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Intermittent, movement-induced shoulder blade pains that goes away after subsequent movement

Posted , 3 users are following.

apatius
apatius

Hello,

I've been experiencing some back/shoulder blade pain on the left side (non-dominant for me), for approximately 5-6 months.

Over 2 months ago I had a shoulder x-ray performed that didn't turn up anything, and indeed, when I was at the Doctor's office, I wasn't experiencing the symptoms (it was already late afternoon - this is worse in the morning). I did read that x-rays can often miss tumors, for instance, so I'm no longer as comforted as I was by that result.

Other data:

  • 35 year old, white male
  • sedentary during day but regularly exercise (6-days per week)
  • exercise is of a varied nature, cardio or weights.
  • the pain did not seem to occur with any injury
  • no range-of-motion issues
  • no pain while doing press exercises or pull-ups, etc.
  • pain occurs most frequently in the morning upon waking, which is likely related to the following:
  • pain will occur with sudden movements involving shoulder (many varied movements)
  • repeating the same movement immediately after will usually not induce pain, though after some minutes or hours, it might
  • coughing (from the occasional cold - I have 2 young kids), is likely to induce pain, which often is closer to the spine but still on the left side
  • If I cough again, the pain is usually less or not present at all, especially if I try to force the cough
  • The pain sometimes induces a wrapping around of pain, or a feeling of tightness, from the shoulder blade over the top of the shoulder
  • the pain is worse on some days (or weeks) than others. In fact, I'm fairly certain that there was a period where it seemed like it was going away for a few weeks, but then flared up again to be rather similar, but not identical, to the original sensations.
  • Recently I feel a vague sensation of either coldness or warmth on the shoulder blade, can't really say which, and it is so minor it might even be psychological and induced by knowing about the other issues.
  • History of high blood pressure, currently managed (though adjusting treatment).
  • Formerly had high cholesterol, but managed through diet.

It would be great to know what might be the cause, and what I should discuss with my doctor at a follow-up visit. I'll intend to report back here anything I learn.

Thank you!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • apatius
    apatius

    Posted

    One thing I forgot to mention is that I've had a high ANA profile in the year prior to this one, but haven't had it measured in the last year - no cause was identified.

  • lis10127
    lis10127 apatius

    Posted

    it sounds similar to what i had - i also had pain wrapping round my ribcage. i was an avid weights user and cardio too and i think i strained something that i kept aggravating as i didnt stop exercising. i think these things can be worse at rest when you stiffen up. you could also have muscle knots if you have an injury so you could try self massage or trigger point release. its hard not to worry and imagine something serious but i just think back / shoulder etc injuries can be niggly as you use these areas so much with day to day activities never mind exercising on top as well. i would reduce your ex program and walk/cycle to keep fit - do some stretching, get regular sports massages, take anti inflammatories and see if it settles

  • hypercat
    hypercat apatius

    Posted

    If it happens more in the morning then it might be worth checking your bed to see if it needs changing or you might just need a new mattress. It could be just as simple as that. x

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