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What Causes Back Pain Between Shoulder Blades?

Posted on Tue, 21 Jul 2015

Question: Hello, I've had back pain between shoulder blades.also get a stitch like feeling When walking(middle chest radiates to left arm)I've had 3 stress tests all negative for heart disease. the last test was roughly 4 Months ago.I've asked my doctor to see a cardioligist and he said No. could this be a heart problem? ive been diagnosed with anxiety

Answered by Dr. Rishi (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get a CT Angiogram of chest.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Dont worry. It might be nothing but I suggest you get Chest Xray and a CT Angiogram done for the chest to see the Arch of Aorta and descending aorta. If they are normal then we can think of other reasons for your symptoms like musculoskeletal pain.

The CT would be quite sensitive to pick up any vascular abnormalities. Also keep your Blood pressure in control if it is raised. You will need ti see your GP or a Physician for BP control as well as for the CT requisition. Do let me know the X-Ray and CT report so I can guide you further.

Take care.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Rishi (34 minutes later)

Thanks for the advice doctor. I've asked my own GP for an angiogram and he said No. he said that after 3 negative stress tests and angiogram would Be far to invasive. I also have pain In both arms. doctors can I request an angiogram? I live in Scotland and we have the NHS. I don't have the money to pay foe the angiogram private. I've had chest X-ray in the past. everything was normal

Answered by Dr. Rishi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Conventional Angio would be invasive not CT Angio

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for your reply.
Conventional Angiography is invasive. I was suggesting a CT Angiogram which is not invasive. Just one vein cannula and some contrast is injected. It takes only 5 to 10 minutes.
That is my sincere advice as a Vascular Surgeon.
Try and convince your GP to get it done. Even a non contrast CT chest could be done. but do let me know the report.
Take care.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Rishi (11 minutes later)

I'll speak to my doctor about it. would it be OK if I showed my GP this discussion?

Answered by Dr. Rishi (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can tell him what I have told in detailed answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Im ok with your showing it to your GP. But it might not help. You can tell him that I want to get it done to rule out any aortic or arch pathology which can present with these symptoms.
Take care and all the best.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj