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What Can Lead To Constant Pain Between The Shoulder Blades?
Posted on
Tue, 17 Apr 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 17 Apr 2018
Answered on
Wed, 30 Aug 2023
Last reviewed on
Question : I have had pain in my back between my shoulder blades for over a month. I have gone to a chiropracter who is working on straightening my spine. But the pain has not gone away.
I've taken Tylenol but it only helps a little. It could be msucular, but I wonder if something internal could cause back pain along by back ?
I've taken Tylenol but it only helps a little. It could be msucular, but I wonder if something internal could cause back pain along by back ?
Brief Answer:
An x-ray should be done to exclude fractures.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As you said in the absence of other symptoms it is most probably muscular or due to spinal arthritis. However, given the persistence of the symptoms I believe some looking into is necessary. I think at least a simple X-Ray should be scheduled.
The purpose of that is to at least exclude fractures of the spine. While usually traumatic at times there are fractures due to minor trauma, without dislocation of the vertebrae which may manifest only with pain. They are to be considered given your age as such compression fractures are often found in the elderly even in the absence of the patient remembering a trauma to the spine.
The other cause to consider would be that of a tumoral origin. However, usually, there are some other signs like weight loss and neurological deficits so less likely. Perhaps an MRI may be considered in the future if pain increases or other signs appear, but for now, a simple cheap X-ray of the spine would be enough.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Olsi Taka, Neurologist
An x-ray should be done to exclude fractures.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As you said in the absence of other symptoms it is most probably muscular or due to spinal arthritis. However, given the persistence of the symptoms I believe some looking into is necessary. I think at least a simple X-Ray should be scheduled.
The purpose of that is to at least exclude fractures of the spine. While usually traumatic at times there are fractures due to minor trauma, without dislocation of the vertebrae which may manifest only with pain. They are to be considered given your age as such compression fractures are often found in the elderly even in the absence of the patient remembering a trauma to the spine.
The other cause to consider would be that of a tumoral origin. However, usually, there are some other signs like weight loss and neurological deficits so less likely. Perhaps an MRI may be considered in the future if pain increases or other signs appear, but for now, a simple cheap X-ray of the spine would be enough.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Olsi Taka, Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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