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What Causes Pain In Back Between Shoulder Blades?

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Posted on Wed, 15 Oct 2014
Question: Hubby has pain in back between shoulder blades. This has been for a week or more. He has emphysema,( non-smoker now), is on oxygen full-time. Coughs frequently. Non-productive. Is he dying, as he tells me he is?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
A few suggestions ma'am

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Pain related to emphysema is usually restricted to the chest region and rarely is there any radiation to the back observed. In my opinion, the upper back pain between the shoulder blades could be related to three systems and thus will require a few investigations, which I shall recommend in our discussion. The systems possibly involved are:

-Cardiac system: Due to the heavy or long duration of smoking, the cardiac functioning can get affected resulting in abnormalities

-Gastric system: Smoking as you know can have multiple ill effects, and along with the emphysema the long exposure to smoking could have also resulted in erosion of the inner lining of the stomach that can result in gastric conditions like ulcers that typically present with pain radiating to the back region

-Hepatobiliary system: Smoking, other lifestyle factors and genetics could contribute to abnormalities in this system. Pancreas, liver, gall bladder, are all organs that can present with pain between the shoulder blades during abnormalities.

The investigations I would recommend are the following:

-Upper GI endoscopy
-Abdomen and pelvic ultrasound
-EKG
-2D Echo of the heart

I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. I understand how the environment in your house might be ma'am, but it is up to you to stay positive and keep your husband positive. It might be difficult, but our aim should be quality of life and not quantity. That being said, we should address all symptoms he is experiencing and try what best we can to make him comfortable. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always available to help you.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)
No ? Just a Thankyou for trying to help long distance! At least there are options to look at. Again, thanks much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
i would not assume that ma'am, No.

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

I would not assume such extreme conclusions, until I know there are no options available to us and I am here to continue to provide you with hope (not false hope), guidance and all the support you need.

Best wishes ma'am.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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What Causes Pain In Back Between Shoulder Blades?

Brief Answer: A few suggestions ma'am Detailed Answer: Hello ma'am and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Pain related to emphysema is usually restricted to the chest region and rarely is there any radiation to the back observed. In my opinion, the upper back pain between the shoulder blades could be related to three systems and thus will require a few investigations, which I shall recommend in our discussion. The systems possibly involved are: -Cardiac system: Due to the heavy or long duration of smoking, the cardiac functioning can get affected resulting in abnormalities -Gastric system: Smoking as you know can have multiple ill effects, and along with the emphysema the long exposure to smoking could have also resulted in erosion of the inner lining of the stomach that can result in gastric conditions like ulcers that typically present with pain radiating to the back region -Hepatobiliary system: Smoking, other lifestyle factors and genetics could contribute to abnormalities in this system. Pancreas, liver, gall bladder, are all organs that can present with pain between the shoulder blades during abnormalities. The investigations I would recommend are the following: -Upper GI endoscopy -Abdomen and pelvic ultrasound -EKG -2D Echo of the heart I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. I understand how the environment in your house might be ma'am, but it is up to you to stay positive and keep your husband positive. It might be difficult, but our aim should be quality of life and not quantity. That being said, we should address all symptoms he is experiencing and try what best we can to make him comfortable. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always available to help you. Best wishes.