Ache under shoulder blades

[Sarniebee]

for a while now I have been getting a dull ache just below the shoulder blades, it comes on all of the sudden usually when I am standing doing something like preparing dinner it can last for about an hour then just wears off pain killers do not seem to ease it but I can go for two to three weeks sometimes when it's fine,I have read  that it could be a sign of lung cancer so very worried now.

[philnoir]

Hello there.

First, does your company have an ergonomic consultant that might help you rearrange your workstation for better comfort?

I've learned from writing that my keyboard and mouse needs to be low, almost in my lap, and my screen has to be just below eye level. I use a tray under the desktop, and put the laptop on a stand that holds it maybe 1 meter off the desktop.

Secondly, about your chronic myofascial pain -- have you tried trigger point injection therapy? It's offered in most pain clinics. They inject a local anesthetic, muscle relaxant, or other medications right into the muscle where it hurts.

I have chronic muscle pain in the large muscles of my lower back -- they benefit from these injections. Normally they're in spasm all the time, but a session of trigger point injections, with bipuvacaine and ketamine help ease these cramps for two months or more.

Also, your pain doctor can offer compounded creams containing NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, baclofen, gabapentin, and other medications. You have someone rub them over the sore spots, and you don't smell like a eucalyptus tree.

Best wishes.

[NeverAgain127]

I agree with you, phil...but if I were the OP, I'd get a chest xray just for peace of mind.

I have terrible, unrelenting pain in my upper back, but not my spine.  It's my trapezius muscles and neck.  

I've been told it is from poor posture, but mostly I think it is years and years of being hunched over a computer.    The human body isn't meant to sit in a cubicle all day.  

I used to take opiates for this, but I finally said "enough" and I'm now 44 days off them.   The pain is back though..

I tried Salonpas...they are these funky patches that have menthol, camphor, etc.  You put them on the part that hurts.  Your body heat melts them and it DOES help a bit with the pain.  Problem is:  you smell like a giant cough drop, and they do feel weird...wet, cold, kinda slimy.

[philnoir]

If the pain wears off when you sit or lie down, I doubt it is pain from a cancerous growth.

Pain in the neck, shoulder and upper back area often accompanies stress. Pain could originate from poor posture, bad shoes, over work, or even the layout of your cooking area. Pain can also be an early sign of spine disease.

If it continues to trouble you, seek medical care.