pain in left shoulder after eating

[sisterdenny]

I am a 46 year old female with a history of abdominal surgery ( laproscopic- Nissen fundu.) for GERD.  I experience left shoulder pain immediately following surgery and it last for several weeks.  The doctor stated it was caused by irritation of the diaphram nerve during the surgical procedure.   I am 16 months post surgery and again experience left shoulder pain after eating a meal(2 weeks).  It is a sharp pain in my left shoulder and radiates up the left side of my neck .  Do you have any suggestions of what may be causing the pain?  I believe it is related to my stomach some how.
Thanks
Sister Denny

[Carree]

I too have severe pain episodes in my LEFT shoulder, which radiates to my neck and i have to stop and breathe shallowly thro it, it is SO painful, like someone has a sharp knife and twisting it into my shoulder. Have been told by specialists its due to the nerve from diaphragm (referred pain).  Have tried surgery, and medium strength pain killers so i feel like my life falling apart as i can't get the adequate pain relieft i require, to even just take the edge of the pain.
It is triggered by eating, drinking, and sometimes by lifting something heavy ( i have had stomach surgery, lung surgery etc so have had diaphragm cut a couple of times).
It is depressing when u have it, as you have to just stop still and you cant even cry as even that movement makes it worse. Its like  you are in spasm of pain from left shoulder radiating to your neck and the pain is excruciating.
WISH there was something that could be done,.
Would love to hear from anyone who have had the pain successfully treated/cured.
Best of luck xx
Carree

[Yegor]

So sorry to hear that you were in so much pain.. :(((((
Try FODMAP diet, stomach exercises - read my answer below on March 31, 2018.

[omoo]

I've never had any serious health issues, I'm athletic (run marathons), very fit - yet I occasionally get that very sharp pain in my left shoulder when I've indulged in food and wine - like a knife stuck in up there just below where the shoulder goes up to the neck.  Could it be rich foods?  Seems to happen after/during good meals and red wine!  Normally, I don't eat fried foods, butter, chips, ice cream or fatty foods in general.

[Yegor]

Re to omoo: I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises helped me to remove the pain in left shoulder - read my answer here below dated March 31, 2018.

[Formentor]

Gosh until reading these posts, I didn't realise how common this problem seems to be! I am a  fairly fit & healthy 43 year old woman and have had this problem for about the last two years and just thought that it was some strange quirky thing that only I had. The condition for me has gradually got worse and more frequent lately and I find that I don't have to eat as much for the pain to come on, it can be quite embarrassing when out for a meal, as the pain is so bad that you can't talk and I am sat massaging my shoulder to get some relief! I hope the condition doesn't get any worse and would like to know why it happens or if anything can be done to ease the problem?  

[Yegor]

Re to Formentor: I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises helped me to remove the pain in left shoulder - read my answer here below dated March 31, 2018.

[Mrsdomestos]

I had nissen fundoplication in november 2009 and have suffered with severe left shoulder and neck pain since.  It is excruciating to the point that I have to lay down on the floor.  It does feel like a knife stabbing with bad spasms.  It is really getting me down and is interfering with my life.  I eat a bowl of cereal and nutriment a day and thats it because I cannot stand the pain.  Lost quite a bit of weight, but the surgeon thinks it is unrelated to surgery and I am at my wits end now.

[Yegor]

Re to Mrsdomestos: I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises helped me to remove the pain in left shoulder - read my answer here below dated March 31, 2018.

[lillylillyd3]

I really thought I was the only one who had this.  I thought it was quite strange why this was happening.  I also had two abdominal surgeries.  I also have gluten intolerance.  I am boarder line celiac.  My left shoulder hurts so much after I eat gluten.  Someone told me they think it may be gas due to the gluten since I cannot digest it properly.  I never went to the doctor about it yet.  It hurts so much that I have to stop everything I am doing just to get through it.  Sometimes it last for seconds and other times it lasts for hours.  It is such a horrible pain.  It feels like a stabbing in my left shoulder.  My husband cannot understand it, he thinks food cannot have any factor, but it only happens when I eat the foods I am not suppose to eat.  It is so frustrating.  Very strange why it only happens to my left shoulder.  

Does anyone have a solution besides cutting out the foods?    

[Yegor]

Re to lillylillyd3: I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises helped me to remove the pain in left shoulder - read my answer here below dated March 31, 2018

[mswe1550]

I am glad I am not the only one.  about two weeks ago I was starting to experience shortness of breath and now every time i eat i get a very sharp pain in my left shoulder and it climbs up my neck.  I am very nervous and don't know what to do.  I had heart checked because of shortness of breath but everything was ok.  The pain is excruciating after I eat.  I really hope someone reads this and has the solution.

[Yegor]

Re to mswe1550: I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises helped me to remove the pain in left shoulder - read my answer here below dated March 31, 2018

[redpeter]

I two am suffering from the same symptoms as outlined by others. Severe stabbing shoulder pain which radiates into the neck and down my left side. I also suffer from a shortness of breath and sleeping is simply impossible. With me it seems much more uncomfortable at night. I had a gastric sleeve procedure around 10 months ago and even though I am now going to the gym and losing weight this pain does not seem to be abating. There was never any mention of chronic pain like this when I signed up for the surgery - it has left me very depressed and disillusioned. I think I'd rather be overweight and pain free!

[Yegor]

Re to redpeter: I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises helped me to remove the pain in left shoulder - read my answer here below dated March 31, 2018

[marymary502]

I'm 25 and I have experienced similar symptoms since my teens. It seems like whenever I eat too much greasy food (burgers, fries, etc) I get a sharp pain in my left shoulder that throbs for hours! This week it's gotten worse though. Its been happening every night this week; and I haven't eaten a lot of greasy food... I'm going to try to cut out all sugars and oil and see what happens...

[Yegor]

Re to marymary502: I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises helped me to remove the pain in left shoulder - read my answer here below dated March 31, 2018

[finnigan_steve]

Hello Everyone,

I also have no answer for this. I am a 27 year old relatively fit male. I have left shoulder pain after eating a large meal (not just any meal only when I really stuff myself) the pain does not go into my nech though, just the shoulder. I first experienced this when I was about 18 and it was so bad that I went to the hospital and it lasted for days. Now the pain is not so bad and most of the time it is more annoying than anything.

[Yegor]

Re to finnigan_steve: I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises helped me to remove the pain in left shoulder - read my answer here below dated March 31, 2018

[bigv544]

I was involved in a dirt biking accident nearly 2 years ago and I have had the sharp pain in my upper shoulder after eating, sometimes.  I can hear the air in my left chest area gurgling around as the food digests.  It is very painful sometimes.  Is there any cure?

[Yegor]

Re to bigv544: I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises helped me to remove the pain in left shoulder - read my answer here below dated March 31, 2018

[tweetyann]

I have this too, and at first did not think the two were connected, but I notice that every time I get full I get this throbbing pain at my left shoulder. I've never had any stomach surgery or anything and had a gallbladder sonogram that came back fine. It sounds crazy as I don't know what the stomach has to do with the shoulder, but this happens now every time I get full. I am a 53 year old female, Lupus patient, and I am very active...workout at gym, walk and such. If anyone could shed some light on this I would appreciate it.

[Yegor]

Re to tweetyann: I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises helped me to remove the pain in left shoulder - read my answer here below dated March 31, 2018

[cathypei1122]

I can't believe what I am reading...I just started having this shoulder pain 5 days ago and I was thinking it had something to do with innflamation of the spine which I have (my left side is numb from ribs down) but it is( the pain) is only there now when I eat.I waited till 6:00 p.m. today to eat because I really didn't want any pain and BOOM before I was done eating the pain started. I also have Crohn's disease and ulcers but I do not have GERD. I did eat hamburger though it is the only beef I can eat, now if it causes me pain like this I guess I will be a vegan soon. I will be calling my specialist  on Monday though hope she can help if I find out anything I will post.

[Yegor]

Re to cathypei1122: I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises helped me to remove the pain in left shoulder - read my answer here below dated March 31, 2018

[Healeybomb]

Its crazy! I too thought it was some quirky problem that would go away as fast as it came.  I'm a 27 year old male.  I have lost 50 lbs. in the last year and have luckily only been dealing with this for a few months now. I haven't ever had any surgeries of any kind.  It does not go away, in fact it has gotten worse. For me, it hits hardest after big meals and doesn't subside until I lay down for 20-30min.  It's super annoying.  I just got health benefits so I'll get to start working on why this is happening.

[Yegor]

Re to Healeybomb: I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises helped me to remove the pain in left shoulder - read my answer here below dated March 31, 2018

[Diaphragmitis]

All of the pain described in this thread does indeed come from an irritated diaphragm. The problem is trying to figure out the cause. It can be many things and doctors will often think it is heart related at first. The referred pain is hard to diagnose, but once you realize it is the diaphragm you can at least know where to look.

The gallbladder is the most likely cause. When it fails, the diaphragm calls for help. The brain can't understand the S.O.S. and just thinks "we'll, I guess the shoulders hurt" and sends the signal

If the gallbladder is not the problem then you have to look at fluids or air pockets or maybe the pancreas or appendix for whatever is upsetting the diaphragm. The diaphragm acts like the big brother for all those parts down there and is just trying to be helpful.

