Right shoulder blade pain is a typical occurrence but self-diagnosis is troublesome. Serious and potentially harmful disease can cause right shoulder blade pain and just a doctor can effectively eliminate more serious causes.
Pain is the body’s messenger signaling a potential issue that deserves our attention. Pain in particular areas of the body is more substantial and avoiding any delay in looking for healthcare is necessary. Right shoulder blade pain can be caused by a series of processes varying from the non-worrisome benign to life threatening.
Causes of Right Shoulder Blade Pain
A variety of disease and illness lead to right shoulder blade pain and self-diagnosing is dangerous.
Gallbladder Attack
The gallbladder lies under the liver in the upper right area of the abdomen. It operates to assist digest dietary fat. Females, those over forty year of age and obese individuals might be susceptible to gallstones and subsequent painful gallbladder attacks. The pain is intense in normally occurs after eating a fatty or fried meal. The pain from these attacks can radiate to the right shoulder.
Gallstones are most typically treated by surgical removal of the gallbladder. This procedure is carried out by a cosmetic surgeon who makes numerous small incisions in the abdomen. Then using a camera and special surgical tools is able to eliminate the gallbladder. The recovery using this method (laproscopic) requires less time than the traditional large incision.
Heart Attack
A cardiac arrest is caused by obstruction of blood vessels supplying the heart. Pain can radiate to a variety of places including the right shoulder. The pain can also be felt in the neck, jaw or left shoulder. Tearing or ripping type pain can radiate to the shoulder or back and can signify that the large blood vessel coming off the heart (aorta) is tearing. Both of these problems are harmful and require immediate emergency situation care. Call 911 right away.
The treatment for a cardiac arrest includes medications and frequently specialized procedure to open the blocked heart vessels (heart catheterization). Some cases require open-heart surgery to bypass and change the blocked capillary. Tears in the aorta are treated with surgical repair work.
Liver Diseases
Inflammation, infection and damage to the liver can produce pain under the right shoulder blade. Bacterial infections can produce pockets of pus in the liver. This leads to pain, fever and typically a basic feeling of illness. Liver cancer can likewise spread to other areas of the body leading to pain being felt in the right shoulder. Cirrhosis is a long-term scarring of the liver and frequently arises from excess alcohol intake. Fluid may then build up in the abdominal area and become infected. This can lead to pain and sometimes is described the right shoulder or back.
Infections of the liver are treated with antibiotics and if needed, surgical drain. More serious liver illness may need a liver transplant.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer. Women are mostly impacted, however 1% of breast cancers happen in men. Cancers can infect a variety of places and pain in the shoulder blade can be a sign of innovative cancer that has actually spread to the shoulder blade, spine, and ribs or even to the lung. Breast cancer patients with new shoulder or back pain require prompt examination by a doctor. Cancer likewise makes people more vulnerable to blood clots. A blood clot in the lung can also result in shoulder blade pain or discomfort when breathing. This can be life threatening.
Treatment options for breast cancer typically entail a combined technique using surgery, drug therapy and radiation. Other therapy options include hormone therapy. New treatments under examination include specialized immune treatments developed to directly attack the cancer cells. Treatment is coordinated by a medical specialist (oncologist) who will monitor and change treatment depending upon the stage of the cancer, type and reaction to therapies.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a normal effect of age and use. Tissues break down and wear over time resulting in pain and loss of function. It can cause a stabbing pain in around the shoulder region.
Arthritic pain is generally treated with OTC non-steroidal medications such as Tylenol, ibuprofen or naproxen. Weight loss for obese individuals can lesson the stress on joints and enhance function. Regular exercise is important to preserve strength and movement. Swimming and non-impact activities such as biking are a great choice for those with arthritis. Either heat or cold therapy can lessen the discomfort caused by arthritis. Devices such as crutches, canes and walkers work during flare-ups of pain and can enhance daily operating.
Other Causes
Biomechanics play an important role in shoulder blade pain. Sitting at a computer with slouched posture can lead to muscle convulsion and pain. Chronic changes in muscle tone and the spinal column can result in a pinched nerve. This is often felt as a sharp searing pain radiating down the shoulder and arm. Some experience numbness or loss of arm strength. Make sure correct work area ergonomics by setting up computers, desks and chairs at the proper height. Change positions frequently and regular stretching is necessary for those with desk type jobs. Sleep placing is necessary and having a quality supportive mattress is necessary in avoiding shoulder, neck and back pain.
Home Remedies for Right Shoulder Blade Pain
Activities that cause or intensify shoulder blade pain should be prevented. Attempt OTC painkiller such as Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or naproxen (Aleve). Use an ice bag for 15-20 minutes to decrease the pain and inflammation. For muscle spasm, heat might provide quality relief and decrease pain. Attempt alternating between cold and heat, as there is no right or incorrect response here; do what feels best and relieves discomfort.
When to See a Doctor
Schedule a see to the doctor if:
Redness, warmth or noticeable swelling can signify a more serious problem and you must see your doctor, according to iytmed.com. Severe pain after falling might represent a fractured bone and x-rays might be required. Any obvious deformity or failure to use the shoulder requires an evaluation by a doctor.
Seek emergency help or call 911 if you suffer the list below conditions:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Difficulty breathing
- Bleeding or exposed bone or tendon after injury
- If feeling like losing consciousness
How long will the shoulder pain last, weeks/days,to heal? I’ve had pain in my shoulder going on two weeks. Went to the Dr. They prescribed muscle relaxers and ibuprofen and I’m still in pain. Can you give me some good advice?
When you start to use ibuprofen? Did you ask your doctor about timeframe when the pain should go out? My advice – talk to your doctor again. Maybe you need more deeper check-up to find out right cause of your shoulder pain.