Suggest Treatment For Dull Pain In Left Shoulder Blade

Posted on Wed, 9 Dec 2015

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

Wed, 9 Dec 2015 Answered on

Mon, 4 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I am a 70 year old very active woman. I have horses and sometimes can suffer an injury. For the past couple of days I have had a dull pain in my left shoulder blade. I went to an immediate care facility today because I was unable to get an appt. with my regular md. The nurse cnrp said I should go to the er. Her opinion was it could be heart related. I do not have any shortness of breath, nor do I have chest pain or tightness, nor do I have any jaw or neck pain. An ekg could not be done because the facility does not do ekg. An xray could not be done because the machine was being repaired. I am now at home with a heating pad on my shoulder. It feels good. Can you suggest anything else. I should mention my bp was a little high but normally is not.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Should go to ER for immediate evaluation and treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the situation you are in.

Dull pain in your left shoulder blade could be due to cardiovascular problems or muscular-skeletal issues.

Further tests are needed to determine the right cause in order to start appropriate treatment:
- ecg
- ecocardiogram
- abdominal ultrasound
- chest/vertebral spine Xray

As your nurse said, you should go to ER for immediate evaluation and treatment.
If the pain is being improved with heating pad and aleve, then most probably it is muscular-skeletal. However, I still think you need to rule out other causes as mentioned above.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (6 minutes later)

Seriously, I understand the need for the detailed workup, BUT, I do not feel that it is necessary. The pain is in the shoulder blade. I do have a very active daily schedule. I also should add that I live in a rather rural area. I will continue with the heat therapy, but to suggest such a workup worries me. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing to fear, suggested only routine tests....

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

1. From what you are describing, it seems that the pain is of muscular-skeletal in origin.

2. However, we want to exclude cardiovascular problems that are common at your age. That's why I suggested those tests.

3. This is not to worry you but to help you find the right diagnosis and the best treatment.

These are simple and routine tests in such cases.

If you live in a rural area, then I advise to continue with heating pad, aleve and apply local analgesic cream (e.g. ibuprofen or diclophenac ). If the pain won't subside in a few days or you'll have other symptoms, then should go to ER for further evaluation.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

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