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Scapula (Shoulderblade) Winging anyone??? & Shooting burning back pain, from your shoulderblade

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Posted 11/21/2007 7:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I am in chronic pain surrounding my left shoulder blade, which also shoots down my back.  It is hurting all the time and I have had neurolysis twice, but that only fixes half the problem.  I have explained to the Doctors that there is another problem, I have been to physical therapy about 5 or 6 times in the past 20 months no relief found there.  I feel something is being overlooked like maybe tendon tears or fiber tears or just a plain muscle tear.  I have had x-rays, mri's, but they are negative other than twisted facet joints, which is half the pain.  The other I am still dealing with after surgery and my pain Dr. told me today that he doesn't think there is anything else he can do besides recommend me to see an orthopedic surgeon to see if they can fix me.  I am also scheduled for an EMG-nerve test to make sure no other nerves are affected.  Have any of you had these issues and if so is there a test I am not aware of, because this pain is very real.  I do not want to be drugged up the rest of my life to function and now they are telling me because it has been 20-months that there is a 95% chance it will not heal.  I also had an FCE done through pt and I am only able to lift 33 lbs and minimal pushing and pulling and no overhead lifting at all.  I just want to know if I am so frustrated that I am just not seeing something or what.  He also mentioned that I will probably have to have a evaluation regarding percentage of disability.  I never thought it would come to this.  I always though they would figure it out or I would just heal on my own.  Now I am realizing this is not the case.  I appreciate you listening and hope that someone can give me some advise as I am running out of time, patience and ideas.

Thank you for listening sad

 

Posted 11/21/2007 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
I have the same pain your are referring to. Ortho says its a Rhomboid strain . After numerous shot in my shoulder blade , they may help for about a month I still continue to get this pain . and the more movement the worse it gets. The next time it hits hard and am going to request exploratory surgery . I cant take it anymore.

Posted 11/21/2007 11:15 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Razzle,

Thanks for your reply, I am searching for some answers it is very painfull and as you said gets worse with lifting especiallly for me and also never stops, it is just there all the time.  I am trying to come up with some other options, if you have any ideas feel free to send a mssg.  I hope you feel better soon.  I thought about going to mayo I am so fed up.  Take care:)

Posted 11/22/2007 12:38 AM (GMT 0)

Afloat, you are the first person that I have heard of that has this.  And I mean the winging.  I had an accident and my shoulder was hurt, but no one knew what was wrong.  When I went to the neurologist I was first tested for MS and when he found I didn't have that, he said I had a wing-tipped scapula and that I had lost about 70% of the muscle.  He said there was nothing to do for it.  Mine used to hurt all the time as well as my scapula would stick out of my back.  Now it isn't constant, but when it hurts, it's incapacitating. I am on pain management for other issues and I have just dealt with it.  I have tried to research it on the internet but could never find anything. If you know of any sites, please pass them on.

Melissa

Posted 11/22/2007 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
Winging of the scapula is actually fairly common and one of the first issues I learned about in medical school.  Usually it's caused by weakening in one of the major muscles in the back, the serratus anterior...that can be caused by a chronic issue like poor posture or by a more acute condition.  Your long thoracic nerve is also affected.  Please, before you go under the knife for any chronic pain issue, seek out a neuromuscular medicine specialist - an osteopathic family physician specializing in osteopathic manipulation - because they may be able to help you avoid surgery.  Intense physical therapy, like every week, may be useful in these cases.

Posted 11/23/2007 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sarita,

Thanks for your info, I really appreciate it.  I do have an EMG on the 27th and it is with a doctor who has research in neuromuscular problems, so I am good there.  I have not thought of the Osteopathic Dr.  I have done some research and found a Osteopathic office in indianapolis, I only live about a half hour away, so I will call them and see what they have to say.  Do you know if they are covered by insurance?  The reason I ask is because my doctors have not previously recommend this type of treatment.  I am vary thankful for your time and info, I now have a glimmer of hope to not surrender to chronic pain forever.  If you hear anything else, please feel free to chat and keep in touch.  Hope you had a great Thanksgiving:)

Take care,

Posted 11/23/2007 5:32 AM (GMT 0)

Hey afloat,

It is definitely worth a shot, especially given how much pain you are in.  Osteopathic physicians are licensed to practice the full scope of medicine and most insurance companies will cover osteopathic manipulative treatment just like any other medical treatment.  The nice thing about being treated for chronic pain by an osteopathic physician (D.O.) rather than a chiropractor or other "alternative" health practitioner, is that a D.O. is equivalent to an M.D. (went through the same training, did a residency, took the national board exams, can prescribe meds, etc.); so if you need to resort to "standard" treatment for pain, you can do so with the same provider.

