^

Health

Pain in the deltoid muscle

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

The deltoid muscle originates from the scapula and collarbone and stretches along the shoulder to the top of the forearm. Also this muscle is called the triceps, since it includes three fascicles: anterior, middle and posterior, and in shape it resembles the letter "delta". Functions performed by the deltoid muscle: flexion, extension and pronation of the shoulder, lifting and rotation of the arms. Pain in the deltoid muscle may indicate trauma or inflammation.

trusted-source[1], [2], [3]

What can be caused by pain in the deltoid muscle

The axillary nerve is damaged. The motor fibers of which can innervate the delta, the small round muscle, as well as the sensitive skin of the outer part of the shoulder. The axillary nerve injury affects the musculocutaneous nerve, located in the supraclavicular fossa, which can cause Erb's paralysis. It becomes impossible to raise the shoulder, and on the outer surface of the shoulder, the sensitivity of the skin is disturbed.

Pain in the active myofascial trigger points of the deltoid muscle is localized in the affected part of the muscle, rather than diverging a considerable distance, unlike the rest of the muscles.

Usually, during sports or other physical activity, impact injuries can occur, causing the myosfacial trigger points to activate and exist for a long time. For example, with excessive extension of the arm in the shoulder, due to the introduction of preparations under the skin, irritation can occur with the chemical substances of the tissues in those places where the hidden myofascial trigger points are located. Myofascial trigger points located in other muscles can affect the occurrence of satellite trigger points in the deltoid muscle.

The absence of hand injuries and the sensation of pain, as with a bruise, may indicate delta spasms. Spasms can be caused by sharp contractions of the muscles during exercise; lifting and holding the weight at the shoulder level, overloading with lifting and lowering the shoulder (during painting the walls, walking on skis) with arthrosis and osteochondrosis.

Tendonitis of the shoulder and biceps. In this case, they can refer to a shoulder injury, since it hurts. Tendonitis of the biceps is the result of the exit of the tendon from its bed on the upper end of the hammerus, the largest bone of the shoulder. The tendon of the biceps should be returned to the place, as this can cause shoulder disease. If it is in the wrong place, the lateral and dorsal humeral tendons also experience stress, and after a while they become inflamed and begin to ache. This can lead to inflammation of the entire shoulder joint. However, the situation can be corrected in 95% of cases.

This does not mean that you will need to exclude the load on the thoracic area. You must ensure that the exercise is carried out correctly. First of all, you should adjust and flex the tendons well. It is advisable not to apply a wide grip of the hands with the press. Ideal - the width of the shoulders or slightly wider. It is also necessary to properly retract the elbows: the hands and the touch point of the neck should lie on the same line.

If such a trauma has already occurred, firstly, it is necessary to completely remove the load on the chest, and at the same time other exercises that cause pain in the deltoid muscle. After this, to return the bunch to the place, you need to remove the tumor. In this you can help anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, as well as applying ice to the place of pain two to three times a day for about 20 minutes. In eight to ten days, when the tumor falls, it is necessary to put the ligament in place. However, this is not so easy. Only a few doctors have met this problem and can cope with it. Do not rotate the arms in different directions. It is necessary to control the head of the humerus.

Among other things, the pain in the deltoid muscle is caused by various injuries due to improper exercise or heavy physical exertion.

Diagnosis and treatment

In the event that the pain in the deltoid muscle does not pass for a long period of time, or its intensity is too high, it is worthwhile to consult a specialist. Only a doctor can correctly diagnose the problem and prescribe the necessary treatment. 

trusted-source[4], [5], [6]

Translation Disclaimer: For the convenience of users of the iLive portal this article has been translated into the current language, but has not yet been verified by a native speaker who has the necessary qualifications for this. In this regard, we warn you that the translation of this article may be incorrect, may contain lexical, syntactic and grammatical errors.

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.