Suggest Treatment For Pain At Shoulder Blade

Posted on Wed, 22 Apr 2015

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

Wed, 22 Apr 2015 Answered on

Wed, 13 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm having pain in my back about my right shoulder blade - how can I tell if it's coming from my lung (I have COPD) or it just a muscle ach. I've had it about 2 weeks.
Thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If associated with cough than it is mostly lung issue

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcare magic. Your pain at shoulder blade is mostly associated with muscle problem. Lung problems like COPD rarely causes such pain. Severe bout of cough can also causes such pain. Before I advised you any further I would like to know little detail about your illness.
1.Are you having cough with yellow sputum?
2.Are you also having fever?
3.Are you a smoker?
4.Please describe nature of pain like aggravating or relieving factor?
Please send me answers of these questions. I will try my best to help you.
thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (11 hours later)

No caugh, no yellow sputum, no fever, not a smoker.

Pain is sometimes sharp, sometimes like I've been punched. The more I move the worse it gets. It is much relieved when I'm laying down.

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can be muscular problem

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for replying. I think you are having muscular strain of scapular muscles.
(Trapezitis) I would recommend you following.
1.Hot water fomentation.
2.Volini gel local application.
3.Back muscle strengthening exercises.
4.Avoid forward bending, jerky activities or travelling.
5.Muscle relaxant like Myoril or Myospaz.
Some time there can be a trigger point in muscle. Steroid injection is effective in this.
I hope this answer will be useful for you. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E