What Could Be Causing Left Side Body Pain From the Shoulder to the Toe, and How Is It Treated?

When pain spreads from your shoulder all the way down to your toe on one side, it could be a sign of a condition affecting your muscles or nerves. The most common causes are musculoskeletal issues like poor posture, muscle strain, or nerve compression, which might start in the back and travel down your leg. A less common cause is hypothyroid myopathy—a condition that occurs when the thyroid, a small gland in your neck, doesn’t make enough hormones. This may leave your muscles feeling weak and sore. Doctors typically start the work up by checking your overall health, looking at your thyroid levels, and examining your muscles and joints. Once they understand the cause of your pain, treatments can vary. For example, if it’s due to hypothyroidism, hormone replacement may help. For musculoskeletal issues, a plan might include physical therapy to strengthen and stretch your muscles, pain-relieving medications, and changes in your daily routine. Seeing a healthcare provider is important to determine the exact cause and to create a treatment plan that works best for you.