Your doctors may not have recommended this treatment because they are not familiar with the techniques.  The techniques are not a cure-all for any type of chronic pain, but can definitely make a difference in many cases.  You can research "osteopathic manipulation" in peer-reviewed journals by using the search engine www.pubmed.com, and www.osteopathic.org is the homepage for the American Osteopathic Association.

Best of luck and let me know if you have other questions.

Posted 11/23/2007 10:06 AM (GMT 0)
I have been to intense PT But the more they work on it the worse it got . Even got a Tens unit , that just made it worse too . So after 3 rounds of PT . The pain is terrible . I cant even go shopping like to a store , I get half way thru and the pain is terrific. Mainly a clothing store , where I have to raise my arm to look at clothes.

Posted 11/26/2007 8:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

Thank you so much for the information, I am going to try and see an osteopathic dr. even if I have to go through my lawyer.  I just think that there is definately something they are not seeing or considering, it has been 20-months since my injury and if my body cannot heal itself at this point, then there has got to be a way someone can help.  I refuse for that to be the permanent answer I guess, but I'm only 30 and pain meds for the rest of my life doesn't seem like a logical answer, or maybe I'm just bull-headed. 

Razzle,

I can totally empathize with you, I am awake right now because my back woke me up and the Dr/s solution right now is 800 mg of ibuprofen and muscle relaxers.  It still goes through the ibuprofen and the muscle relaxers can knock me out of 10-12 hours.  I'm about to get my ice pack, now typing is making the pain shoot.  If I have any info abt. a way to get us better, I will be the first to let you know, hang in there:)

Posted Yesterday 5:13 PM (GMT 0)


I did a little search myself on these things b/c for about 7 months---I have been experiencing pain in my "right upper quadrant"----I was working out a lot prior to my "problems"----but, my MD thought I was having gall bladder problems b/c I had pain in my right rib, around to my mid-back, right shoulder, etc.....

I have had PT (who thought I had bulging discs T4-T6), and it helped a little bit---but, not much. That led to MRI of my thoracic part of my spine (negative)---back specialist, and chiropractor. Within the past week---I have had such bad pains in my "right upper quadrant"----the usual pains---but more intense pain in my shoulder blade area PLUS---numbness in my right arm---and a COLD hand (right)---I thought I would check this MB (chronic pain) on the slim chance someone is experiencing what I am!

I saw this thread---and am thinking--I wonder if I have this? I have an appt. for another PT visit (with a different PT office)----to see what they come up with.........should be interesting.

But, for the past 7 months I have been tested for a lot of GI problems----but, no one has even suggested maybe a Rhomboid Strain---or such! And, I was doing a lot of 'rowing' movements at the gym (with the weight machines), military presses, lat pull-downs, etc..... I kept thinking I may have damaged something----maybe a tendon, muscle, something---but, my MD thought it was a GI issue. I also experience "health anxiety"---so, this event back in MAY has made me very anxious about this whole thing! I wish they could just find out what "IT" is that is causing me this pain!

How do they know it can be thoracic nerve problems? Do they do an ultrasound? What tests do they do to figure this out?

thanks!
Laurel

Spam not allowed please read forum rules.  Thank you

Post Edited By Moderator (Lindaloo) : 10/5/2008 6:06:26 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 12/5/2007 6:31 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Laurel,

I had an EMG specific for long thoracic nerve and it is done by a neurologist.  Mine came up negative, but today, I started having sooting pains down my L arm & it got so bad, I had to go to the ER.  This could be your problem, it's worth a shot.  Don't give up doctors don't know everything, do your own research, that is how I got my dr. 2 refer me 2 the neurologist.  You should get an MRI through an Orthopedic Dr. they are supposed to see any bone and or muscle problems, along w/tendons.  If I do not get into an Ortho who will think outside the box asap, I am going to the Mayo Clinic, In Cleveland.  I just cannot take anymore*****VIP****If it is shooting, I would go 2 the ?ER  & get and EKG & bloodwork 2 make sure your heart is o.k.  That is what the Dr. tested me 4 along with a x-ray, showed nothing, of course.  I have dealt with this for almost 2 years and am only 30 and I should not have 2 live like this and u either.  It is still getting worse, I feel that mine is tendons, muscle, nerve related.  I have had pt-5/6 times and am not getting better, but worse.  I have tried  to be patient, but they r missing something big, I no longer want 2 use my left arm at all.  Kepp trying and keep hope, but don't give up we are the ones who deal with this pain and limitation everyday, they do not live it.  I wish you luck.  Let me know what u find out.  I am here if you need 2 cry, scream or just listen.  This extra pain now radiating down my arm is too much.  If you are dealing w/this 24/7 like me, Get 2 ice packs, it helps atleast a little, but u need pain management, meds, blocks, shots to keep you functional & lower your pain as much as possible.  I am happy I am not alone, but I wwish U wern't going through this it is tough.  Let me know, I am going 2 call the Cleveland branch that is closest 2 me, I am in Indiana, If you google the Mayo Clinic or Cleveland, you will find one closest 2 where u live.  Good Luck 2 you and have a Happy painfree holiday.

