PAIN

I really nees to know what is up with my back/neck/shoulder blade. i am 16 years old and i play laccrosse. i have had this pain that started just below my right shoulder blade, i could not breathe without it hurting. then it moved to me not being able to lift my arm that high. it eventually went away, with proper yoga stretches. i just started running recently and of course, i properly stretched legs,back,arms...ect. i have have this pain in my shoulder blade that runs all the way up the right side of my neck and gives my the work freakinging headache...i cannot sleep. its so bad it makes me cry. everytime i press where it hurts in my shoulderblade i geta numbing sensation through my arm and down to my fingers...do i have a pinched nerve?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. Possibilities that may need to be considered include inflammations of the chest wall/ pleura, respiratory tract/ lung infections/ inflammations, nerve compression/ impingement, muscle/ tendon strain/ injury etc. It would be best to consult an internist for a detailed evaluation at this time. After a cause is identified it can be managed accordingly or specialist care may be sought.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!