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Why does gas cause shoulder pain?
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Digestive Health
Question #12358
46 days ago
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Why does gas cause shoulder pain? - #12358

Reet

I am feeling really confused and kinda worried here because I’ve been dealing with this weird pain in my shoulder that just won’t go away. I mean, I thought shoulder pain was all about injuries or maybe bad posture, but then I started noticing that this pain seems to flare up after I eat certain things. I was chatting with a friend, and they mentioned gas – like, why does gas cause shoulder pain?! It sounds so strange, right? Like who ever heard of gas causing shoulder pain? Anyway, I mostly have a pretty normal diet, but there’s been this one dish I eat a lot that has beans, and let me tell ya, the gas it generates is no joke! I also get bloating sometimes! Like, is it possible that all that gas buildup in my stomach is somehow affecting my shoulder? I mean, how can this be connected? I tried googling why does gas cause shoulder pain and I got a bunch of conflicting info, some said it could be referred pain or something? But like, can that really happen? I currently feel frustrated trying to figure this out. What should I do next? Am I overreacting, or is there really something to look into here? Would love some help from a doc!

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Doctors’ responses

Referred pain is indeed a real phenomenon and can help explain why you’re experiencing shoulder discomfort due to gas or digestive issues. This occurs when pain originating in one part of your body is perceived in another, often due to shared nerve pathways. In your case, excess gas or bloating can irritate the diaphragm—the muscle that separates your chest from your abdominal cavity. The phrenic nerve, innervating your diaphragm, also carries sensory fibers to the shoulder, which may cause your brain to interpret the pain as originating there, not in the abdomen. Additionally, excessive gas or bloating can put pressure on other abdominal organs, leading to discomfort that can be misinterpreted as being from a different location, such as the shoulder. Your description suggests that diet, particularly foods that promote gas like beans, might exacerbate this condition. Reducing intake of such foods might alleviate the symptoms. However, if shoulder pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, fever, or severe abdominal pain, it’s wise to seek medical evaluation. This could indicate an underlying condition, like gallbladder disease or liver-related issues, that a healthcare professional should assess. When self-managing, consider keeping a food diary to track which foods trigger symptoms, experimenting with smaller, more frequent meals to reduce gas buildup, and staying physically active to encourage digestion. Over-the-counter remedies like simethicone could be an option, but reviewing your individual health needs with a doctor ensures safe practice. Responsible decision-making involves balancing this self-care with awareness of when professional care becomes necessary to avoid any delay in addressing potentially serious issues.

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