Posted 12/5/2007 11:54 AM (GMT 0)
Staying a float , I am going back to dr. too and will be demanding some action. Hubby is going with . Keep me posted .

Posted 12/5/2007 9:34 PM (GMT 0)

Float:

I hear ya'.......I'm only 38---and shouldn't be experiencing this either!  I went to the ER twice in June----b/c I thought I was having a heart attack (but, the pain was on the Right side)---and they checked me over---told me I was stressed and sent me home----told me to take Valium b/c I am a SAHM, have three young children.....Yeah....whatever! mad eyes

I've been doing a bunch of research online----and Googled the following words:

Serratus Anterior

brachial radiculopathy

brachial plexus (mainly in children or those injured in a car/motorcycle accident--not me, I guess)

Rhomboid strain

And found some interesting sites... 

(the one above I looked up b/c I kept telling my primary MD about feeling like I had 'stitches' in my right side--and they would travel around---"oh must be your GI tract"....)

If you go to the Home Page of that site listed above--it has some interesting items....maybe it can give someone some ideas about where the pain is--to help explain to your MDs?

The book above has some other interesting "places" you can have trigger pain----

Here is the homepage:

(SCROLL DOWN A WAYS TO SEE SOME OF THE "SYMPTOMS" THEY REVIEW)

I don't know anything about this book---but, looking at the different things I am experiencing--and looking at those "symptoms"/etc. in this book--it is interesting.......So, I just thought I would share this with anyone experiencing various pains--who may be interested....

I hate sitting around waiting to have my MD throw another pill at me---but for what?  It's not working---so, I search the net....

I go to PT tonight for my evaluation (this is the second PT place in 7 months)---should be interesting what they "think" is going on.......... redface eyes

If anyone has read this book---has any comments on it---let me know.....I just may buy it.....we'll see!

Float---you can come and vent, cry or get angry too---that's what we are here for, right?!  You too, Razzle--and anyone else who is experiencing this garbage.....LOL---

Laurel :-)

Spam not allowed.  Please read forum rules.  Thank you. 

Post Edited By Moderator (Lindaloo) : 10/5/2008 6:07:56 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/2/2008 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
I herniated a cervical disc in November 2007 and was so frustrated about the fact that nobody seemed to be able to help me with the pain that I am making a website about non-surgical neck injury treatments: http://www.neckinjury.info/

During my research, one guy who writes for spineuniverse.com, Malton A. Schexneider, PT, MMSc, started to appear in many of my searches as a credible expert on back pain. I contacted him and he recommended some treatment options, such as Core Strengthening Exercises, which seem to be making a difference to my pain levels. There is a banner link to his website from mine (bottom left page). You can contact him with details of your problem and he will give you a personal evaluation for free. You've got nothing to lose except possible surgery or a life time of pain, right?
Posted 10/3/2008 5:19 AM (GMT 0)
I couldn't read everything ... just wondered if you have Scoliosis. I have a bunch
of things wrong with my back, shoulders, neck, tail bone, Lately my pain has been ALL the time. I think
it's the stress of having my husband in the hospital. He got all sorts of infections
when he had surgery. Now he has a blood infection. I'm in too much pain to type.
Surgery doesn't seem to be the answer for things as far as I'm concerned.
Pain in knocking me out...
Nite..
Pamela
Posted 10/3/2008 8:14 AM (GMT 0)
My sister had scoliosis, which her Pilates teacher noticed when she joined a few months ago. I say "had" because after "one on one" sessions with her teacher, her spine is now straight and she is pain free. It was just a question of getting back muscle balance.
Posted 10/3/2008 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Whiplash:
Mine is almost to the point of whole spine surgery.
(I'll never have that! Never)
How old is your sister?
I don't think one session would get me pain free ~
but it might be a good idea to try.
The doctor at the clinic refused to send me to
Physical Therapy because I had injuries from the
PT I had in the past.
I wish wish wish .....
Pamela Neckpain
Posted 10/4/2008 8:04 AM (GMT 0)
Your MRI's would show any type of tear. Its the most definitive xray going looking for specific findings that will not show on a plain film and even a CT Scan. I am sorry you are in so much pain, been there & done that. I had radio frequency done on my neck and medial branch nerve blocks that got rid of that kind of pain for me. I had suffered years with it and no one ever could help it until I had the above done. Were you hurt at work or what. Work related claims always want disability ratings and FEC. This usually is done by the worker's comp ins company.

