Strange back stinging ache mid-upper

[blizzarduk]

Around my right shoulder blade area, just below and sometimes above, between side of body ad spine, is a very sore achy feeling. What usually happens is a small tingle will begin, then within seconds it escalates in to a stinging sore ache, this builds up and up, as though getting tighter. I can usually stop it by moving my body or touching the area. It is worse when my hands or arms are in front of me, like with me typing now, it is happening all the time and is very sore and painful. If I were to stop typing and sit back then it would happen a lot less. If I am stood in the kitchen and buttering bread, then it happens without fail. When the intense stinging/tingling pain is not happening, then I am left with a extreme sorness, as though a knee is in my upper back. This only happens on my right hand side. My arms and hands often go numb when the pain is at its worse.

I can sometimes move the "stinging" area up and down by pressing my shoulders or neck. This began about 2 weeks ago with only the odd sting a couple of times a day, but now it is happening every 2 minutes. I am obese and use a computer a lot, my neck is incredibly stiff, could this all be posture related ?

Thanks all.  

[blizzarduk]

Thanks again for your help. Speaking of postional and blood flow, I find when I stand up from a chair or bed my head is incredibly light and I almost feel like I will pass out and a bit sick, especially if I try and walk, then my heart pounds heavy and my head throbs. This lasts about 10 to 30 seconds. If I am lying down and my phone rings, I know I wont get it in time as I have to very slowly get up. I don't have to be sitting long for this to happen. Does this all sound related ? I don't want to confuse you though by mentioning my other health issues that may be totally unrelated to my back.

[kittyluv1]

The symptoms are common as everyone experiences some degree of degenerative changes in their spine.  The additional weight you carry could also be contributing to your condition as the stress on the bone structure is increased.
Unfortunately, a lot of us have the same issue regarding excess weight.
I'm not sure if your changes in sensation when walking could be directly related to any spine conditions, but more related to blood flow changes with positional changes.
A similar situation may have occurred with you bending over to put on your socks.
I don't think you could have caused any significant damage to your back or neck ---
Your age at 30 is rather young for major spine problems, but other systemic problems related to blood pressure etc  can occur irrespective of age.
Keep us informed of your progress ---

[blizzarduk]

Many thanks for your reply. Very interesting info and I will certainly get it checked out. In the mean time though does the sensation I mention about sound like a fairly common thing ? I tried searching the net and couldn't really find anyone else with a tingling/stinging feeling that builds up and up and up on the back. At the moment I feel a bit like I have a knee slightly pressed in my mid to upper right hand side of back (when the tingling ache isn't happening). I am obese at 23 stone, so thought maybe I was putting a lot of pressure on the area due to my weight.

One other thing I have noticed, and that is if I sit in certain chairs (mainly car chairs), when I walk for about 5 minutes after getting out I feel like I am drunk or walking up and down steps on the flat, very weird indeed. Does that all sound spine related ?

I do remember that a month ago I leant over to put on my socks (bare in mind I am very overweight so that is not easy) and felt a horrible dropping sensation in my head that knocked my balance out for a while. Could I of done damage to my back or neck then (as I was bent over) ? Although the back pain I feel now didn't occur for another 2 weeks after this.

Sorry for all the questions, you have been a great help, and any more advice appreciated :) By the way I am 30 if age helps.

[kittyluv1]

While your symptoms could be posture related, the shoulder pain and accompanying numbness of your arms and hands might be related to disc problems in your cervical spine.
Degenerative changes of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs occur due to wear and tear as we age.  These changes can result in herniation/extrusion of disc material as well as bony hypertrophy (bone spurs) that could essentially be causing irritation and/or compression of the spinal nerve roots.
It would be beneficial to make an appt with your primary care physician and obtain a medical evaluation.  C-spine x-rays may be done to determine if there are structural changes in your cervical spine,  An MRI might be indicated to assess any nerve involvement.   Treatment options will depend on the results of the diagnostic tests.
Considering your symptoms have escalated and are occurring more frequently you should try and have the appt within a reasonable time frame.
Post with an update and any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes ---