Pain in left side back shoulder ,shoulder blade and around ribs srea

Years ago I had a similar problem and it disappeared when I had General anesthesia for surgery for another problem.  It sounds like the condition called "frozen shoulder". I would read up on it and see if you feel your symptoms match that.  I remember being surprised when mine went away after my surgery.  If that is your diagnosis, there is a lot you can do for it.

I also had a similar problem with my elbow.  It was progressively becoming so painful over a week's time.  At the end of the week I was in such pain I went to a Walk-In Clinic and the doc gave me a prescription NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) called Arthrotec.  Within 10 minutes of taking my first dose of this, this excruciating pain that was progressively worse over a week's time totally disappeared.  I am glad I had that experience because Arthrotec has helped me immensely once I developed arthritis and I don't think I could have functioned without it.

Hi Samy3, the area around the left shoulder blade is a vulnerable spot for me too. I use my left hand to move a computer mouse.  It helps me to stay active with swimming and tennis. A good posture can help as well, especially if you are working on a computer or in a seated position for hours. I find it important to have the elbows resting on the table or armrest while typing of 'mousing'.

I think it is not so much the hyperthyroidism itself, but more the lack of activity that caused the problems for me. In general, try to maintain a posture in which your shoulder blades are as far apart as possible. Resist the temptation to bring you shoulder blades closer together as it only brings temporary relief. Long term it will help you more to stretch and exercise the affected muscles and ligaments.  

Below are some stretches that helped me.   

1) Sit on a bed or sofa with your feet firmly on the floor. Stretch your arms in front you and keep your hands in a vertical plane with the thumbs pointing up. Now cross your arms and place the back of your left hand on the right side of your right knee. Place the back of your right hand on the left side of your left knee. 

Spread your legs such that your arms are pushed apart. Gently lean forward to stretch your shoulders and your back. For a stronger stretch of the trapezius muscle exhale before bending forward and inhale deeply while leaning forward. You can also swap our arms (left arm on top or vice versa) and repeat the stretch.

2) Again sit on a bed with your feet on the floor. Hold the back of your left hand with the right hand. Now pull the left hand toward the right and place your left hand on the bed around 20cm away from the right thigh. The left arm is completely stretched and is held in place by your right hand. Now gently bend forward. By adjusting how far you bend forward and where you place your left hand you can change the area that is stretched. This is very effective shoulder blade stretch.

3) For this one, you need a partner. Lie on a bed with your face down. Place your left arm on your lower back such that your left shoulder blade is slightly raised. Have your partner massage the area around the shoulder blade, gently digging his/her fingers under the shoulder blade.

Hope the stretches help somewhat. They are really easy.    

Hi Samy, I had this really bad until I had physio and they gave me exercises to do and now I rarely get it! I think it's definitely related to Graves and holding stress in the muscles and shoulders! 😞

Hi Samy3, just a few questions, is the pain sharp or dull, is it surface or deep, are there things that make it worse/better, does it radiate from one spot? I know I get pain under my left ribs that radiates into my chest because of wind. Physiotherapy should have helped if it was musculoskeletal pain, so that leaves referred pain and nerve pain. If physio isn't helping you might need to go back to your doctor and see if he/she has any ideas for relieving your pain. Hope you get some answers soon, take care