[48F] With shoulder blade pain and muscle tiredness

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, here are some possible explanations for your shoulder blade pain:

• Muscle Strain or Overuse: Given your history of a spinal injury, it's possible that certain muscles around your shoulder blade are compensating for weakness or instability in other areas, leading to strain and pain. Muscle strain can cause pain that worsens with certain positions or movements.

  • Treatment: Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help. Physical therapy may also be beneficial to strengthen the muscles and improve posture.

• Referred Pain from Spinal Issues: Your history of a spinal injury could be contributing to referred pain in the shoulder blade area. This type of pain can be due to nerve compression or other spinal issues.

  • Treatment: A healthcare provider may recommend imaging studies like an MRI to assess the spine. Treatment could include physical therapy, medications, or other interventions.

• Rotator Cuff Injury: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Injuries to the rotator cuff can cause pain that radiates to the shoulder blade and worsens with certain movements.

  • Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, and possibly corticosteroid injections can help. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

• Hypothyroidism: While less likely, hypothyroidism can sometimes cause muscle pain and weakness. Ensuring that your thyroid hormone levels are well-managed is important.

  • Treatment: Continue taking your prescribed levothyroxine and follow up with your healthcare provider for regular monitoring.

What you can do

Here are some steps you can take to help alleviate your symptoms:

1. Rest and Ice: Rest the affected area and apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation.
2. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Continue taking ibuprofen as needed for pain relief, following the dosage instructions on the label.
3. Posture and Ergonomics: Pay attention to your posture, especially when sitting. Ensure that your workstation is ergonomically set up to reduce strain on your shoulder and back.
4. Physical Therapy: Consider seeing a physical therapist who can provide exercises to strengthen the muscles around your shoulder blade and improve your posture.
5. Regular Monitoring: Keep taking your levothyroxine as prescribed and follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure your thyroid levels are well-managed.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe or Worsening Pain: If your pain becomes severe or significantly worsens, it’s important to see a healthcare provider.
• Numbness or Tingling: If you develop numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm or fingers, seek medical attention as these could be signs of nerve involvement.
• Fever or Unexplained Weight Loss: If you develop a fever or experience unexplained weight loss, these could be signs of an underlying condition that needs medical evaluation.
• Difficulty Breathing or Chest Pain: If you experience difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek immediate medical attention as these could be signs of a more serious condition.

Remember, while this information can be helpful, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.