How to Treat Burning Sensation in the Shoulder
Manhattan Physical Therapy
What Is a Burning Sensation in the Shoulder?
A burning sensation in the shoulder is a type of pain that often feels warm, sharp, or deep and aching rather than dull or sore. Many people describe it as spreading across the shoulder, around the shoulder blade, or radiating toward the neck or upper arm instead of staying in one exact spot. This type of pain commonly develops when nerves are irritated or when muscles, tendons, or surrounding tissues become inflamed.
You may notice burning shoulder pain after prolonged desk work, sleeping in an awkward position, repetitive overhead activity, or a sudden increase in exercise intensity. Unlike pain from a direct impact, burning discomfort often builds gradually and may worsen with certain movements or sustained postures. While it is frequently related to musculoskeletal issues, it should never be ignored—especially if it persists or is accompanied by weakness, numbness, or chest symptoms.
Why Does Shoulder Pain Feel Like Burning?
Burning pain usually points to nerve sensitivity or inflammation. Nerves are responsible for sending signals between your shoulder, neck, and brain. When these nerves are compressed, stretched, or irritated, the pain signal can change in quality, creating a burning, tingling, or radiating sensation rather than a simple ache.
Inflammation can also contribute. Swollen tendons, irritated bursae, or overworked muscles increase pressure in the shoulder region, which can sensitize nearby nerves. Reduced blood flow, muscle tension, or prolonged static positions—such as sitting at a computer without movement breaks—can further amplify these symptoms.
In many cases, burning shoulder pain is your body’s way of signaling that something is overloaded, irritated, or not moving as well as it should.
Common Causes of a Burning Sensation in the Shoulder
Burning shoulder pain can develop for several reasons, ranging from mild overuse to more complex nerve-related conditions. Common causes include:
Nerve irritation or compression
Compressed nerves in the neck or shoulder region can trigger burning, tingling, or radiating pain. This may come from muscle tightness, poor posture, repetitive movements, or cervical spine issues such as a herniated disc. The discomfort often spreads toward the shoulder blade or down the arm.
Rotator cuff irritation or injury
The rotator cuff stabilizes the shoulder during lifting and reaching. Overuse, repetitive overhead activity, or gradual tendon wear can cause inflammation or small tears, leading to a burning or deep aching sensation—especially when lifting the arm sideways or overhead.
Shoulder bursitis
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction in the joint. When they become inflamed, pain may feel sharp or burning at the top or front of the shoulder and worsen with movement or pressure.
Muscle strain or overuse
Overstretched or fatigued shoulder and upper back muscles can produce widespread burning discomfort. This often happens after lifting, sudden movements, or long periods of poor posture.
Tendon inflammation (tendinitis)
Inflamed tendons—such as the biceps or rotator cuff tendons—can cause pain that worsens with activity and may travel down the arm.
Less common but important causes
Certain nerve conditions, fractures, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or even heart-related issues can refer burning pain to the shoulder. While these are less frequent, they highlight why persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
How Burning Shoulder Pain Typically Feels
Burning shoulder pain does not feel the same for everyone, but there are common patterns many people experience. The pain may feel warm, sharp, tingling, or deeply uncomfortable rather than sore to the touch. It often spreads across the shoulder instead of staying in one pinpoint location.
You may notice symptoms such as:
Pain that radiates toward the shoulder blade, neck, or upper arm
Discomfort that increases with overhead reaching or prolonged sitting
A dull ache combined with burning or tingling sensations
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Occasional weakness or fatigue in the arm
Pain that worsens over time, interferes with daily tasks, or is associated with numbness, significant weakness, shortness of breath, or chest pressure should be evaluated promptly to rule out more serious conditions.
How Movement Helps Relieve a Burning Sensation in the Shoulder
When shoulder pain feels like it’s burning, many people instinctively stop moving the joint. While short-term rest can be helpful, avoiding movement for too long often makes symptoms worse. Gentle, controlled motion helps improve blood flow, reduce stiffness, and calm irritated nerves.
