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What Causes Extreme Left-sided Pain Under Shoulder Blade?

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Posted on Mon, 19 Oct 2015
Question: I am having extreme left side pain under my shoulder blade. Naproxin sodium is not helping. It began a week ago. I cannot sleep due to the pain. I am diabetic, taking insulin & pills. What is causing this pain? I am 77 yr. old. Please help.
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Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Pain

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to note your pain.

Whenever such pain occurs it is very important to rule out heart related causes.

So when I see someone like you in my practice who presents with such pain, I immediately refer them to the ER.

Once heart related causes are ruled out then I examine them thoroughly and order the following tests:

CBC
CMP
HbA1c
Lipids
Urine albumin to creatinine ratio
TSH
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
X ray left shoulder
DXA Bone density

There can be multiple reasons for this pain and appropriate testing and physical examination in-person are necessary to determine the cause of this.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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What Causes Extreme Left-sided Pain Under Shoulder Blade?

Brief Answer: Pain Detailed Answer: Sorry to note your pain. Whenever such pain occurs it is very important to rule out heart related causes. So when I see someone like you in my practice who presents with such pain, I immediately refer them to the ER. Once heart related causes are ruled out then I examine them thoroughly and order the following tests: CBC CMP HbA1c Lipids Urine albumin to creatinine ratio TSH 25 hydroxy Vitamin D Vitamin B12 X ray left shoulder DXA Bone density There can be multiple reasons for this pain and appropriate testing and physical examination in-person are necessary to determine the cause of this.