Seeking Assistance for Shoulder and Breathing Pain
Hello, I'm a 15-year-old female, standing at 5'5" and weighing 115 pounds. I returned home about an hour ago from my volleyball practice, where I didn’t take the time to stretch afterward. Initially, everything felt fine, and I experienced no discomfort. However, upon arriving home, I noticed my breathing had become shallow, accompanied by a bit of discomfort near the lower part of my lungs and stomach when I tried to breathe deeply. At first, it was manageable, but now, roughly two hours later, I am experiencing significant pain in the upper part of my right shoulder that radiates up to the right side of my neck. The pain in my breathing has also intensified. When I exhale, there’s a slight discomfort in my lower lungs and stomach, almost like air is trapped, and inhaling causes pain in my neck. Most noticeably, my shoulder is quite painful, making it difficult to move my arm. I'm really concerned about what could be happening. Could someone please provide insight or advice?
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 6:20:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're experiencing significant discomfort with your shoulder and breathing after volleyball practice, which can be concerning. It's important to address these symptoms thoughtfully and prioritize both your comfort and safety.
Main Points
- The symptoms you're describing could be linked to muscle strain, tension, or even issues related to posture or overexertion during practice.
- While many cases of musculoskeletal pain resolve on their own, the combination of upper shoulder and lung discomfort needs monitoring.
Explanation
After vigorous physical activity, especially sports like volleyball that involve dynamic movement, it's possible to develop muscle tension or strain. The shoulder pain radiating to your neck might suggest that your upper body muscles are fatigued or tense, especially if you didn't stretch after practice. The discomfort in breathing might be due to muscle soreness affecting your chest area or simply taking shallower breaths due to the shoulder pain.
Next Steps
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Rest and Ice: Allow your body to recover by resting the affected shoulder. Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth to the area for 15-20 minutes every hour to help reduce inflammation and numb pain.
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Gentle Stretching and Breathing Exercises: Once you feel comfortable, try gentle ranges of motion for your shoulder and practice deep breathing (take slow, deep breaths to expand your lungs) to help ease any tightness.
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Positioning: Pay attention to your posture. Sit or lie in a position that doesn’t put extra strain on your shoulder and neck. Use a cushion or pillow for comfort.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you’re well-hydrated, as dehydration can contribute to muscle cramping, and eating nutritious foods can aid muscle recovery.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms over the next few hours. If the pain intensifies, you develop additional symptoms (such as fever, consistent shortness of breath, or numbness), or if you feel very uncomfortable, it would be wise to seek professional help.
It's good to be cautious about your symptoms; however, many active individuals experience similar issues that improve with self-care. Be gentle with yourself as you recover, and focus on taking it easy for the next day or two. Let me know if you have further questions or if something changes!
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