Movement nourishes shoulder tissues by delivering oxygen and nutrients to inflamed or sensitive areas. It also prevents the joint from becoming stiff, which can increase pressure on nerves and tendons. For nerve-related burning pain, light movement helps normalize how pain signals are processed, often reducing that sharp or radiating sensation over time.
Simple activities such as shoulder rolls, wall slides, pendulum exercises, and posture-focused movements can support recovery when performed correctly. The key is gradual, pain-guided motion—not forcing through discomfort.
Effective Treatments for Burning Pain in the Shoulder
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but most cases respond well to conservative care. Common and effective options include:
Physical therapy and targeted exercises
Structured physical therapy focuses on restoring proper shoulder mechanics, improving posture, strengthening weak muscles, and reducing nerve irritation. A personalized exercise program addresses the root cause of burning pain rather than masking symptoms.
Activity modification
Reducing or adjusting activities that trigger pain—such as repetitive overhead lifting or prolonged desk work—allows irritated tissues to heal while maintaining safe movement.
Cold and heat therapy
Ice is helpful during the first 24–48 hours after a flare-up or injury to reduce inflammation. Heat is better for easing muscle tightness and improving flexibility. Some people benefit from alternating between the two.
Over-the-counter pain relief
Anti-inflammatory medications or acetaminophen may help manage pain enough to stay active and participate in exercises. Topical creams can also provide localized relief.
Manual therapy and massage
Hands-on techniques can reduce muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and decrease pressure on sensitive nerves around the shoulder and neck.
Electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
TENS therapy uses gentle electrical signals to interrupt pain messages traveling to the brain. It can be useful for managing persistent burning sensations, especially when nerve irritation is involved.
Injections or advanced care
If symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, a healthcare provider may consider corticosteroid injections or further imaging to guide next steps. Surgery is rarely needed and is typically reserved for severe structural problems that fail to improve with non-surgical care.
How to Prevent a Burning Sensation in the Shoulder
While shoulder pain isn’t always avoidable, consistent habits can significantly reduce your risk of developing burning discomfort.
Change positions often
Remaining in one posture for long periods increases muscle tension and nerve sensitivity. Frequent position changes reduce strain on the shoulders and neck.
Take regular movement breaks
Short movement breaks every 30–45 minutes help prevent stiffness and inflammation, especially during desk work or long drives.
Maintain good posture
Keeping the shoulders relaxed, chest open, and head aligned over the spine reduces stress on shoulder muscles and nerves.
Stretch daily
Gentle stretching of the shoulders, chest, upper back, and neck improves flexibility and circulation, helping prevent muscle tightness that can trigger burning pain.
Manage stress
Stress often shows up physically in the neck and shoulders. Breathing exercises, regular physical activity, and mindfulness practices can reduce muscle tension and pain sensitivity.
When to See a Doctor for Burning Shoulder Pain
Most burning shoulder pain improves with conservative care, but medical evaluation is important if symptoms do not improve or worsen. You should seek care if:
Pain lasts longer than a few weeks despite treatment
Burning sensations intensify or spread down the arm
You notice increasing weakness, numbness, or loss of motion
Pain interferes with daily activities or sleep
Seek immediate medical attention if shoulder pain occurs alongside chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, cold sweats, or an irregular heartbeat, as these may indicate a medical emergency.
What Do They Say About Us?
Alexander Liu
"Everyone on the team at Manhattan Physical Therapy is super nice and caring. They were able to pretty quickly diagnose my knee and hip problems and immediately put me to work to reduce the pain.."
Henry Myerberg
"You're not just a patient when you come to the Manhattan Physical Therapy. You feel like family there. In particular, Erica with her colleagues John, Lidia and Joe not only fix and improve you physically, they make you feel welcomed and cared for.."
Hakyung Kim
"Everyone is so kind and helpful! my knee and hip pain have improved massively since starting Manhattan PT, highly recommend to anyone. special thanks to Bianca, Lidia, Joe, and John!"
Manhattan Physical Therapy
✆ Phone (appointments):
(212) 213-3480
Address: 385 5th Ave, Suite 503, New York, NY 10016
