Common Causes of Pain
Pain may be caused by many factors including weakness of the muscles that support the shoulder,
inflammation, or improperly fitted braces, slings or special shoes. Often the source of pain can be
traced to nerve damage, bedsores or an immobilized joint. Lying or sitting in one position for too long
causes the body and joints to stiffen and ache.
Sometimes stroke damage to the brain can make even normal touch feel painful. You may experience
one type of pain or several kinds. The key is to figure out what is causing the pain so that you can
treat it.
Types of Pain
Pain after stroke can be:
• Mild, moderate or severe
• Constant or on-and-off
• On part or all of the side of your body affected by the stroke
• Felt in your face, arm, leg or torso (trunk)
• Aching, burning, sharp, stabbing or itching.