Is it normal to experience shoulder pain while running with scoliosis

Shoulder pain during running in patients with scoliosis may be a normal compensatory response of the body, or it may be related to muscle imbalance or nerve compression. Scoliosis can lead to asymmetrical muscle strength on both sides of the trunk, and during running, the body may overuse one shoulder muscle to maintain balance, which may cause pain in the long run. If pain is accompanied by numbness or restricted movement, be alert to nerve compression or joint damage. The shoulder pain of patients with scoliosis during running is usually caused by posture compensation. The curvature of the spine can change the position of the scapula, causing muscles such as the trapezius and rhombus to remain in a tense state for a long time. Running with upper limb swings can increase the load on these muscles. Some patients may experience intercostal nerve stimulation due to thoracic rotation, which may radiate to the shoulder and cause referred pain. It is recommended to adjust the running posture to avoid excessive swinging of one arm, and strengthen the training of scapular stabilizing muscle group before and after running. In rare cases, pain may indicate complications. Severe scoliosis may compress the brachial plexus nerves and cause radiating shoulder pain; Disruption of thoracic small joints can lead to increased friction on the joint surface during exercise; If combined with intervertebral disc herniation, the impact of running may exacerbate nerve root stimulation. This type of pain often presents as a sharp or burning sensation, which may be accompanied by numbness in the fingers or decreased grip strength. The cause needs to be determined through imaging examination. People with scoliosis should choose running shoes with good cushioning when running, control the duration of a single run to no more than 30 minutes, and prioritize low impact exercises such as elliptical machines or swimming. Daily exercises such as cat style stretching and side plank support can improve muscle balance. If the pain persists for more than a week or worsens at night, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly at the rehabilitation department. Ice compress on the shoulders for 15 minutes after running can help alleviate inflammatory reactions, but the fundamental solution still requires professional orthopedic training and core muscle group strengthening.