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What Causes Stabbing Pain Around The Shoulder Blade?

Posted on Thu, 28 Jul 2016

Question: For the last week or so, when I stand up after sitting, I feel a very sharp stabbing pain around my right shoulder blade. It doesn't last too long, but I can sort of sometimes duplicate it by twisting, stretching etc. Also sometimes feel it on the right side as well, but not as much. Have good appetite, no weight loss, not out of breadth, no chest pain, no bloody cough. I do clear my throat a lot, but it is around the XXXXXXX apple and feels like drainage.
I am hypochondriacal - does this sound like it could be lung cancer?

By the way, the pain only happens when i move - like standing up (especially) or twisting, for example. Otherwise no pain.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No, this is not due to lung cancer.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No need to worry for lung cancer because possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more.
Your pain is associated with specific movements and this is characteristic feature of musculoskeletal pain.
Since you are not having other symptoms like cough, hemoptysis, weight loss, loss of appetite etc, no need to worry for lung cancer.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (8 minutes later)

Thanks. I do have cough but I'm pretty sure it's from sinus drainage - mainly to clear my throat.
The pain feels muscular in that if feels just under the skin on my back, but on top of my shoulder blade. Does this make sense?

Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Did you have any blunt trauma or fall down in the past?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No need to worry much for lung cancer.
Yes, it sounds like musculoskeletal pain only.
Please let me know
1. Did you have any blunt trauma or fall down in the past?
2. Are you a right handed person?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (8 minutes later)

No trauma - I am right handed.
Can sort of duplicate the feeling if I squeeze the skin behind my right shoulder blade.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Have you lifted some heavy object in past few days?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
It is musculoskeletal pain only because you are having worsening pain on squeezing (pressure).
So no need to think too much.
Please let me know
1. Have you lifted any heavy object in past few days?
2. Have you done any strenuous workout or exercise in past few days?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar