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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Sharp Pain In Shoulder Blades While Breathing Be A Sign Of Something Serious?

I am a man and occasionally (once or twice a day) i will experience a sharp pain below my shoulder blade when breathing, this usually lasts for about one or two minutes before passing. I also experience and metallic copper taste just as frequently for a similar amount of time... Should i be concerned
Mon, 22 Jun 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Shoulder pain on deep breathing can be due to pleural effusion or lower lobe pneumonia.
Both these conditions can cause diaphragm irritation. And diaphragm is having common nerve supply with shoulder joint. So diaphragm irritation due to lung pathology can sometimes cause referred pain in shoulder region.
So get done chest x ray.
If chest x ray is normal then no need to worry for pleural effusion and pneumonia.
Musculoskeletal pain can be the cause. So avoid strenuous exercise and heavyweight lifting. Apply warm water pad on affected shoulder joint.
Painkiller and muscle relaxant drugs can also be useful.
Hope I have solved your query.
Wish you good health. Thanks.
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Could Sharp Pain In Shoulder Blades While Breathing Be A Sign Of Something Serious?

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Shoulder pain on deep breathing can be due to pleural effusion or lower lobe pneumonia. Both these conditions can cause diaphragm irritation. And diaphragm is having common nerve supply with shoulder joint. So diaphragm irritation due to lung pathology can sometimes cause referred pain in shoulder region. So get done chest x ray. If chest x ray is normal then no need to worry for pleural effusion and pneumonia. Musculoskeletal pain can be the cause. So avoid strenuous exercise and heavyweight lifting. Apply warm water pad on affected shoulder joint. Painkiller and muscle relaxant drugs can also be useful. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.