[Yegor]

Re to Diaphragmitis: I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises helped me to remove the pain in left shoulder - read my answer here below dated March 31, 2018

[DaniLoc]

I too am amazed at the number of people who suffer this pain!  I had gastric banding surgery three years ago and have suffered this severe pain since the very day of my surgery. Sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly. After many visits to chiro,physio,oesteo, and finally a second shoulder surgeon who confirmed it had nothing to do with my shoulder and was more than likely from my stomach  Finally I went to a new bariatric doctor who confirmed that the pain was associated with my stomach, after loosening my band i can now identify the foods that trigure the pain. Finally an answer ... I am finding pasta a problem and general overheating (feeling very full). I am monitoring now and my doctor will re-***** and decide whether or not to carry out further test on my spleen and diaphragm. I am very grateful to be heading in the right direction after 3 years, I was truly beginning to think I was going crazy!!! Good luck to every else that suffers this most distressing pain :-)

[Yegor]

Re to DaniLoc: I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises helped me to remove the pain in left shoulder - read my answer here below dated March 31, 2018

[ShannaBrien]

Pancreatitis can have radiating pain to the left shoulder or lower back. The Pancreas is responsible for making enzymes that break down food especially fat. When a heavy meal or high fat meal is consumed this can cause pain. Check with you doctors to ensure your pancreas is healthy, Management may be as simple as eating a better diet or you could be put on artificial enzymes that need to be consumed with every meal. I am unsure of the irritated nerve in the diaphram, thay may to be a source of the pain. I would stongly advise though that if the pain comes after a hight fat meal to speak with your MD about your pancreas. I am an RN by the way.

[Yegor]

Thank you so much, Shanna! I think you are right in my case!

[Yegor]

I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises help me - read my answer below on March 31, 2018.

[VikiH]

I am so glad that I found this page.  I thought I was the only one with this problem.  I couldn't understand why my left shoulder would hurt so bad after I ate a meal.  I too have had stomach surgeries.  Three to be exact but I just couldn't see the connection between the surgeries and the shoulder pain.  Reading these posts have helped me to understand a lot better and it makes me feel better to know that I am not the only one with this problem.

[Yegor]

Re to VikiH: I found that FODMAP diet, stomach exercises help me - read my answer below on March 31, 2018.

[Wrappie]

I had the Nissen wrap on Nov 1st 2013. I have had terrible left shoulder pain for the past month. I just had a hydra scan last week and my gallbladder is functioning less than 28%. Did you have your gallbladder out and if so. Did the shoulder pain stop?  I can't take this pain.

[Wrappie]

I forgot to say. The shoulder pain is every time I eat anything. I only eat soft foods. No meat or bread. I have been to the ER and had every test done. My surgeon is no help at all. It's so frustrating. Any information would be so helpful!!

[coordinator1102]

I had my gall bladder removed 4 years ago and still suffer occasionally from the same painful attacks that sent me to the emergency and 2 days later surgery. Now I have been suffering lately with sharp left shoulder blade pain after eating a meal. I noticed that I get the pain if I eat a little too much. I decided to look it up on line and found this site. I really didn't think I would find anything and am surprised to find so many suffering the same symptoms. I guess my next move is to make a dr. appointment and get to the bottom of this. Sorry I don't have any answers yet.

[mjw61]

I too am having this pain. I thought it was gas from not being able to burp yet. I'm only 8 days out from surgery and can hardly swallow water. Every-time the pain is so bad. I'm glad I found this page. I'm having issues and am afraid. I also can't talk I have a nasally voice the air keeps coming out my nose

[Paigemat]

So I'm not crazy!  About 15 years ago the pain in my left shoulder got so bad when I started eating that I almost quit eating all together.  It hurt so bad that I would sit and rock and cry.  I lost a lot of weight. After a few months, it went away.  Just like that!  It was gone.  Well, it's back.  Not as bad thank god, but it is back.  As I am getting full, it starts to come on, like a knife is being twisted in my shoulder socket.  It takes my breath away.  My husband can see what's going on by the look on my face.  I have figured out that it is more the amount of food rather than the type of food.  I am a very healthy 51 year old female.  The only surgery I have had was a c-section 24 years ago.  I hope this can be figured out.

[CelticMist]

This last Christmas eve was the first time I've experienced this kind of pain. I ate so much food during the evening dinner -- meat, potatoes, rolls, wine -- you name it -- that when I had barely finished stuffing myself, I started to feel a slow slice into my shoulder. It felt like I was being impaled. Excruciating!

I feel better now, but this was a thoroughly sobering experience for me. It made realize how much more attention I should pay towards my body and what I put into it. I hope, I truly hope that I never experience it again. I feel bad that it's a regular occurrence for some. My best wishes to those who suffer from this affliction.

[Robinhood284]

I can't believe so many other people have this ... I thought I was crazy (as did everyone who I told "when I eat too much, rather than get a cramp in my stomach, I get a cramp in my left shoulder"!

I have had this for as long as I can remember and am nearly 50 now!

I've never had any kind of stomach surgery, but when in hospital to have my appendix removed, I had my left shoulder cramping thing ALL the time.  I told the Dr "I have a pain in my left shoulder that I normally get when I eat too much."  The Dr didn't seem phased at all by my remark and just commented "Ah yes, that's because there is pressure on your diaphragm."

So, it's definitely something to do with the diaphragm.  I just wish I knew why some people get this pain when eating a big meal, and those that don't think we are crazy!