Chronic pain in shoulder blade areas (left and right)?

_namaste_
_namaste_ Posts: 246
in Fitness and Exercise
I hope this is the best spot to post. I am looking for some help from those who may have an idea of what could be going on.

I suffer from chronic pain after two bad car accidents (one in 08', one in '11). When I am very active and exercising lots the pain can be very minimal ( 3 or 4/10 vs. 9 or 10/10 as it used to be). But usually at least once a week or so (sometimes more often, sometimes a bit less) I will get a terrible pain in my left or right shoulder blade area. It hurts when I move my head, my arm, even breathe or talk. It comes on one side at a time, randomly.

I have visited my doctor who didn't seem to know what it could be and my chiropractor said it is related to my ribs being out of alignment. Generally when I visit her to get adjusted when the pain is acute it will subside within a day or two.

Does any one know if she could be right? That this is somehow related to my ribs? And if so, is there anything I can do to minimize the occurance or help it to go away when it strikes? The pain is in the shoulder blade area and then shoots upwards when I move, stretch, talk, breathe, etc.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :)

Replies

  • sura987
    sura987 Posts: 30
    Have you tried a Neurologist or Orthopedic? Do you have any disc issues? Or problems with compressed nerve? Have you had any MRI or CT scan? It is just so many things it could be from, I struggle too with spinal cord injuries, also from 2 auto accidents,
    I've tried chiropractors in the past (which injured me even more)....I do not mean to scare you with that remark....because I do value chiropractors but that's just my experience that happened to me. I'm going to a physical therapist now I like that they are helping strengthen the muscles and part of my body that has weakened to better support my neck/back so that I'm in less pain and for the most part I'm free from pain meds...I hope this helps.
  • Larisonlj
    Larisonlj Posts: 426 Member
    I have this happen occasionally and it's my rib out of place. For me it radiates around to my side and makes taking a deep breath difficult/painful. Also makes sitting difficult for driving or work, it's like I can't sit up straight enough to stretch it out. My chiro saves the day every time. I go about every 6-8 weeks to keep in alignment but I will say the stronger your muscles get the better they hold everything in place.
  • Larisonlj
    Larisonlj Posts: 426 Member
    I have this happen occasionally and it's my rib out of place. For me it radiates around to my side and makes taking a deep breath difficult/painful. Also makes sitting difficult for driving or work, it's like I can't sit up straight enough to stretch it out. My chiro saves the day every time. I go about every 6-8 weeks to keep in alignment but I will say the stronger your muscles get the better they hold everything in place.

    Edit to say, my chiro only uses the activator method. I don't care for the hands on crank and crunch method.
  • vanguardfitness
    vanguardfitness Posts: 720 Member
    usually neurological pains travel. I have pain in the shoulder blade areas as well, probably due to bad posture on the computer. Physical therapist said that she felt atrophy in those muscles. The pain that I get is usually related to muscle knots and spasms. A good massage focusing in that area will help generally.

    I also have problems with my ribs popping out (probably due to bad posture again).
  • _namaste_
    _namaste_ Posts: 246
    Thanks for the replies, everyone.

    What is a "neurological pain"?

    I haven't had any MRI, CT scan or anything like that. Our health care here in Canada sucks.

    I went to the chiro today and already feel better. She said it was my lower ribs this time where in the past it was higher ribs.

    I'm not having sever upper abdominal pain in my right side and wondering if the two are connected? Sigh... I don't want to de-rail my p90x efforts because of this. :(
  • kvalcore
    kvalcore Posts: 10 Member
    The pain is actually radiating from somewhere else. I am having problems with my right TMJ(jaw) it was out of place and it was causing pain on my left side, neck, shoulder, down into my shoulder blade. Our bodies can play mind games with us. I would start with a good deep tissue massage and get those knots worked out. Make sure you are sitting tall at your desk if you have a desk job and keep the tension out of your life ;0)
  • BrotherBill913
    BrotherBill913 Posts: 662 Member
    I've had neck surgery and back surgery both, men tell tall tales scars do not lie.... I've studied pain and all it's beautiful forms first hand, lol.. one thing that I have found over the years when the pain is directly in the shoulder blade area it is not always never related. A chiropractic adjustment might be able to get you back in alignment. If you have a disc or disc pulling just a lil on one side it could place pressure in the shoulder blade area. I am not a Dr nor do I play one on T.V. but I have studied Kinesiology. And lived it, twice, lol... ( the wheelchair)
  • BrotherBill913
    BrotherBill913 Posts: 662 Member
    usually neurological pains travel. I have pain in the shoulder blade areas as well, probably due to bad posture on the computer. Physical therapist said that she felt atrophy in those muscles. The pain that I get is usually related to muscle knots and spasms. A good massage focusing in that area will help generally.

    I also have problems with my ribs popping out (probably due to bad posture again).

    Ribs popping out are paaaaaaaaaainful, I had that once myself and would'nt wish it on anyone. Chiropractor fixed it fast.....

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