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Suggest Treatment For Back Pain And Numbness On Shoulder Blades

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Posted on Mon, 29 Jun 2015
Question: For the last few months I've had on and off back pain (both lower and up and down the two large muscles on either side of my spine). I also periodically get some tingling/numbness in one spot near my left shoulder blade and some dull pain in the center of my spine. The pain has been worse on the right side from the start, radiating into my rib cage area under my arm. I have a 25 pound baby, who I carry on my right side with my hip kicked out to the left, so my guess is this, plus lifting her up and down, and sitting on the floor slouching are to blame. But, today out of nowhere the pain increased in severity quickly and intensely. From about the middle of my back on the right side all the way around my rib cage I have a sharp pain that is worse with twisting and with breathing deeply. I can feel a dull pain if I wrap my hand around my rib cage on that side and press. I cannot tell if the pain is muscles, bones, or something else like my lungs. I took ibuprophen and it did little for the pain. I plan to call my doctor in the morning but wanted to get some thoughts on if this sounds like a bad pulled muscle or maybe a disc issue or something more serious. Thanks!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Muscle pain likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The pain that you have describe dis likely to be due to a muscle pull. It is not likely to be a bone or lungs related cause.
This can be diagnosed if the pain increases on specific movements or on direct pressure on the affected area. Such pain can respond to medications like Ibuprofen 400 mg taken three times a day after meals. This generally resolves within a week. ‎
In case the pain is persistent or severe then you may need oral muscle relaxants prescribed from your physician. Doing a hot compress and taking rest will also help.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (15 hours later)
Thank you for the response! A few hours after posting this the severe pain I was experiencing disappeared suddenly. The general pain throughout my back remains, though, and this morning I woke with some more pain on the left side of my back/ribs/muscle in/around my armpit than I've had until now (it was mostly focused on the right side) and more tingling/numbness in my calf, ankle, and toes. The tingling/numbness is not constant, but comes and goes. I also occasionally get the sensation of cold water pouring down my leg. The tingling/numbness is also still present next to my left shoulder blade.

Additionally, now and then (maybe a few times a day) I'll get a creaking/rubbing sound in what seems like my right lung. It happens when I breath in and out, but I can also make it happen if I expand my chest wall without taking a breath. Could this be a tightened muscle rubbing? I read about pleural friction rubs, so also wonder if it could be that. It happens most often when I'm sitting and it's only on the one side.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Increase electrolyte rich fluid intake.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The dull pain that you have now is more likely to be muscle pain that can be relieved by muscle relaxants and pain killers. The tingling and numbness can be related to decreased fluid and electrolyte intake and Vitamin B 12 deficiency.
The creaking or rubbing sound in the chest can be a pleural friction rub. It is not likely to be related to muscle rubbing.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Back Pain And Numbness On Shoulder Blades

Brief Answer: Muscle pain likely. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. The pain that you have describe dis likely to be due to a muscle pull. It is not likely to be a bone or lungs related cause. This can be diagnosed if the pain increases on specific movements or on direct pressure on the affected area. Such pain can respond to medications like Ibuprofen 400 mg taken three times a day after meals. This generally resolves within a week. ‎ In case the pain is persistent or severe then you may need oral muscle relaxants prescribed from your physician. Doing a hot compress and taking rest will also help. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal