Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Undiagnosed Symptoms (Expert Forum)
Severe Lower Scapular Pain
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
Questions in the Undiagnosed Symptoms forum are answered by Dr. Kevin Pho. Topics covered include breathing difficulties, feeling cold, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, fever, indigestion, itching, nausea, numbness, pain (chronic), paralysis, rash, sweating, swelling, urination problems, and vomiting.
Severe Lower Scapular Pain
by waddsn1060, Mar 22, 2007 12:00AM
I was involved in a rearend car accident 6 months ago and have been having severe pain in my lower right scapula (At the "point" of the bone) since the accident. I had an MRI taken of my cervical spine which indicated multiple small annular tears on disks C3, C4, C5. I have been told that the pain in my scapula is caused by this. X-rays were all normal with no abnormalities. The area where the pain occurs is painful to the touch. Keeping the shoulder in a raised position (under my head when sleeping) is very painful. Doing shoulder crunches in physical therapy only makes the pain worse. It almost feels like I am hitting something when the shoulder blade is closest to the spine as I can feel the pain instantly and when I move the shoulder blades outward the pain diminishes. Reaching with my right arm causes severe pain in that area. I have been doing a multitude of exercises to eliminate the pain to no avail. Over working the shoulder during therapy generally causes severe pain the next day at the "point" of my scapula. The pain is sharp-shooting/stabbing type of pain. Shoulder strength is good and there is no range of motion problems.
I never had shoulder, neck or back problems prior to the accident. I have tried using a TENS unit which, when placed on the area where the pain occurs, is excruitiating.
Does anyone have an idea what could be causing this?
I never had shoulder, neck or back problems prior to the accident. I have tried using a TENS unit which, when placed on the area where the pain occurs, is excruitiating.
Does anyone have an idea what could be causing this?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 23, 2007 12:00AM
, Mar 23, 2007 12:00AM
You have had a reasonable approach to the problem thus far.
Further imaging of the scapular area, either with an MRI or plain film, can ensure there is no further bony lesion or growth responsible for the pain.
If the tests continue to be non-revealing, I would consider referral to a physiatrist (rehabilitation MD), to further determine a musculoskeletal cause. If so, trigger point injections, as well as a referral to a pain clinic to help manage the pain, can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Further imaging of the scapular area, either with an MRI or plain film, can ensure there is no further bony lesion or growth responsible for the pain.
If the tests continue to be non-revealing, I would consider referral to a physiatrist (rehabilitation MD), to further determine a musculoskeletal cause. If so, trigger point injections, as well as a referral to a pain clinic to help manage the pain, can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Member Comments (1)
by waddsn1060, Mar 23, 2007 12:00AM
I have been seeing a physiatrist and he insists that the pain is referred pain from the damage to the disks. I have tried multiple cortisone injections with little or no relief.
by fatcat_juice, May 07, 2008 10:14AM
A related discussion, I have chronic pain in my lower left side scapula was started.
by lenaycollect, May 16, 2008 04:11PM
A related discussion, Right scapular pain was started.
