Left shoulder pain/ dull ache/burning- help

[Haileys Mom]

I am hoping someone can provide some insight. Two months ago, while at work (sit at a microscope for 8 hrs. a day for 10 yrs. now), I noticed some twinges in my L breast. I just assumed hormonal, but then I started getting twinges in my L shoulder, which turned into a dull aching and sometimes burning sensation. The area that it started out in was the side of the shoulder in the back, like under the arm. Imagine lifting your arm up, and right beneath your armpit, you rub the vertical area underneath. Now, two months later, the pain has progressed to sometimes on the top of my arm, the muscle. I seem to notice it more when I'm at my desk working.

Dr. visits have not diagnosed the problem. So far I've had a diagnostic mammogram (good) and a chest xray (good). The chest xray showed some slight curvature to the spine, but other than that, good. Of course because I've had some tingles and shooting sensations in my left breast, my mind starts to "connect" the two and worry that it is cancer. Dr. says that is highly unlikely and that it sounds like muscles or nerves, myofascial pain, etc.

Each day I wake up thinking positively, but then the pain rears its head and I start to worry again. Why isn't it going away? I can't figure out what's going on.

I'm 38 years old and have a one year old, that I am picking up constantly. I have a sit down job at a microscope that I am in a fixed position. Could poor posture be to blame? This is so strange. Sometimes, the area itches and the back of my shoulder blade itches, too. Tingles and twinges once in a while. What should I do?

[Demiguise]

A chest x-ray wouldn't show nerve impingement & a disc bulge
would have to be large to see on any basic x-ray. Most people
that use computers have their neck curved for hrs. & then get
this shoulder pain. I used a microscope yrs ago & had to take
breaks to neck stretch from similar problem. That was before
computers were around. Only way to really dx is to have a
Cervical mri. I have a slt spur at C4 & a bulge at C5 that has
caused me problems so I limit/corrected posture/hm-traction/
sleep w/ flatter pillow/icepak on neck if hurts. The C5 sends
signal to shoulder & you may be rolling it forward to pinch
another nerve going toward chest. Adjust chair & scope level if
possible (like a ph-bk or?). Most scopes are calibrated though
to remain stable. Even laying flat on a bag of frozen peas can
contour at neck if inflammation. If 2 discs compress, it's like a sandwich & the spine tissue pushes outward. Try to catch early
now so you can correct. Even carrying child will slope shoulder
& pull on nerve so just adjust things & see what works.  

[Haileys Mom]

Thank you for your post. It's interesting you worked with a microscope before, too. However, unlike yours, my work is so specialized, that the homemade desk that the microscope is attached to (not ergomically sound) cannot be manipulated into a better position. The pieces I work on are all different sizes, so the microscope must be adjusted accordingly. It is hanging from a metal rod that is attached to the bottom shelf of the desk.

You make great points about the spine/neck area. I wonder if this is the cause of such dull, aching shoulder pain, along with the weird nerve sensations? It seems so odd at times. Today, ibuprofen helped. But, I just wish that I could get rid of the feeling of being so "aware" of my left shoulder. There hasn't been one day in the past two months that the left shoulder wasn't on my mind.

I did have an Echo and EKG, along with bloodwork back in May, due to heart palpitations. All was fine. They just attributed the ectopic beats (PVC's) to lack of sleep, stress, and caffeine overload. (I love my coffee, and now drink decaf). The diagnostic mammo is clear. All my bloodwork was good.

Some of the things you talked about, I'm unaware of, such as nerve impingement. I will have to do some research on it. Thank you for all your advice and taking the time to  explain these things in detail for me!

I truly hope I get to the root cause of this. Although it's possible that I have tendonitis, I still wonder where the little twinges and itching comes from at times. I was told it cannot be rotator cuff disease since one usually cannot move their arm without extreme pain. My pain doesn't happen when I push on any areas, nor does it get worse when I move my arm and shoulder in any  ways. It's like a deep, dull aching and burning, especially when in use.

If anyone can advise me on what to do next, or have any clues on what it could be, I would be grateful to hear your input. I'm driving my family crazy with being anxious and scared. I know my body and I have never had anything like this , let alone be lasting 2 months now.

Thank you very much,
Kelly

[Jewel529]

I have the same thing, but on my right side. I know you don't want to hear this-my pain is going on two yrs now.I have had many, many tests done, some repeated. Nothing of significance has ever been found.I have been to many docs, many specialities.No one I have seen can figure it out.It is frustrating because I am a very healthy mother of two, that has never had any health problems.The pain is REAL though.My theory is I have a Repetitive Stress Injury due to my posture when I am on my computer.I have been told these types of injuries have increased a lot over the last 10yrs because of computer use. They are called RSI's.I was in an auto accident also a few years ago, where I suffered whiplash and it makes sense(to me) that it could be tied to that.However, the docs think my symptoms started too long(2 months) after the accident.Too much of a coincidence I think!Anyhow,I have changed my computer set-up,but the doc said this kind of injury/pain is very hard to get rid of and the best I can hope for is that eventually I will be able to manage the pain with meds, massage therapy and exercise.I have been seeing a trigger point massage therapist and it does help, but I only go once every two weeks.Insurance will not cover it.Make sure your docs check everything out before you assume it is nothing serious.Don't wait because the longer the pain, the harder it is to reverse the injury.I currently see an ortho doc that specializes in chronic pain.He is pretty good and genuinely interested in my problem(I think!) Good luck to you.

[Rufus43]

SO interesting to see someone else complaining of the same thing! I have had mine for over 2 years now.  I think it is related to a an injury I sustained in a motorcycle incident. It is better sometimes, really bad at others.  I find it is worst when I am tense or stressed out.  I have had a mammogram and am scehduled for another and ultrasound, but they have been unable to find anything.  Massage seemed to make it worse, and physio helped a little, but too little to keep me paying for the sessions.  I think my next try will be a chiropractor....Right now the worst part is that I am so aware of my left breast.  Every bra I try feels like it is digging in or like a tight band. Going without a bra doesn't feel much better.  The last couple of days I've had a really sharp pain in my chest and back, but I am going through a fairly tense period right now. I hope you post again if you get any answers!

[becca23]

well i have just started these pains as well special when iam breathing  i sit in front of the oc at least 10 hours a day.

[etc...]

I had similar problems as you described a few years ago. After months of trying to find the problem and thinking the pain was originating under armpit and radiating in breast doctor finally ordered MRI of my neck and found that I had a herniated disc C4-C5 and C5-C6. After undergoing PT problem resolved itself.

[Athenas]

I have been having the same problem. It started with terrible pains in the breast about 3 months ago, going through my right shoulder and arms. I felt a hardening in my right breast, went to the clinic and they said it was probably just dense tissue. However, the pain is there. The shoulder pain is the worst. I cant seem to sit, lie down or anything. The pain goes through my armpit and arm.
My GP has recommended physiotherapy after an examination saying that I probably damaged some tissues. I hope it resolves the problems. May be Physiotherapy helps.

[radar77]

Thank you all for your comments.  I have been suffering with the same symptoms off and on for a couple of months. I do have a history of C5, C6 mild degenerative disc disease and spent 2 years going for physio.  I have not gone for about a year now. I have been having breast sensations as well as underarm pinching and a feeling of fullness (more at the upper part of the underarm). Lymph nodes are fine.  I was trying to take the time to let this sort itself out but am now thinking that I may need to try physio again since the burning and discomfort are very annoying.  Does the underam feeling that I describe sound like what you've had?  Has it gone away with physio?

[bubby17]

I've posted this before but will do so again in hopes someone can help!!  This past spring my husband decided to turn our king-size mattress...well he let go of it and it hit me and threw me across the room....I hit my back and head on a night stand....14 stitches in my head.  A couple of months later, I was visiting my sister's new home and didn't see the step that separates the living-room from the dining-room and went flying across the room and finally landed chest high on the leather couch...black and blue marks across left chest wall for a couple of weeks.  That November I caught the flu and spent 2 weeks sleeping in an upright position either on the couch or in bed.  During that period of time developed a burning sensation in my left shoulder area.  When I woke in the morning the burning would start and then felt like it moved down my side and across my rib cage (left side).  This came and went.  The last couple of weeks it has returned and this burning has settled into the lower portion of my left shoulder blade.  Feels like bone on bone when I flex and lots of popping sounds in my shoulder and spine.  If I bring my left elbow up against my side and try to bring it back, it causes this pain in the lower portion of my should blade.  Also if I lift my chin and bring my shoulders back I feel the same pain.  I've been having right shoulder problems and have been using my left arm more than my right (I am right handed, naturally) and I spend at least 5-6 hours a day at the computer.

[younggrandma]

I have also had the ache in the breast and burning under the arm and up into my lower shoulder area, It started last may and continued for 2 months, then i started to swim everyday and within 2 weeks the pain was gone but short lived, a month later the pain was back and i am struggling with it now.
I have had back x-rays, unltrasounds, mamograms, all with negative results. This has effected my life, i can no longer play or lift my grandkids, i snap at my family because i am in constant pain.
I am 42 years old and have a lot of living still left to do so I hope I will find the right Doctor soon to help my pain or even get down to the cause and cure me.
I hope everyone here has luck in finding the cause your pain and let us know.

[jami114]

I have the same pain that started out going through the left side of my chest and radiates down my left arm.  Sometimes my whole arm feel so painful like dull aching pain all the way down to my hand.  I have had this for over 2 years.  I asked a neurologist and he said that he doesn't know what it is but is a common complaint among new mothers and people that have a lot of anxiety.  I wish I could get to the bottom of this because I'm really getting sick of living like this.  Has anyone had any luck healing themselves from this?

[jami114]

[Leesmiffo]

Yep All symptoms i have as well. dull ache in left shulder and moves in to left breast, have been worrying myself sick about it. I work at a bench all day and it only started when i started this job. Im going to try and adjust my working position and see what happens. But i also suffer from anxiety which is made further worse by me worrying about the pains, so its a vicious circle. But seeing others with the same complaint has made me feel a lot better.

[christinamh]

Everyone should check out information on myofascial trigger points. I just purchased a trigger point therapy workbook and it explains how these trigger points are the sources of so many physical problems.  It has helped me stop some migraines from progressing and has helped relieve the shoulder pain that has been bothering me.  You can find info on them at http://www.mypressureproducts.com/Users.htm and at http://www.mypressureproducts.com/Users.htm.
Hope this helps you...

[nicole8520]

Wow, what a great message board.  I have THE EXACT SAME THING as you guys.  It's so frustrating.  It all started w/ rib pain on my right side and the dr. said it was due to my bad posture at work (I work at a desk 8-9 hours daily).  I adjusted my moniter to be more ergonomical and the rib pain went away!  I was so happy- that had lasted for about 4 months STRAIT but w/in the same month I guess it moved up because now I have the same symptoms you all describe.  I feel a CONSTANT "awareness" of my right breast, sometimes it feels cold, it burns sometimes, that's where it started.  

