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What Causes Intermittent Pain Under The Shoulder Blade?
i have suffered pain under the right shoulder blade which is intermittent for about four months. This has become more frequent and more painful over the last few weeks. The pain pulses and radiates downward and under my right arm joint. In the last two days I have experienced a weekness of my right hand and particularly in the little finger and the finger next to it. This is accompanied by a slight numb feeling in the hand. the shiulder blade pain is more extreme when sitting and particulary when driving. I will be seeing my GP but previous attempts to discuss the issue were met with a suggestion to get a massage which I did three times without success. Do you have any insights that I can explore with my GP please?
posted on
Wed, 22 Apr 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 4 Mar 2023
Answered on
Fri, 14 Apr 2023
Last reviewed on
Hi,
The symptoms you have described, including pain under the right shoulder blade that radiates downward and under the right arm joint, weakness in the right hand, and numbness in the fingers, may be caused by a variety of underlying conditions.
One possible cause of these symptoms is a pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder, which can cause pain, weakness, and numbness in the affected arm and hand. Other possible causes include rotator cuff injuries, tendinitis, bursitis, or arthritis.
It is important to discuss your symptoms with your GP and undergo diagnostic tests such as x-rays, MRI or CT scans, or nerve conduction studies to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Your GP may also refer you to a specialist such as a neurologist or an orthopedist for further evaluation and treatment.
In the meantime, you can try to manage your symptoms by avoiding activities that aggravate the pain, using hot or cold compresses, and doing gentle exercises to improve the range of motion and strength in the affected area. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions for any medication or treatment recommendations and attend all scheduled appointments for your condition.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
The symptoms you have described, including pain under the right shoulder blade that radiates downward and under the right arm joint, weakness in the right hand, and numbness in the fingers, may be caused by a variety of underlying conditions.
One possible cause of these symptoms is a pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder, which can cause pain, weakness, and numbness in the affected arm and hand. Other possible causes include rotator cuff injuries, tendinitis, bursitis, or arthritis.
It is important to discuss your symptoms with your GP and undergo diagnostic tests such as x-rays, MRI or CT scans, or nerve conduction studies to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Your GP may also refer you to a specialist such as a neurologist or an orthopedist for further evaluation and treatment.
In the meantime, you can try to manage your symptoms by avoiding activities that aggravate the pain, using hot or cold compresses, and doing gentle exercises to improve the range of motion and strength in the affected area. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions for any medication or treatment recommendations and attend all scheduled appointments for your condition.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Hi,
The symptoms you described suggest a possible nerve impingement or compression in the cervical (neck) spine, which can cause pain under the shoulder blade that radiates down the arm and may cause weakness and numbness in the affected arm and hand. It's important to discuss these symptoms with your GP, who may refer you to a specialist such as a neurologist or orthopedic surgeon for further evaluation and management.
The specialist may order imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan to assess the condition of the cervical spine and nerves and may recommend conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, injections, or in some cases, surgery. In the meantime, you may find some relief from the pain by using heat or ice packs, practicing gentle stretching exercises, and avoiding activities that aggravate the pain.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
The symptoms you described suggest a possible nerve impingement or compression in the cervical (neck) spine, which can cause pain under the shoulder blade that radiates down the arm and may cause weakness and numbness in the affected arm and hand. It's important to discuss these symptoms with your GP, who may refer you to a specialist such as a neurologist or orthopedic surgeon for further evaluation and management.
The specialist may order imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan to assess the condition of the cervical spine and nerves and may recommend conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, injections, or in some cases, surgery. In the meantime, you may find some relief from the pain by using heat or ice packs, practicing gentle stretching exercises, and avoiding activities that aggravate the pain.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
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