Can Shoulder Periarthritis Cause Dizziness?

Shoulder periarthritis, also known as frozen shoulder, typically does not cause dizziness. However, if a patient with this condition experiences dizziness, it may be attributed to several underlying factors that coincide with the shoulder issue.

Possible Causes of Dizziness in Shoulder Periarthritis Patients

1. Head and Neck Fasciitis

In more severe cases of shoulder periarthritis, symptoms like pain and soreness in the shoulder joint can radiate to the chest, back, and even the head. This may be due to concurrent head and neck fasciitis, which can lead to headaches and dizziness as a secondary effect.

2. Cervical Spondylosis or Neck Problems

Dizziness can also be associated with cervical spine issues. If a patient suffers from both shoulder periarthritis and cervical spondylosis, neck-related complications might lead to feelings of dizziness and imbalance.

3. Blood Pressure Fluctuations

Unstable blood pressure levels—whether too high or too low—can also cause dizziness. This is especially relevant in patients managing multiple health conditions alongside shoulder inflammation.

4. Medication Side Effects

Some medications used to treat shoulder periarthritis, such as blood circulation boosters and pain relievers, may have side effects including dizziness. It's important for patients to monitor how their body reacts to new treatments.

5. Underlying Heart Conditions

In some cases, dizziness may be related to cardiac issues such as angina caused by myocardial ischemia. This can cause pain in the left shoulder, which may be mistakenly attributed to shoulder periarthritis. Angina often comes with other symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath, and dizziness, typically lasting only a few minutes and not exceeding 10 minutes in duration.

Conclusion

If a patient with shoulder periarthritis experiences dizziness, it's important to consider other potential health issues that might be contributing to the symptom. A comprehensive medical evaluation is recommended to identify and treat the root cause effectively.