Now it moved up to my right shoulder, right upper back, neck and arm.  It's crazy.  I have been to the chiro over 10 times in the past few months(that's how long I've had this current problem) acupuncture twice, and massage therapist 3 times.  Sometimes I feel like the massage helps but sometimes I feel it irratates the problem...some w/ the chiropractor.  I had a dr. check my lymph nodes under my arm and they were fine.  I have my womanly check up in August(dreading it, lol) but I don't feel it has any connection with anything like that.  Also my muscles in these areas are very tight despite my constant stretching and working out.  I guess I just need to keep at it.  Right now my neck and shoulder are aching/burning.  You guys are right, this is really annoying.  

But I feel that for those of us who haven't found answers, that just means we haven't found the right dr.'s.  That can make all the difference in the world.  Some are really knowledgable and others are a bunch of quacks... you really have to shop around and get referals before you go to another dr.  Or at least I do.  I don't have insurance so this is all pretty expensive.  I'm pretty depserate to find an answer though.

[nicole8520]

Oh I forgot I am 21 years old.  I just noticed this quite a range of age on here.  Interesting....

[Heatherr]

Me too!  I'm getting the exact same thing; dull pain down my left arm which sometimes seems to come from my chest.  I also have a child, who's 1 and a half, and I carry her mainly on my left side, and she also mainly lays on that arm when I breastfeed her.  When she's playing around she crawls on my chest sometimes and it absolutely kills me.  Also kills me if someone tries to massage my back on that side.  It made me scream when my husband kindly tried to do it!  I have a history of rib problems including dislocations (I have hypermobility syndrome which make my joints prone to dislocation).  I've been worried sick about what this pain down my arm can be and I'm due to have an ECG next week to rule out heart problems, although the GP doesn't think it can be this.  I'm 34 years old.  I'd be so interested to hear any outcomes or updates from the above posts or views on my symptoms.

Good luck to all,

Heather.

[nicole8520]

Well, I haven't been at my old desk job for about 2 weeks now.  I will be starting a new restaurant soon which will require me to be on my feet all day, but I think that may be a lot better than sitting for 9 hours a day!  We'll see... but a big part of me tells me that my horrible posture has lead to this injury-- nothing sudden like a car wreck, but more like a "repetitve injury".  Just sitting the same horrible way one day too many I guess!  I'm hoping that being up and moving around will help my body auto-correct itself.  I just get sort of nervous because my "womenly check up" is this month and that makes me a little nervous... even though if I think logically about this I know there shouldn't be any connections.  I just want it to go away!  I'm praying it will and stretching a lot- oh and i have one of those back massager pads that "kneads" your back.  That's helpful so I don't have to pay someone to do it or constantly bother my husband.  
Since I've started my job my ribs pretty much aren't bothering me at all anymore and it seems to be primarily my upper right back, breast, chest, and shoulder.  So much fun I can hardly contain myself!! haha Sorry for the sarcasm... I'm just ready for it to be on it's marry old way!  My husbands mom is a head nurse and is convinced it is a pinched nerve or more in general a skeletal/muscular thing.  Which was what the dr. had originally said about my rib pain-- before it started migrating north!
Anyway, stay in touch, I'd like to hear more everyone's progress!
Love, Nicole

[Irish Gypsy]

I found this board when I typed, "pain under arm radiating to breast.....". I was in a car accident years ago, leaving several discs compressed/herniated but I have been going to the chiro for years. I have a lump, supposedly in the "lymph" area and it has come and gone for years but yesterday, during a self breast exam, I found the lump again and gave it a little push. OMG. The pain lanced right to my nipple. I know my back needs adjusting again, my left arm and left leg have been tingling for weeks but how would this be connected? It's the first time there has been pain and now, more than 36 hours. PS...... Yes, I spend LOTS of time at the computer, too!

[spk]

Just found this sight, wish I could help. For over 8 years now I have had a burning, stinging pain under my left breast, a bra makes it worse. I have had MRI's and discovered focal inflammation, but no explanation. Mammagrams and ultrasounds over the years have been normal. I had lung xrays, bone scans, mri's on my back, nothing. Some suggest nerve pain, costochronditis, arthritis, no one knows and nothing really helps. It never hurts at night when I am on my back.  Some times I feel it down my arm and sometimes my muscle under my back shoulder is very tight...really is mystery...I do think anxiety plays a role in this.  I do think it is muscular/never pain of some sort. Good luck to all.

[charnx1985]

I have been suffering for the past year now a dull ache it is at tehleft side of the my neck just b4 the beginning of my spine, thee is a slight lump wen i bend my neck ova to the right and it can become very stiff wen i bend it ova to my left. I dnt no if u can help or advise me but i have been to the doctors once already and felt like i was being palmed off.. the doctor said it was a muscle which is bigger than the right muscle on the side of my neck and tht there is nothin to worry about. Can u advise me to whether i shud go bk to the doctors and c another doctor. I cnt get on at work cause i worry about it.

thank you very much!

chantelle alden

[JayVegas]

Ok, well I feel better to see some folks have the same issue I have been battling for about 4 months now. At this point I cannot even recall a specific incident where this happened. There was no real direct trauma that began the onset. I am 40 years old and very active and after training Jiu Jitsu one night I had a stiff neck and upper back. This has since been downgraded to a dull ache in my shoulder. Like another poster I am AWARE of this 24/7 the dull pain-ache is always there. I have tried massage and rest, also RICE and hot epsom baths. Today I will head to my ortho for a professional opinion.

