"Ben-Gay" Shoulder Blade

[thatzHalo2u]

I recently began having a burning sensation in my left shoulder blade.  It feels like someone has put Ben-Gay on it.  For several weeks this sensation occured daily.  No pain accompanied.  Lately, however, pain does accompany the burning.  Each day the pain gets a little worse.  The burning lasts only a few minutes, the pain lingers for a while.  Movement is not limited.  It happens only on the left side. There is a lot of repetitive movement in my job, and the possibility of poor ergonomics has entered my mind.  However, my co-workers lift, twist, pull the same way I do, and they have not experienced this.  Also, it happens daily, including when I have been off for several consecutive days.  My husband was injured at work a few weeks ago, and is waiting for MRI results and probable surgery. Because of this, he has been home from work since the injury, therefore making an appointment for myself at this point is not a financial option.  My symptoms are managable at this point, but would like some ideas of what could be the cause, and if it is something that I should have checked when I am able.

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Dear thatzHalo2u,

I will stand-by my comments above and I would add that occasionally a rib can sublux (slide out of place) and cause pain in the upper back (thoracic region). If this is the cause, pain or discomfort can be accompanied by a feeling of a nerve being irritated (this maybe what is causing the "Ben-gay" type of discomfort).

Although your problem does not sound like an emergency, I would still recommend that you be seen by a medical provider if your symptoms do not improve and go away with conservative measures (heat, ice, massage).

I hope this correspondence was helpful to you.

- Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hi.

A couple questions for you and then, I'll respond with a more detailed answer.

1. How long have you had the "burning" feeling?
2. Is the discomfort located between your shoulder blades or where on the shoulder blade to you have discomfort (top, bottom, outside edge, inside edge)?
3. Do you have any chest pain or shortness of breath?

Based on the details of your posting (symptoms and the repetitive nature of your job), you may have strained a muscle or some soft tissue that is involved in moving the shoulder joint or stabilizing the shoulder blade when you use your left arm. Sometimes, when you strain a muscle, the muscle tightens and forms a "trigger point" that you (or your husband) can actually feel if you massage the area where you are having discomfort. If you are able to locate a trigger point, gentle massage and alternating heat and ice may help with your discomfort.

If you have associated chest pain or shortness of breath, then you should be seen by a physician immediately.

I hope this posting is helpful.

- Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[thatzHalo2u]

Thank you for your response.  In answer to your questions...

1.  The burning feeling first started about a month ago.
2.  The discomfort is on the bottom inside edge of the left shoulder blade.  
3.  No chest pain or shortness of breath has been noticed.

Thank you again for your advice.