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What Causes Sharp Pain In Rib Cage Below Shoulder Blade?
Question: Hi, I have a sharp pricking pain in my rib cage below my right shoulder blade, I've had it for a couple of weeks on and off but it seems to becoming more frequent
Brief Answer:
Discussed in detail below
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have read your query. Such symptoms can be caused by many conditions. If you can tell me details about your symptoms I will be better able to help you.
When I see a patient with this kind of pain, I proceed as below.
If there is tenderness on pressing it is a musculoskeletal problem like muscle strain, fibromyalgia, etc. If you have been having a bad back, it can be a pain radiating from the spine. An X-ray of the spine may be required to rule out conditions of the spine.
By location of the pain, it may be referring from the Gall bladder and the gall bladder stone is a possibility. Next to that would be an acid related problem like a peptic ulcer with the pain radiating to the back.
An abdominal ultrasonogram would be the way to confirm or exclude a Gall bladder disease like stone. While you are waiting for the ultrasonogram appointment, you could try antacid or a proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole. If your symptoms are relieved, the acid related problem can be confirmed with an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
I would like to know your progress and shall be happy to answer any query.
Best wishes,
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Discussed in detail below
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have read your query. Such symptoms can be caused by many conditions. If you can tell me details about your symptoms I will be better able to help you.
When I see a patient with this kind of pain, I proceed as below.
If there is tenderness on pressing it is a musculoskeletal problem like muscle strain, fibromyalgia, etc. If you have been having a bad back, it can be a pain radiating from the spine. An X-ray of the spine may be required to rule out conditions of the spine.
By location of the pain, it may be referring from the Gall bladder and the gall bladder stone is a possibility. Next to that would be an acid related problem like a peptic ulcer with the pain radiating to the back.
An abdominal ultrasonogram would be the way to confirm or exclude a Gall bladder disease like stone. While you are waiting for the ultrasonogram appointment, you could try antacid or a proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole. If your symptoms are relieved, the acid related problem can be confirmed with an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
I would like to know your progress and shall be happy to answer any query.
Best wishes,
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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