app, most users experience a reduction in symptoms.
Sofia Antonsson
Reg. Dietitian, Belly Balance
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