Some of the commonalities I see are:

Constant dull pain under my shoulder blade
Minor relief with heat and massage
Trouble sleeping
40 and athletic
Working 40-60 hours a week on a computer
Anti-Inflamatories help a little

I will post again if I get any information today.

-Jay Vegas

[momof3gurls]

I have been going through the same symptoms for about a month. Before I had them I had a mamo done which was normal. Prior to this, I started taking calcium supplements because I have IBS. I asked the Dr. could it be a result of too much calcium. He said that shouldn't be the problem. (Although I have read too much calcium can cause problems with the body :P)  I've had a chest xray and left rib xray. Showed as normal with mild scoliosis. Now he is ordering bloodwork. If that is normal he is sending me to a specialist. Sigh.. Muscle relaxers n naproxen don't help. The only thing that seems to work for me is Darvocet.  I am a sahm that spends a lot of time online also.  What really bothers me is if anyone even lightly brushes up against the area in pain it is like severe sun burn. Drives me nuts. There is no rash,bruising or bumps of any kind on the skins surface. I am hoping there is an answer soon.

[theryano1]

I was in a bad truck accident in april. I went to sleep coming home from work and flipped my truck several times at 60 miles an hour then slammed into a rock cliff. My face was fractured in four different places and my jaw was fractured also. The doctors just did an mri of my head and that was it. I had to be med flighted and wasn't at the hospital for long before being released? Something didnt add up i was really screwed up. Now after about six months under my shoulder blade i am having severe pain and a popping and crunching sound, then  directly straight across into my chest then the pain shoots straight up my neck, of course which makes every day living and movement painful? What do i do and what is the most likely injury i have?

[lkng4answrs]

I have been going through the same thing now for about 3 months (on my left side) and I kept attributing it to something else and finally went to the Dr today because my niece's husband's aunt was having some similar problems which turned out to be heart related.  My doctor said there was not an issue with my heart but a pectoral muscle that has been injured from either lifting heavy objects, carring a heavy purse or bag on my left side.  He gave me exercises to do to stretch the muscles and a muscle relaxer.  I am always checking up behind my doctors by going to the internet to see if I can find answers and I found this site... It has been a great help and I know I am not alone.

Good Luck to everyone!!!

[Cdes]

Hi so interesting to read all the comments, I too have a problem well the same as some of you in the right side, I have had thermal imaging and mamogramm, seen the doctors nothing shows abnormal. But it all started with some broken blood vessels in the right breast, I am 51 and thought that it was due to hormone changes. Apart from that I do hours at the computer and sit in strange places as I have a laptop and travel a lot. Well the dull ache in the right breast, under the arm and down the right arm, back of ribs etc. The only thing I have seen on  the alternative testing I have had  (bio resonance feedback). is blocked lymph and connective tissue stress coupled with high electromagnetic stress levels on the body.

  I am sorting out my lifestyle first, taking time out from the computer, limiting the use. For the body I am going to do a juice only diet for a period of up to 100 days, take a long break where I can do lots of alternative therapies, yoga etc and re evaluate how I want to live my life. This to me is obvious that I am not in balance and need to take radical steps for the responcibility for my health! So a wake up call if you like.

If anyone else is doing something like this I would be interested to know how they get on - cheers

[rkm195]

i woke up a few weeks ago with dull pain in my left breast, and its never gone away. i do feel some tightness in my upper back between the shoulder blades no other sypmtoms that i can pin point no lumps, sometimes pain under arm and into left shoulder. i have an ekg scheduled for tomorrow, the pain is very mild its more annoying than painful, i am 52 and work in an office on computers and on the phone a lot. but nothing makes this go away not excersing or laying down or standing or stretching. tylenol or asprin has no effect. i just wish it would go away.

[Sunny122]

I put in all the key words and came up with this site....what a relief!!!   I have been suffering these symptoms for over a year now and it has been so scary as I keep fearing the worst.  I can't even stand to go to the doctor in case he confirms the worst.  I have a dull ache, which you can hardly even call a pain. More of a dull aching tingle sensation which moves from the underam to behind my shoulder blade and down my arm (as I write this I am aware of a tingle in my left hand). I especially notice it at night and my mind seems to dwell on it constantly.  I have noticed some common factors from the messages and those are 1.  I have always suffered from fairly poor posture.  2.  I work at a computer for most of the working day.  3. I am mum to a heavy 2 year old daughter, who I probably carry around more than I need to. 4. I am prone to feeling anxious about work, normal daily stuff etc.     This site has reassured me that the diagnosis may not be as bad as I thought.  If I knew I was otherwise healthy then I would almost be happy to put up with it, but it's the not knowing that is gnawing away at me.  I'm thinking of trying yoga therapy - stretching and relaxation techniques (plus letting my 2 year old walk more) may do the trick...fingers crossed.

[NicoleNYC]

Wow, so many people suffering with this.  I have constant upper left shoulder pain which occassionally radiates to left breast.  I am a stressed out mother of a 15 month old who spends a lot of time at the computer.  When I first had this pain - 2 years ago, my doctor referred me to a specialist who said it was probably muscular and prescribed PT.  It helped for a while but I stopped going for a while.  I am convinced poor posture is largely responsible.  I didn't have this pain at all while out on maternity leave for 6 months.  Of course, I am always worried that it is something more serious but it sounds like this is not atypical.  Maybe I just need to quit my job!  

[mekmoore]

I skimmed over what a bunch of you were talking about.  I have a similar issue, however mine encompasses my entire right side, including leg, hip, abd, breast, chest, shoulder, arm, and right back.   I was recently diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy.  However, of interest, my main doctor at the Mayo Clinic recommended seeing a NUCCA chiropractor.  They are quite different from a traditional chiropractor, in that they take x-rays of the cervical spine and look for subluxations, (basically, wrong angles, twists, bends, etc), and then thier manipulations are very gentle.  At any rate, for anyone with shoullder, neck, arm, etc, I would recommend taking a look at their website.  www.nucca.org  I have been going for about 5 weeks and although it is a progressive process, I know it is doing something.  Just a thought I thought might be helpful.

[TonyFiveAngels]

Just a few weeks ago I woke up with a pain in my left arm pit. I did a self exam but felt no swelling in my lymphs. Over time the pain began to radiate to my left nipple. It was a burning pain like a burn under the skin, uncomfortable to the touch. I had a slight weak feeling in my left arm as well, but it did not lessen my strength. I went to the Dr and he did a physical and found no swelling to my lympths or breast. He did an EKG which also came back good.  Tonight the pain moved to my rear shoulder blade and became so intense that I had to get out of bed and sit down. Sitting has relieved some of the pain but now it feels numbish. The pain comes and goes though, not always here but when it comes, nothing helps it, no OTC medications and neither do strong perscription pain medications. The other nice part about these pains are the terrible panic attacks that started since the pain progressed to this point. At times the pain or weakness runs down to my left leg as well. If any one has any similar pains please leave a comment, this is getting quite annoying to say the least. My Dr thinks there's nothing wrong and since the pain moves so often, it's hard to convince someone it's real. Thanks for sharing your stories, it has helped in relaxing me a little at least.

[Angel_a]

finding this site has settled my nerves and wondering thoughts. i too have the shoulder pain on my left side with the burning sensation which runs to my left breast and back to my shoulder blade. ive had xrays and ultrasounds which came back clear, been to physioterapists which seemed to help but going so often gets quite expensive. im seeing a specialist in 2 weeks (which is frustrating because i have to wait even longer with this irritating pain). the aches almost bring me to tears and im over complaining to my fiance and getting him to massage the area for me as often as he can.he too is over it im sure! hehe. im 24, no children and am a kindergarten teacher which im on my feet all day. the physio suggests it from bad posture which i think i tend to slouch a bit but there has to be some other explanation and even more a way to fix it......its been a year too long and it just doesnt seem to be getting better.

[Debbie53]

Have any of you tried "Bowen Treatments in your area's.  Go to Bowtech.com to find out where there may be a practitioner close to you.  I have great faith in these treatments.  Non-invasive, gentle and aims to bring the body back into balance.    I am sure that you will experience relief from this and other issues that may be going on...Debbie

[mom2zs]

OK, so I guess I'm not alone here.  I Googled "dull, burning pain in arm and shoulder."  This is what came up.  I've had intermittent right shoulder pain for several months now that occasionally radiated into my arm and right breast.  I've always figured I slept wrong but it keeps coming back.  Three days ago I woke up with my underarm hurting so badly I couldn't put on deodorant.  It doesn't hurt as badly under my arm now, but there's a dull, hot ache through my entire shoulder, arm and down into my hand.  I also have pain in my right breast. The right side of my neck hurts and I'm not sure it's related, but it feels like I've bruised my leg just above my right knee, but there's nothing there.  I'm 30 years old and have a 14 month old that insists on being carried most of the day.  So glad to see so many others have the same symptoms, now if someone can get some answers!

[Poko]

I too am relieved to hear that others have had these symptoms and have checked out "okay", in the sense that your worst fears for heart conditions or breast disease have not materialized.

I am a working mom who sits at a computer 8-9 hours a day. I abuse my left shoulder by carrying my two year old and all of my bags solely on this shoulder. The pain radiates from left breast to left shoulder and sometimes down the arm. Sometimes a twinge under the arm pit and in the hand/palm. It coincidentally started about 4 weeks ago when my computer configuration changed. My monitor is now on a stand about 6 inches higher than previous and my keyboard is now on top of the desk, when it was previously on a shelf under the desk. I'm going to fix these issues right now!

Question: Does anyone have visible veins on their cheast and breast? I am a "veiny" person everywhere, but noticed that the vein from left shoulder to breast is fairly prominent these days. The right one isn't, but both can be at times.

[sseaweed]

What a relief to hear from all of you - well, mind-relieving anyway. Though I have been suffering for 8+ months with left shoulder pain, I still have no resolution   I saw a Phys Therapist once and got a diagnosis of bicep tendinitis - can't afford phys ther at $130 a visit 3x/wk. But I am hopeful that trigger point therapy will help some. I can tell some difference when my husband will actually do it for me. I found a really helpful sight where you can get a trigger-point map. I have seen a couple of pain paths that look like what ya'll are describing. It might help to look at these and assess it yourself - http://www.round-earth.com/ShoulderPainIntro.html

Also, felt some relief when I went to an atlas-orthogonol chiropractor. There's the $$ thing again preventing me from continuing on. My next attempt will be to try to get my husband to make a one-time investment in a home ultrasound machine (I found one for $179). It is supposed to be good for inflammation and soft-tissue healing. We'll see.

I'll be looking for more answers. Please keep writing.

[FiC]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 29 y.o. woman, no children, with a job that requires all-day computer work and I've been experiencing the same symptoms as you all - left shoulder, chest, underarm and breast pain, sometimes radiating into my arm.  I've had an ultrasound for breast cancer - all clear.  

I've recently started visiting a physio about it and discovered that I had a number of unaligned vertebrae in my neck as well as very tensed-up muscles in my back as a result of holding myself taut to restrict movement against the pain.  

One bit of advice that the physio gave me which seems to have helped a lot is regarding my posture (similar to Angel_a) - she said that as soon as I start feeling the pain I should roll my shoulders backwards and force myself to sit up straighter and ensure my head is sitting 'straight' on my shoulders.  

I was sceptical as it sounded too simple (plus I was worried about increasing the pain), but it has made a huge difference for me, and I've started being more aware of my posture overall to the point that the pain has gone - I have not had breast, chest or underarm pain for about a month now.  

She has given me other exercises to do regularly as well - the one that seems to work the best is squeezing the shoulder blades together intermittently as if you're trying to hold an orange between them.  This can initially be a bit painful and kind of tiring, but really helps release the muscles that are tensing up and contributing to this pain.

Hope this is helpful to someone - I will update if I learn more, I know how scary, frustrating and obstructive this pain can be.

[kesuk]

hi I have had mine for 22 years now.... I was 11 yrs old, it is a burning sensation well annoying niggly feeling a little like pins and needles(numb)...some nights I cry with it it has spread from shoulder round to left breast and underneath breast down my arm.... I also work on a computer all day.

When I am stressed it comes on hardcore.... i have tests etc when i was young they put it down to growing pains.... winter its worse too, I really hate it, also when i had my daughter 4 yrs ago I couldnt even move my arm for 5 days the pain was soooo bad... I still have problems lifting items above head level using my left arm..... the sensation is with me 24/7 never goes......

[slape]

I was just wondering if anyone had fatigue with all these other symptoms that are mentioned?

[Azlady53]

I am having almost the identical symptoms as many of you.  In February during a trip to Las Vegas I noticed small blisters in my right arm pit, like sort of a rash. No big deal, and this cleared up, but for about two months, left my skin in my arm pit felt like "sensitive"  (best as I can describe it) which would come and go, and only noticeable sometimes and no relation to movement I would notice it when I would lift up my arm but only sometimes, once in a while I might have a twinge of ache in my shoulder blade but very mild and I really did not think anything about it then last week I noticed it gone.  I was glad.

Unfortunately and even stranger, now the symptoms have moved into my right arm and shoulder, only much worse.  The rash is small but there, started yesterday, and my shoulder, down my under arm, and back in my shoulder blade ache and throb, it was real bad this morning but eased off during the day.  I also feel aches in my right breast on and off like radiating pain.  All this is off and on and no relation to any certain activities, though it was real bad this morning I think from lying on it during the night.  

I do medical transcription and sit at a computer all day but this has never bothered me before.  I am 52 and my kids are grown so I don't pick up little kids anymore.  I don't have any new activities that could have set this off.

I just had a clear mammogram, and although I have mitral valve prolapse, I am pretty healthy.  I have felt like it might be polymyalgia rheumatica or bursitis or something like that.  Anybody have any feedback or ideas?  I am really starting to get annoyed and freaked out.
  

[drkerrie]

One word..."CHIROPRACTIC" people!!!

[mlyn2008]

Have left shoulder pain extending to to shoulder blade, down to the elbow at times and causes tingling of my fingers. Sometimes I could only put my left arm half way, sometimes I have ti literally lift my left arm with my right. I ave pains on and off for 1 year now. Xray was negative. Was given muscle relaxants, pain meds, tried acupuncture (which helped some) Just had my MRI today finally. I am just tired of the pains, hard to pronate or supnate. I hope I get answers soon. I even thought I was having MI,or bresst CA.I have MVP and HTN, controlled by meds.

[autumn_E]

I have had the same pain and my doctor diagnosed me with a condition that has something to do with the cartilige (? spelling) that connects the breast bone to the rib cage and the shoulder to the rib cage. I am trying to find the term for the condition, it starts with a c I will find it and post again

[autumn_E]

the condition is called chrondolysis the definition is basically destruction of the cartilage and it is most commonly noticed in the breast bone, but can destroy any of the cartilage in the body. The definition I read says it often mimicks a heart attack at onset. I found info by googling breast bone pain

[scylla62]

Seems I'm not alone.

Pain has been present for about six weeks. Started innocently with neck fatigue and developed in chest, shoulder and tringling of left arm to the tip of my index finger. EMG and MRI proved negative.ER visit and overnight ruled out heart condition. Spent four sessions with accupuncturist while medical appointments and system run their course  with minimal benefit. Tomorrow I finally have my appointment it the orthopedic. My only fear is to hear the medical establishment will  tell me to " live with it"
I'm encouraged reading that some have benefitted from physical therapy. This pain is driving me insane.
The only relief is popping prepoxyphene which lasts me 5 hours.

I'll keep you posted on progress or lack thereof.

[Mancsta]

Hi i am a 28 year old man from Manchester England and i was recently in a motorcycle accident. I was told i had been very lucky to not sustain any more injuries than i did at the time (heavy bruising & ground layers of skin from my knee cap). The bike landed on the right side of my body in the accident and 3 weeks later i have started to get burning pains in my right shoulder blade and under my arm-pit which feels like a skin burn as apposed to a burning under the surface of my skin. I ran up the stairs to attend to my son a few days ago and felt the pain worse than ever, as of yet. The doc has said that it could just be tissue damage but i get the feeling that they think i may be exagerating as i am currently going through a claims case for the accident.
I am a very active person and this is holding me back immensely, not to mention being restriced to what i can and cannot do with my children...and to top it all i am booked to go on a family holiday in 2 weeks time.
When i get the burning pain it only lasts for a few seconds but it is enough to make me jump, as if somebody has just placed a red hot hand on my shoulder, and afterwards i can feel an aching pain where the burning was.
I also get a sharp shooting pain down my right side all the way down to my knee which comes and goes un-predictably, but is nothing in comparison to the burning feeling i am getting in my shoulder.
It worries me that a lot of the above posts say this has been on-going for "years" and i hope that is not the case as far as my injury is concerened. I will shortly be going to see my doc again but feel like i need a specialist opinion as they dont seem to be taking me serious.
I will post an update as and when i get more news and in the mean time i hope everyone on here gets the answers they are looking for.

