Can Pancreatitis Cause Shoulder Pain?

Posted By Author on April 6, 2021

You’ve heard it said that knowledge is power – and when it comes to your health, it’s best to heed these wise words. To help you learn more about can pancreatitis cause shoulder pain and its symptoms, the team at Charleston GI is here to provide some helpful information.

What is Acute Pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is the inflammation of your pancreas, an organ that helps to digest food.

Can Pancreatitis Cause My Shoulder Pain?

Yes. Despite its location behind the stomach and near the small intestine, your pancreas can cause pain in other parts of the body when it becomes inflamed. In fact, those suffering from acute pancreatitis may experience sudden pain in their upper abdomen that often radiates to the back – commonly the left shoulder blade. Pain may increase after eating or drinking, especially fatty foods.

Common Symptoms of Pancreatitis

In addition to abdominal and shoulder pain, other symptoms of pancreatitis include:

Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Sweating
Jaundice
Diarrhea or oily stools
Bloating
High blood sugar
Weight loss

Keep in mind that some patients stop experiencing pain because their pancreas has stopped producing digestive enzymes. This does not mean that you should ignore prior symptoms and skip a visit to your doctor.

When To See a Doctor to Diagnose for Pancreatitis?

Continued episodes may indicate chronic pancreatitis. When left untreated, both acute and chronic pancreatitis can lead to serious complications, such as:

Pseudocysts (sacs of fluid in the pancreas) can cause infection or internal bleeding
Increased risk of diabetes or kidney failure
Malnutrition

Pancreatitis can also be an early sign of pancreatic cancer. Discussing treatment with your doctor right away is crucial to decrease your risk of future complications.

Pancreatitis Diagnosis Offered At Charleston GI

After a physical exam and deep dive into your medical history, your Charleston GI doctor will likely conduct blood and urine tests to check if you have atypical or high levels of calcium, glucose, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and bicarbonate in your blood.

Our team may also request the following diagnostic tests:

X-rays
Ultrasounds
CT scans
And more

If you are diagnosed with pancreatitis, the experienced team of gastroenterologists at Charleston GI can help you identify potential risk factors and implement lifestyle changes. For instance, because heavy alcohol consumption is the most common cause of pancreatitis, avoiding drinking is an important lifestyle change.

After treatment, you may also be advised to:

Eat a low-fat diet.
Limit caffeine.
Stay hydrated.
Stick to small, frequent meals.
Take prescribed pancreatic enzymes at every meal.

Speak with a Gastroenterologist at Charleston GI!

If you are experiencing symptoms of pancreatitis or other digestive pains like lactose intolerance, acid reflux, or inflamed bowels, talk to our experienced team of Gastroenterologists at Charleston GI! Our board-certified gastroenterologists have gained a reputation for earning highly satisfied reviews. Come receive quality stomach and digestive relief today, we welcome your visit!

Schedule an appointment at Charleston GI today!