Could you please help diagnose and treat the pain in my neck and shoulder blades?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have experienced pain in my neck and shoulder blades for two years. I have consulted a physiotherapist twice regarding this, but the pain is still there. The pain shoots across my neck and shoulder into my arm and hand, almost like a numbing pain. My shoulder blades also feel very tight and can get quite sore. It feels like a nerve may be trapped, so I have been doing exercises to relieve this pain, but it still does not go. I get sore, especially when I lift weights in the gym, sit at a desk, and drive. Could you help diagnose what the issue is? And maybe how to treat it?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern. In my opinion, you might have either a nerve entrapment at the site of the spine where the nerve exits through a hole known as "radiculopathy." Otherwise, the nerve would have got trapped between muscles in the neck, leading to your symptoms. I recommend you to take an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) neck to rule out nerve entrapment and a good clinical assessment to rule out TOS (thoracic outlet syndrome). Even an extra rib growth may also cause the same symptoms. In any case, proper treatment can solve both situations, so do not worry. I hope this is helpful for you.