From the Research
No, a shoulder strain is not directly caused by a lumbar strain, as they are two distinct injuries affecting different parts of the body. A shoulder strain involves damage to muscles or tendons in the shoulder region, typically resulting from overuse, sudden movements, or excessive force applied to the shoulder 1. A lumbar strain, on the other hand, affects the lower back and involves stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons in the lumbar spine area. While it's possible for someone to have both injuries simultaneously, perhaps due to a fall or accident that impacts multiple body regions, one does not directly cause the other. The shoulder and lower back have separate musculoskeletal structures with different functions.
Some studies have investigated the causes of shoulder pain, highlighting that it can be related to various factors, including musculoskeletal diseases, gastrointestinal, neurological, cardiological, or rheumatological diseases 2. However, there is no direct evidence to suggest that a lumbar strain causes a shoulder strain. In fact, a study on the effect of mechanical strains in soft tissues of the shoulder during load carriage found that shoulder strain appears to be one of the limiting factors of load carriage due to skin and underlying soft tissue deformations, trapped nerves, or obstruction of blood vessels 3.
If you're experiencing both shoulder and lumbar pain, it's essential to have each area evaluated separately by a healthcare provider to determine appropriate treatment for each condition. Sometimes poor posture or compensatory movements due to back pain can create shoulder tension, but this would be considered a secondary effect rather than the lumbar strain directly causing a shoulder strain. The anatomy and physical examination of the shoulder are crucial in identifying and diagnosing shoulder pathology, and evaluation of a patient with shoulder complaints is largely reliant upon physical exam 4.
In terms of treatment, a strong recommendation can be made for exercise therapy as the first-line treatment to improve pain, mobility, and function in patients with subacromial shoulder pain, with manual therapy potentially being integrated as additional therapy 1. However, the treatment of shoulder and lumbar strains should be tailored to the specific condition and individual patient needs.
Key points to consider:
- A shoulder strain and a lumbar strain are two distinct injuries with different causes and effects.
- The shoulder and lower back have separate musculoskeletal structures with different functions.
- Poor posture or compensatory movements due to back pain can create shoulder tension, but this is a secondary effect.
- Exercise therapy is a recommended treatment for subacromial shoulder pain.
- Each area should be evaluated separately by a healthcare provider to determine appropriate treatment.