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What Causes Sharp Pain In The Shoulder Blade?
Question: I have a sharp/stabbing pain in my left shoulder blade that is worse when I breathe (it hurts to breathe). It came on without me doing anything, but I have had a cold since last Tuesday (which is improving/almost gone). Should I get it checked out?
Brief Answer:
Possible muscular pain. But if not better...recommended next step.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
The pain you are describing it is mostly muscular. The fact that your cold is getting better, confirms us that the pain is not something connected with the lungs.
So, I expect it to be better by using a pain killer like Ibuprofen 400mg, 3 times/day after food for next 2 days.
Also, you may massage your back by using an analgesic cream (Diclofenac), 3-4 times/day, for these 2 days when pain is worse.
If not better at all, or if worsen in between, then I would recommend taking an Aspirin 375mg, and going to the ER. In this case you would need to rule out a possible Cardiac origin...which can be atypical sometimes. Not saying that you have it, but it is better to keep it in mind in case of not getting better.
Also, getting worse with fever, symptoms of flu appearing again, being tired...all these would suggest seeing a local doctor, because it may be complicated with a pneumonia and may need a prescription with antibiotics as well as a hemogram and Chest X-ray.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Possible muscular pain. But if not better...recommended next step.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
The pain you are describing it is mostly muscular. The fact that your cold is getting better, confirms us that the pain is not something connected with the lungs.
So, I expect it to be better by using a pain killer like Ibuprofen 400mg, 3 times/day after food for next 2 days.
Also, you may massage your back by using an analgesic cream (Diclofenac), 3-4 times/day, for these 2 days when pain is worse.
If not better at all, or if worsen in between, then I would recommend taking an Aspirin 375mg, and going to the ER. In this case you would need to rule out a possible Cardiac origin...which can be atypical sometimes. Not saying that you have it, but it is better to keep it in mind in case of not getting better.
Also, getting worse with fever, symptoms of flu appearing again, being tired...all these would suggest seeing a local doctor, because it may be complicated with a pneumonia and may need a prescription with antibiotics as well as a hemogram and Chest X-ray.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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