kurthicks Posted June 12, 2011 Posted June 12, 2011 I just got back from an expedition and have been suffering from a burning pain under and below my right shoulder blade since I got back (about 3 weeks). It feels like a sunburn and is also somewhat achy, but there is no rash or surface discoloration. It doesn't hurt when massaged, but is really sensitive to a light touch and clothes moving around on it. I'm thinking it's an overuse injury (too heavy a pack for too long?) or maybe a pinched nerve. Anyone else ever get this? What should I do about it? Quote
jordansahls Posted June 12, 2011 Posted June 12, 2011 (edited) huh, sounds like an impingement. It is not uncommon for people who constantly wear heavy packs to suffer from something called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome where the nerves of the brachial plexus, which originate from the cervical spine, are compressed. However, the most commonly effected nerves are the ulnar, radial, or median nerves. If this was the case you would feel it in your neck and arm, not so much the scapular area. However, it is possible for a similar type of entrapment to occur on the suprascapular nerve, which innervates the muscles of the scapula. Here is a link to a definition of subscapular nerve entrapment with some useful information, I hope it helps. Link Edited June 13, 2011 by jordansahls Quote
jordansahls Posted June 13, 2011 Posted June 13, 2011 Here are a few videos that help to illustrate the structures of the shoulder that may or may not be bothering you. This just shows the suprascapular nerve. You can see how entrapment of this nerve could cause some shoulder problems. However, you said the pain was lower and under the shoulder blade, correct? [video:youtube] Here is a video explaining how impingement of the long thoracic nerve can cause shoulder blade pain and other problems. This video illustrates the structures really well. [video:youtube] Its also very likely that you could have scapular bursitis. The following video is talking about a condition called snapping scapula. It's probably not your problem, but the illustrations and animations do a great job of showing the structures and how they work together. [video:youtube] Also The common symptoms of scapular bursitis are... Pain around or under the scapula. Tenderness. Swelling. Redness (sometimes) over the affected bursa. Fever if infection is present. Limitation of motion in the scapula area, including the shoulder. Source Basically, It could be a few things. If you can, get to a PT or Orthopedic specialist as soon as possible. I have dealt with Thoracic outlet syndrome for 6 yeas, and besides just sucking in general, It really messes with climbing. Deal with it not so you don't have to deal with it later. Quote
kurthicks Posted June 17, 2011 Author Posted June 17, 2011 thanks for the videos and article! Unfortunately, they all seem to apply to other conditions that I'm experiencing. My pain (which is decreasing on its own a bit) is located between the spine and scapula between T3-T5. I don't have any other complaints (ROM is fine, full strength, etc). I'll try to get in to see somebody soon. Quote
rob Posted June 17, 2011 Posted June 17, 2011 Sounds like shingles. Sometimes you can have shingles without the rash. Quote
kurthicks Posted August 7, 2011 Author Posted August 7, 2011 it resolved on its own. I resolved to stop guiding Denali for a while. Perhaps there is some correlation? Quote
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