What Causes Radiating Muscle Pain In Left Shoulder, Shoulder Blade And Back?

Posted on Mon, 29 Aug 2016

Question: I have had trouble with a tight muscle problem around my left shoulder for years. Get regular adjustments and massage. Over the past 6 months it's been getting worse, to the point now that it radiates pain all night long. Hurts to lay down, can't get relief sleeping on either side, back or stomach. The pain goes from the spot inside my shoulder blade, up and around the shoulder blade and down my left arm to the back of the upper arm. I can sit and work, stand, run, etc. with mild discomfort but the laying down exacerbates it. When I lift weights or do yoga, then the pain is much worse as well, until I get an adjustment or a massage. Then it's just a dull ache, until a few days go by and it gets to the sleeping pain again. I had xrays taken and my chiro said he doesn't see anything unusual.
What do you think is wrong, and what is my next step? What kind of a doctor should I see?
Thank you!

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consult Orthopaedician

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Ms

Going by description of symptoms its likely to be Musculoskeletal Pain , vigorous exercise and injury to shoulder ligaments and weakness of rotator cuff of shoulder could be the predisposing factors. Normal X ray is very reassuring and rules out major bone problem .

Exact diagnosis of cause will depend on good clinical examination. It would be very helpful if you could consult Orthopaedic Surgeon for further clinical examination and assessment .

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance ,w ill be glad to assist you

Take Care

Best regards
Dr Shobha Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (8 hours later)

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX - I have a follow up question. Why would I see an Orthopedic Surgeon if I don't need surgery? Just want to understand that better.
Thanks so much!
XXXXX

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Assessment by Orthopaedic Surgeon needed

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms

Surgeons also have multi modality approach towards management. As the pain is around the shoulder joint : Joint and Orthopaedic Surgeon consultation is needed. Surgeon do also advise conservative/pharmacological/non pharmacological therapy for management apart from Surgery which they well versed with.

Kindly do consult Orthopaedic Surgeon for further clinical assessment

Take care

Regards
Shobha Deepak

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar