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What Does Severe Backache Indicate While Being Diagnosed With Scapular Bursitis

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Posted on Tue, 24 Oct 2017
Question: I have a question about back pain. I have this recurring pain in my upper left back. The best I can describe it is that it feels like it's to the left of my spine and higher, near the neck. If I put my right arm around my neck and reach down my back, that's the area. I've had it off and on for several years, probably 12 or so. At times, it's been so awful that I've ended up in the ER. They diagnosed me has having scapular bursitis. I've had MRIs years back that were normal except for cervical spondylosis which was greater than expected for my age. The pain is worse the more I work at a computer. I also have tingling in the area that comes and goes - usually it's right in the area but sometimes it's also more in my mid-back. The stiffness and the pain are non-existent sometimes and really bad others. And turning my neck to the right makes it worse - it feels as though it's tugging on the muscle. Any idea what this could be? The pain is most concentrated in an area where I have a very large scar from heart surgery. It was actually the result of the same surgery performed twice so I imagine the scar tissue is very thick. Could this tissue be a factor? It's also in an area where I previously broke four ribs (from the back) and they healed incorrectly. Could that be something?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Neuralgic pain most probably.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HealthcareMagic.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

The type of pain you describe is most likely neuropathic pain.

Compression of peripheral nerves among other causes may justify such pain and scar tissue around nerves is a strong possibility to cause such symptoms.

Around broken ribs also is formed scar tissue, so, intercostal nerves may be compressed too, resulting this way in pain and sensory changes.

In my opinion, treatment with antineuralgic drugs ( such as Gabapentin, Pregabalin, Amitriptyline etc.) is necessary.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 hours later)
Thank you for the reply - in regards to the scar tissue, I've had the scar my whole life (I had heart surgery at 8 days old and again at 5 years) but the pain didn't start until my early twenties. Can scar tissue do damage that late. The pain does indeed seem related to it. My scar forms an XXXXXXX and the pain seems to follow the XXXXXXX Also the area where the scar is thickest is the sorest. It's sore when pressed. So I'm just wondering if it's normal for this pain to onset years after the surgery. I do suspect it's postural as well as it is always worse when I spend too much time on th computer. Can bad posture inflame scar tissue?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Bad posture may contribute for worse too.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

The onset after years of such pain may be explained by the growth process, probably the nerves were compressed gradually.

Inappropriate posture also may play an important role in worsening of the pain mainly by fatigued muscles.

Besides antineuralgic drugs use, correcting the posture and physical therapy are necessary to diminish the pain.

Discuss with your Doctor about these issues.

Hope this helps.

Kind regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4494 Questions

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What Does Severe Backache Indicate While Being Diagnosed With Scapular Bursitis

Brief Answer: Neuralgic pain most probably. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HealthcareMagic. I have read your question and understand your concerns. The type of pain you describe is most likely neuropathic pain. Compression of peripheral nerves among other causes may justify such pain and scar tissue around nerves is a strong possibility to cause such symptoms. Around broken ribs also is formed scar tissue, so, intercostal nerves may be compressed too, resulting this way in pain and sensory changes. In my opinion, treatment with antineuralgic drugs ( such as Gabapentin, Pregabalin, Amitriptyline etc.) is necessary. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care.