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Suggest Treatment For Stabbing And Shooting Pain In The Shoulder Blades

Posted on Thu, 9 Jun 2016

Question: I was hit by a semi truck in October 2014, and was diagnosed with a minor spinal contusion at c2/3 level (on the right side) through MRI. It has healed significantly since the accident. During the healing, I suffered an enormous amount of nerve pain, but it has since healed very well with some residue. I also had trigger point injections several times for muscle spasms on my ride side of my neck. Hadnt had much problems on my left side.

Just 2 days ago the left side of my neck started hurting and is very tender and sore on the neck. I also am getting stabbing and shooting pains on the shoulder blade. I havent done anything else to hurt the neck so I am concerned. Could this mean my neck is still healing? muscle spasm?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take treatment for muscular spasm

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

The involvement of left sided neck region may be mostly muscular pain due to spasm as it is of short duration.

Possibility of progression or healing of old injury is highly unlikely. One remote possibility may be formation of syrinx at the injury site in cord.

Due short duration you should get treatment for muscular spasm.

Take pain killers like PARACETAMOL 650 mg Three times daily after food with muscle relaxant for 5-7 days.

Local pain reliever ointment like Diclofenac Gel can be used.

Is there any sensory loss in the affected region on left side?

Please visit and consult a neurologist if symptoms persists or increase.

Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if any doubts so that I can help you further..

Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (24 hours later)

Ok, so I had to see another neurologist today because I am involved in a lawsuit over the car accident. They wanted an independent neurologist to examine me. During his exam he was tested to see if I could tell the difference between cold temperatures on my leg and foot. The doctor tried the test several times, and I couldnt recognize differences in temperatures on my right foot and bottom of foot. The doctor said it wasnt too much to worry about.

Also, I did have an EMG test months ago where I had SSEP delays on the right side. Not sure if that matters.

I was wondering what kind of explanation you may have for this? I havent noticed this until now. Is it something I should investigate further?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Findings are due to cord involvement

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Investigation abnormalities are not be treated if asymptomatic.
Mild abnormalities in cold sensation testing is not a big deal and can be normally present due to difference in skin over leg and sole.
Step delay means abnormalities in the path proximally.
Get examined by neurologist for requirement of any investigation at present.
Nothing serious at present.
Take pain killers and local ointment for neck pain relief.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak