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What Causes Abnormal Sensations In The Middle Of Upper Back?

Posted on Wed, 16 Mar 2016

Question: I have a question. i have been having a weird sensation in the middle of my upper back. I search only and see all kinds of scary stuff about cancer, etc. This is not a pain but more of a less sensation. Almost like it needs to be popped between my shoulder blades. Now I do know what pain feels like and its not like pain on a nerve. Reason I say that is I have a diffuse disc bulge at the L5/S1 location and that causes true pain in my back and down my left leg into the bottom of my foot. This is nothing like that at all. But I do have some lipomas in the region I am feeling this weird feeling. Should I be worried about something major? This just started out of the blue. Dont feel it at night and occasionally during the day it just feels like someone in holding their finger on a spot between my shoulder blades.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Localised muscle spasm or knot

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for the query.

Does the spot between your shoulder blades feel like a painful nodule?

Do you have pain at the back of the neck?

According to your history, it appears to be an area of localised muscle spasm. This could be because of wrong posture while sitting, increased stress at work which also contributes. This can also be associated with Cervical spondylosis and nerve pinching due to possible slip disc.

You could get an ultrasound scan of the paraspinal area to look for a Lipoma of localised muscle spasm.

Take Tablet Diclofenac and Thicolchicoside combination twice a day for 5 days after meals which is an anti inflammatory and muscle relaxant combination medication. Apply hot packs to the painful regions. Perform shoulder strengthening exercises and good posture while sitting, walking. Avoid hunching while sitting or walking, use good back support while sitting.

You can go for Physiotherapy sessions and ultrasound therapy for that region that feels stiff.

There's nothing to worry about as it is less likely anything serious.

Do follow up with me on your progress. I shall answer your queries at any time.

Thanks and regards.

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (5 hours later)

If it was something serious wouldnt I have systematic body issues? If it was a mass dont they take many many years to form? It is not really painful I can just feel it there. I can also feel the lump or lipoma next to my spine with my hand.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
In your case it does not appear to be dangerous

Detailed Answer:
If it is a malignant growth, it grows pretty quickly associated with pain, weight loss, appetite loss. The mass would be hard and immobile.

In your case it is most probably a Lipoma of localised muscle spasm or knot.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (3 days later)

Wouldnt it cause systematic issues? Get worse? Not come and go?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Less chance of cancer

Detailed Answer:
If it is a malignant growth then there may be systemic issues. Since you don't have them, then less chance of cancer.

Coming on and off is a feature of chronic inflammation and not cancer.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar