What Causes Pain In Right Shoulder Blade Area That Radiates To Chest?

Posted on Mon, 14 Jul 2014

Question: My husband has severe pain in the right shoulder blade area that radiates all the way to the front of his chest. This has been going on for about three weeks already. He can get some relief with pain pills, but as soon as they wear off, it's just as bad as it was before. We are thinking it's a muscle strain, but are beginning to wonder if it could be something else. What do you think?

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
possibility of Impingement or tear of rotator cuff

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have studied your case.
There is possibility of Impingement or tear of rotator cuff muscles.
It can be rotator cuff injury which may need MRI for confirmation.
If MRI shows severe impingement or rotator cuff tear then arthroscopic shaving and repair will help.

Medication like methylcobalamine and analgesic will reduce pain; you can take them consulting your treating doctor.
You may consult physiotherapist for further guidance. He may start TENS, or ultrasound which is helpful in your case.
Strengthening exercises according to MRI report will help in early recovery.
You may need to take rest for early healing.
Pain radiation to chest can be due to nerve compression which can be diagnosed on MRI.

Also check your vit B12 and vit D3 in your blood.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.

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