[katevil]

All Of this sounds like nerve impingment/pinched nerve,  get an MRI or CAT scan they can check for buldging,herniated or degeneritive disk along with bone spurs and spinal narrowing which can pinch the nerves that leave your spine and go to your limbs. In some cases this can be very serious and can effect other organs ex: your bladder. I had surgery to relieve the numbness and burning and now have a motor deficit in my right arm. Be careful ask questions, get second opinions, ask about alternatives and most importantly find out all the risks for each. Please note nerve damage can irreversable from being pinched for a long period leaving you with the burn and pain,numness ect. but it can be even more permant and profound if it is cut or burned during a surgery know the risk and make sure you trust your doctor, 2nd and third opinions in this case are recomended.

[julrams]

Hi-  I have all the same symptoms.  It started about a month ago.  My husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer and i literally spent a couple weeks on the computer non-stop researching it and worrying all hours of the day and night.  I then began feeling a burning under right shoulder blade that travels- sometimes mid back, sometimes more shoulder- sometimes dull ache down arm and for a while had a pain and burning down side of chest under arm (kept expecting to see swelling or something but never did).  To complicate matters, I thought I was pregnant last month and was experiencing burning pain in right breast/nipple and attributed the pain to that possibility.  I have since found out I am not....I went to the Dr.'s and they said I have muscle spasms under right shoulder blade.  I have been extremely stressed.  My husband's diagnosis completely shook me up.  Fortunately, it was caught early and he was given a great prognosis.  He feels fine now and I'm left feeling awful from the stress.

Anyway, with all of the said, I saw a clear link between stress and hours spent on the computer and this condition.  I;m right handed and use mostly my right hand on the laptop.  I truly think it's muscular...though the breast thing does freak me out.

I'm going to get an ultrasound of breast anyway.  I just turned 30 and no history of BC so I hope to be fine.

[uniqueflower]

Wow... I thought I was going nuts by myself! While many of you are women, it's nice to know there are a few men going through the same pain I have (but I'd rather be alone in that I'd not wish this on anyone).

That said, no one here has suggested if either ice or heat used over the C4-C5 section of the spine will reduce pain. For the record, I have 10/660 Vicodin HP for pain (for another minor ailment), and while taking one with three ibuprofens does dull the pain some, it doesn't relieve it altogether. Not to mention vicodin is very addictive, so I tend to avoid it as much as possible.

Please, if anyone knows if ice or heat helps, please let me know. I would experiment, but I fear the results - the pain is agonizing already, and I don't want to make it worse. Thanks in advance for your reply(ies).  :-)

[Moonpye2020]

I am so relieved to have found this forum! I have been experiencing this odd pain for a few weeks and have not visited a doctor about it. The aching pain seems to travel. It started under my left arm, like a sore spot, then I could feel the ache in the side of my left breast, then the upper underside of my left arm and then on the upper part of my left breast. Sometimes I can't actually pinpoint where the ache is coming from. I occasionally feel tightness and aching in the left back side of my neck and up to the back of my head. There is an odd tingling, pulling feeling too occasionally. I am a 53 year old woman and have recently lost a lot of weight in an effort to bring down my blood pressure without meds. Did I mention that I don't like doctors? Well...I don't!  I keep thinking that if the pain gets any worse, I will have to see a doctor, but it hasn't gotten worse, it just travels.  For the past year, since the weight loss, I have felt amazingly healthy and better than I had felt in years. Although this pain is not devastating, it is more of a discomfort really, I can't stop thinking about it. I am on the computer, both at work and at home, for approximately 10-12 hours a day, and tend to rest my left elbow on the side of my desk both at home and at work. The posture comments in earlier posts interest me...that may very well be what's going on with me. I also carry a heavy handbag, almost exclusively on my left shoulder. I suffer from regular bouts of shingles on the back of my upper left thigh and from the first time I felt this shoulder ache, I have thought that the pain felt very much like the post herpetic neuralgia I get from the shingles. However, I have never had an outbreak anywhere but on my thigh. This ache definitely feels like some kind of neuralgia. A warm shower, using the massage jets, relieves it somewhat and it never bothers me while asleep. I too awake each morning thinking that this is the day it will be gone, but once I get up and start moving, there it is, in the same general location. I see that so many of you have been subjected to repeated testing and meds and modalities of therapy to no avail. I would much prefer some kind of homeopathic/natural remedy so if any of you have tried anything along those lines that has worked, please let me know. In the meantime, I hope the best for all of us in finding out the root cause of our unusual, but very similar, symptoms. Blessings!

