Suggest Treatment For Shoulder And Back Pain

Posted on Mon, 31 Mar 2014

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

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 Answered on

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : so I do pole valt and l landed on the bar that you go over. I hit it around my shlder blade on my back and it is having some major pain and the pain is in my

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer: I'm worried that you may have a fractured scapula Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Sorry to hear about your injury. It sounds very painful. I would be concerned that you may have fractured your scapula (shoulder blade) . You would need an Xray and possibly a CT scan to make the diagnosis. Most scapula fractures can be managed non-operatively but some if they involve the shoulder joint (glenoid) need to have surgery to prevent arthritis in the joint and/or limitation of motion. In the meantime you could take anti-inflammatory medication and place your arm in a sling to help with the pain. After you seek medical attention to get the necessary investigations done, if there is no fracture or a fracture that does not require operative intervention then you should start physiotherapy as soon as your symptoms will allow to regain your range of motion and prevent further weakness. Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (15 minutes later)

thank you... the pain is in my upper arm too and I cant really move it up or to the side... do I just need to stop using my arm and let I rest for a few weeks?

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer: You still need an X-ray Detailed Answer: Hi, If the pain is in your upper arm too it maybe that the shoulder joint is involved in in which case I would encourage you to have an X-ray of your shoulder and scapula. If the X-ray is normal then yes your symptoms will likely improve with time. regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T