Osteopathic medicine is very common here in Tx. They are called DO's. I am not sure what Sarita is speaking of because DO's have been around as along as MD's. Their approach is different from an MD's, as they believe the body can heal itself at time. The same with manipulation, its not anything new its done by DO's as well. Matter of fact, my PCP is a DO. DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. I have seen in the past and the drs would dx winging of the scapula. I sure hope you get some relief somewhere. Susie
Posted 10/4/2008 8:18 AM (GMT 0)
Osteopathic medicine began in the 1800's as an alternative treatment modality to typical allopathic medicine, which, in those days, was tending to make people worse instead of better. Now we go through the same training (four years of undergrad, two years of preclinical sciences, two years of hospital-based rotations, then a 3-7 year residency) so for all intents and purposes the degrees are equivalent. In addition, though, DOs get several hours of training each week during medical school to focus on neuromuscular manual medicine, and this is what I was referring to. It can be a real pain in my arse sometimes but I have to admit many of the techniques are very helpful! : )
Posted 10/5/2008 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,
It has sure been awhile since I have been on board. I have been busy helping my friend who has the big "C" and when I get home I am in bed.
Anyway I signed on today for about the same pain my right shoulder blade, burning and shooting. Mine started about 5 weeks ago. I waited about 2 weeks before going to the doctor as I hate going to the doctor. He thinks it is my gallbladder, so I had an ultrasound and my gallbladder is what they say 'remarkable' I go Tuesday for a 'hydro scan' but I think I have broken ribs as there is a lot of cracking and popping when I cough or just now when I opened to window. It just starts to feel a little better and they I re injure it. I demanded ex rays on Friday to check my right ribs. Of course I haven't heard back from the doctor yet. Now I am thinking that I have blown another disc? My pain is not controlled by Vicodin. It literally takes my breath away.
Anyone?
Posted 10/5/2008 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Cloe,
Just a quick comment on ribs. Many, many years ago I cracked a rib and wow does that literally take your breath away! And they take a long time to heal, and there's not much that can be done except wear a support - almost like something you'd wear for your back, except higher up. But you do want to have an accurate diagnosis first. Try to get those X-rays - which it sounds like you're working on. If you just asked your doc on Friday there's not been much time. But you could call tomorrow and follow up. Or you could go to the ER especially if it gets any worse.

In the meantime, take it easy on movements that will pull those muslces.

PaLady
By the way, gallbladder (from gallstones) pain is also horrible, and vicodin probably won't help that. I had mine out when I was 19! Eat bland food for now, and make sure you coat your stomach with milk or an antacid before eating.
Posted 10/5/2008 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi PaLady,
I broke my ribs in a car accident yearssssss ago and this is why I think I have broken ribs again. I had an ex ray on Friday and doctor was going to call me with the results that afternoon, but I must of gotten lost in the shuffle. TY for your reply. I have been way overdoing it pushing a wheel chair and such. My fault. My pain wraps around my entire right side from spine to sternum. Please don't laugh, but can a disc come all the way out and lodge into something?
Feels like there is a knife going into my back and coming out right under my right breast.
Posted 10/6/2008 10:28 AM (GMT 0)
Pamela:

My sister is 41. But her scoliosis was really quite pronounced before she started pilates and now her spine is straight. You will need a lot more than one session as it's an exercise programme but you would do well to find a good teacher in your town and talk to them about the possibilities. From all of the info I've found on this condition, many treatments involve strengthening weak muscle groups and thus creating balanced support of the spine. I'd post you some links but I am not sure if the moderator would allow this...if you are reading Mr/Mrs moderator, could you advise if this is possible? Thanks.
Posted 10/6/2008 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
Whiplash,
I think it would be critical to have a doctor assess the severity of someone's scoliosis before they go to Pilates. I have a Pilates reformer in my home, which I love, but haven't been able to do much of since my back surgery. I don't have scoliosis, however. I do believe Pilates is wonderful, but a good physiatrist (doctor of physical medicine) should be able to assess whether it would be a good treatment for Pamela or anyone. With some cases of scoliosis, however, just going to a Pilates (or anyone) without having a doctor's direction could be potentially damaging.

PaLady
Posted 10/6/2008 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
PaLady

Absolutely 100% agree. This is a pre-requisite before trying any treatment what-so-ever, period; which is why I thought it was "assumed" by anyone reading this blog. It did, however, work for my sister which is why I suggested talking to a qualified instructor.....after hearing what the doctor has to say of course. Any form of exercise treatment is potentially damaging....but there are risks with all forms of surgery too. Sorry if I wasn't clear.
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