advice on pain under right shoulder blade?

[slizpip]

I have sharp pain under my right shoulder blade and my neck when i bend. Its been 3 months now and is still there. i had a car crash whiplash injury months ago. Also i had a bad cough that lasted a while and i had pain under my ribs from coughing so much.

Any ideas?

[caregiver222]

You have what is called a subluxion injury. Such symptoms generally occur eight months to two years after a sudden flexure of the head.  X-rays are completely meaningless and unnecessary. An obsolete form of differential diagnosis. An MRI will be helpful and necesssary for insurance documentation. It is going to get worse unless treated. Treatment consists of gentle axial traction pulling the head upwards along the axis of the spine with an axial traction harness several times a day, anti-inflammatorys, keeping well-hydrated and range-of-motion exercises through the limits of discomfort. Axial traction devices cost about $35. Throw away the water balloon and suspend yourself gently over a chair for from three to ten minutes eight to twelve times a day, with an hour or so in-between. Avoid riding ina vehicle that does not have a soft cushion. A cervical collar is contraindicated as it a muscle relaxant because they decrease muscle tone. Exercises after a period of axial traction include side-ups with hands behind the head and isometrics, pressing a hand against the forehead, applying pressure for thirty seconds, and repeating the same around the read about thirty-degrees apart. Many physician start off with a two week regiman of prednisone with a taper. Steroid injections are meaningless because they have such a short-half life. Prescription grade steroidsl transdermal cream on the back of the neck helps, twice a day. DSMO will also help (use with caution - research thoroughly). It is helpful to locate a physician with experience in subluxion injuries.

[jemma116]

Glad to hear to have seen the doc.  I agree with him that it is connected with the accident you had.

You can do gentle exercise - but not with with your hands, shoulders and neck. When my neck was bad I was told by the doctor to do no pushing and pulling (shopping trollies), lifting or carrying.  I don't it was a good idea to have been lifting kettlebells - you obviously didn't allow enough time for your whiplash to heal.  Keep your neck warm with a scarf.

Don't for get to keep a record of all your medical appointments and records in the event that you may make a compensation claim.

Best wishes

[slizpip]

Thank you, i saw my gp last night and hes sending me for an xray to my neck. He thinks its linked to the whiplash which is nearly a year ago now. Hes told me to rest and try not to lift heavy things. I do a lot of exercise and lift kettlebells so i will hsve to syop tha until im better x

[jemma116]

As you were involved in a car crash and this problem has still persisted, I suggest  you go back to your doctor.  He will need to examine you or send you for xrays or physiotherapy.

You will need medical support and a record of your ongoing injuries, if you will be claiming compensation for your injuries.  Keep a record of all your symptoms and keep any medical reports that you get.

Whiplash injuries vary and sometimes can take much longer than 3 months to heal.  My daughter was involved in a car crash and it sustained whiplash injury, every time she looked up she had blackouts, it took over 2 years for her symptoms to settle.

Hope you get on alright

Best wishes

[paperclip46]

Sometimes from injury we develop trigger points in certain places and I have a couple under my left shoulder blade and they are sore!!   My physio sorts them out and I am doing exercises to increase the strength of the muscles surrounding it to stop this happening.

[littlebits54]

with your history of whiplash it could be a possible herniated disk in the neck or upper back especially since you fell it more with bending over. depending on where it is certain movements can put more pressure on the nerves around the injured disk. however, pain under the right shoulder blade can also indicate gallbladder issues. if you have noticed increased belching or the pain increases after meals it might be your gallbladder.