What Causes Radiating Pain Around The Left Shoulder Blade And Right-sided Abdominal Pain?

Posted on Thu, 31 Aug 2017

Question: Hello

For the last few days I have had this radiating pain around my left shoulder blade and i also have felt some pain in my right stomach area. I had spicy food and some alcohol two days ago but was wondering about the shoulder pain and if it was linked to a heart issue at all. My breathing is fine and my HR is 50-65. Any advice would be appreciated. My stomach feels like its burning and hot inside although the pain is sporadic. I have been under severe stress as well so wondering if this is related to an ulcer.

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it looks more of a gastric problem

Detailed Answer:
Hello

After going through the medical details provided by you I would like to tell you that I assume that you are neither a hypertensive nor a diabetic and the symptoms which you have mentioned along with history of spicy food and alcohol intake, these points more towards gastritis to rather than a cardiac issue.

However keeping age into consideration I would like to suggest you to get one ECG done to rule out any cardiac issue.

You can take some proton pump inhibitor like Pantoprazole for 5 days in empty stomach and avoid having junk, oily and spicy food for a while.

I hope this information will be helpful and will guide you properly.

Kind regards
Dr Bhanu partap

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Bhanu Partap (2 hours later)

Thank you. I recently had a physical about a month ago and an EKG was done with normal results. I also had an ECT a year or so ago showing a healthy heart. Do you still suggest an EKG? I have not had any shoulder pain or stomach pain for the last 2-3 hours. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello Again

Detailed Answer:
I advisable to get an ECG during the time of chest discomfort or pain.

Cardiac problem seems unlikely in your case but still its better to rule it out, once and for all.

Feel free to ask if you have any more doubts or else you can close the discussion and leave your feedback.

Kind Regards
Dr Bhanu Partap

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Bhanu Partap (1 hour later)

To clarify:There was no chest pain, only shoulder blade pain. I understand an EKG is always good but trying to understand what other symptoms i would be experiencing for this to be heart related

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello Again

Detailed Answer:
Yes the other symptoms which should be taken care of include Chest discomfort along with
1. Sweating
2. Breathing Difficulty
3. Dizziness
4. Pain radiating to left shoulder and inner aspect of left arm
5. Pain radiating to jaw line

Combination of these symptoms should always be taken care of and should never be ignored specially beyond 40 yrs of age and if an individual have diabetes or hypertension or family history of heart disease and most importantly if he or she smokes.

I hope this will answer you query.

Kind Regards
Dr Bhanu Partap

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Bhanu Partap (16 hours later)

I ran 4 miles today and was able to run quite fast 10 min/mile to 11 min/mile and felt great. I also did 60 minutes Vinyasa Yoga and didnt feel any shoulder pain from either activity. The stomach pain on the right side came back in the evening and it feels better when i stretch to the left. I felt for the pain and it is under the right rib cage area, seems to be less sore when i flex my ab muscles and then put pressure. The shoulder pain also came back very intermittently this evening, it seems better once i put some arnica gel on it. Can you address that the shoulder pain is likely not cardiac related. It seems to be sore when i push hard on the shoulder blade bone. It is not continuous at all. Please help me decide next steps either way and thank you for your guidance Doctor

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please refer to the detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
As I have told you earlier the pain in your case is unlikely to be of cardiac origin and seems more of muscle soreness.

As you had a run of 4 miles today without any discomfort, it make any cardiac problem more unlikely.

Nothing to do just maintain healthy lifestyle habits including NO SMOKING policy, healthy eating and daily exercise. Follow this regime and don't take any stress you are all fine.

Kind Regards
Dr Bhanu partap

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana