What Causes Sharp Pains Below The Shoulder?

Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 12 May 2014 Answered on

Sat, 31 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi
for about two weeks I have been getting sharp pains to my mid region just below the right shoulder, sometimes so bad I feel like collapsing, also pains in right groin- I am type 2.

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your question.

From what you describe I would be concerned that you may have a deep vein thrombosis and a pulmonary embolism. Thrombosis of the vein in your leg may cause the groin pain. Sharp pains in your chest which feel worse when you breath in, associated with breathlessness and feeling unwel,l are characteristic of a pulmonary embolism or a blood clot in the lung.

You should have your symptoms investigated urgently with blood work inlcuding blood gases and a d-dimer, EKG, ultrasound of the veins in your legs, CT pulmonary angiogram or a VQ perfusion scan of your lungs.

I hope this information helps you and you find appropriate medical help soon.

Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj