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Suggest Treatment For Burning, Radiating Pain On Shoulder And Waist

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Posted on Mon, 11 Aug 2014
Question: What could be causing a burning, radiating pain that starts in right shoulder blade, sometimes down to the waist then around into my right breast.? It begins when I stand up in the morning then lasts for hours until my ibuprofen kicks in. I have to lie on very soft pillows and hold very still until pain eases. Strangely, my forearms get cold and tingly when the pain is the worst. Everytime I stand, the pain will start again. This has gone on for about five days.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Cervical rib may be the cause

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query carefully and it could be because of cervical rib. Cervical rib is a condition in which there is an additional rib arising from the seventh cervical vertebra or in other words, the lowest vertebra of the neck. This needs to be confirmed by physical examination and x-ray of cervical region.

Meanwhile, you may do shrugging exercises of the shoulder to tone the shoulder muscles and the toned muscles keep the cervical rib from compressing the vital structures. Avoid lifting heavy objects like suitcases, grocery bags etc.

Hope this suffices and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (1 hour later)
I do indeed have a cervical rib in my neck. But please explain how and why the pain starts so much lower down in my rib cage and shoulder blade. What is the connection?

And is shrugging the only thing you are suggesting? Does something more need to be done? Chiropracty? What are my solutions?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The most obvious cause needs to be ruled out

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It’s good to see you
I have gone through your reply and understand your concern. In cervical rib there is compression of lower brachial plexus and artery (subclavian) leading to neurovascular symptoms (Thoracic outlet syndrome) in upper limb. Since pain radiates from its site of origin it is quite possible to have felt pain at waist and chest region.
Beside physiotherapy and exercises as discussed earlier, you may have Ibuprofen, muscle relaxant (thiocolchicoside) along with drug Pregablin (prescription only). These drugs help’s in reduction of sign and symptoms of cervical rib (Thoracic outlet syndrome).Chiropractor also help’s.
In moderate to severe cases, surgery is the only treatment option. The rib can be removed surgically after which there is no recurrence of the problem.
The most obvious cause should be ruled out first. Hence, it is my sincere advice to visit a neurologist.
Hope this suffices and I shall be glad to answer further query.
Take care
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mukesh Chugh

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :1997

Answered : 1619 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Burning, Radiating Pain On Shoulder And Waist

Brief Answer: Cervical rib may be the cause Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for posting I have gone through your query carefully and it could be because of cervical rib. Cervical rib is a condition in which there is an additional rib arising from the seventh cervical vertebra or in other words, the lowest vertebra of the neck. This needs to be confirmed by physical examination and x-ray of cervical region. Meanwhile, you may do shrugging exercises of the shoulder to tone the shoulder muscles and the toned muscles keep the cervical rib from compressing the vital structures. Avoid lifting heavy objects like suitcases, grocery bags etc. Hope this suffices and I shall be glad to answer any further query. Take care