[WaterTiger31]

Thank you for sharing your stories and experiences about pain in the shoulder and numbness/burning.  So many of your stories are similar to what I am experiencing.  My car accident in January has certainly worsened my already frustrating and excruciating pain.  Last night I was at that place where I just wanted to make it go away!!!!  
I've been seeing a chiropractor since the accident and had an MRI, but to no avail as for explanation.  My next step is the accupuncturist!  He helped my boyfriend get rid of his arm pain which prevented him from even lifting a cup of coffee.  Now, he can work like he used to without feeling like a weak old man.  I am happy to have found this site and will keep you posted on how the accupunture treatment goes.  I am a Feng Shui consultant and am going to be pursuing Naturopathic remedies going forward.  There has to be an explanation for what we are all experiencing.
Blessings, Light, and Laughter

[Candace37]

I have been dealing with many of the above symptoms for a week or so now. It is very scary. I could not figure out what was going on since the symptoms are very real but mysterious. Since this has been recent I have racked my brain to figure out what happened and what I might have done. Your comments have helped my understand enough that I think I know what caused mine. I am close to 50 years old and do a yoga class only on Fridays. I got myself into a position that required balancing on my right arm extended and stacking my feet outstretched. I am small boned and have very little upper body strength and I believe I pushed myself too hard and pulled or ripped something in my back trying to compensate for lack of arm strenght in the yoga position.

Fortunately I believe I have found something that is helping tremendously. I have just started doing it and I am feeling a little better each day now. It is called the MA ROLLER.  It is a deep tissue SELF MASSAGER. It is a funny shaped wooden roller thing. You can google MA Roller and go to the original site that sells the ones made of Rock Maple - a really hard wood. They cost about $35. My husband got this thing in California many years ago. I decided to look it up and get the full instructions on how to use it and am discovering much. You start out slow because it finds all your trouble spots and then you keep building up to more time with it. It is painful in the way that deep tissue massage is but it seems to adjust your spine, muscles and nerves or tendons back to the positions that are meant to be. I love the simplicity, non invasiveness and holistic nature of it - it makes sense.

Hope this helps someone else because I can see that some here have been suffering for a long time.

love and light,
Candace

[jonasbro]

Boy, what a relief to know that I am not crazy that so many others suffer from the same problems as I do. I am starting to think my problem is a pinched nerve. I have had a mammogram done which is ok so that ruled that out which I was very relieved being a woman. Here are my symptoms and concerns. Burning left side of my left breast into underarm into my arm also going into shoulder blade. It is most of the time constant burning. Has anyone ever experience this though- it will be what I just mentioned but every now and then 5 episodes for me in 2 months something will trigger a nerve I suppose and the burning pain will go into my right breast my right underarm and back to where my entire chest ribcage and back is burning. I literally feel on fire, I usually lay down with cool compresses, try to relax and usually it will go away. And then its back to just my left side, where I know the problem really is. But its really scary, something triggers a nerve to where it like spreads like wldfire across my entire chest and back. Anyone else experienced this?  I am going to make a appt. with my family dr. on Monday. I think I might need a MRI. Stay positive and I will give feedback. Live, Laugh, Love. Praying for all of us.

[valensa]

Oh my gosh I am so glad someone is going threw the same thing.  I have anxiety and I teach school.  I am a professor and I have two children.  I am only 27 yrs old and I work a lot. I am a work aholic and I do a lot of typing all day and I talk with my hands.  Wel I have always suffered with carpal tunal from cheerleading.  However on a friday I was stressed and I cam home and when I awoke I could not turn my neck.  I thhought I had just slept the wrong wa but all of the other symptoms complicated it.  I rested and went to work as usual, by the end of that week the section between my neck and shoulder was bulging. It had sweeled and I decided I could not take the pain.  the doctor gave my a anti inflammatory and some muscle relaxers however they have not helped.  He said it was my rhomboid nerve because when he did a few little checks the nerve seemed to be in tact.  I just dont know what to do at this point and the neck stiffness is gone but my should and arm feel as though they are aboutto part b the end of the day.  I can feel it under my arm pit and as long as I have mmy arm up and on my hip its a little better but just holding it lowered to my side I feel as though my arm might pop out the socket or something.  I thought it was stress and all but now I am scared and It mkaes me a really bitter person by the end of the day.  I dont want to take muscle relaxers and arthritis meds alll my life. Help!!! single mom of two college professor.

[janeheatherc]

hi everyone I have a frozen shoulder which although no longer painful has set with limited movement its my right arm so for years now I have to use my left arm for when I wipe when going to the toilet this too now has limited movement and I find it hard to do at times , now my armpit feels like it has swollen also the side of my breast I went to see gp and he did breast exam said  there were no lumps and put it down to fat,  more on one side , now though it seems to be getting worse and feels more towards the back of my arm/ shoulder I'm just constantly aware of a bulging feeling under my arm and towards the back I'm scared its cancer but now thinking it might be to do with the shoulder I have bursitis in my left knee maybe its in my shoulder too in a way I hope it is as I'm so worried                

[staceyhtchns]

First for Moonpye2020 Arnica gell is so nice you can get it from a natural  or herbal store. It helps with the pain and is so nice.resveratrolis also found at a health food store and helps with imflamation.

I have the same symptoms as most of you here. I suffer from pain in both breasts which I was told I have Cystical Mastalgia, But I have realy bad burning pain and sensation in both shoulders and arms. My arms also are numb and tingley at times. sometimes I also feel it in my leags. My back of my arms hurt sometimes when the burning gets bad. I have been to a chiopractor, but this made the symptoms worse. He told me I have a lot of inflamation (inflammation) in my tissues but no advise as to how to treat it. I hurt all the time, but worse at night. My doctors have no idea how to help me. I am only 28 and I feel like I am so old.

[ANGELS82]

hi there im having the same symtoms you had with your breast and burning came you please advise me if they ever figured this out for you... thanks ***@****