May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Digestive Disorders Atypical shoulder pain
Atypical shoulder pain |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: For about 3 months, when I swallow, burp, or cough I get a stinging sensation behind my left shoulder blade. I only feel it during the act; it's not constant. I've had chest x-rays to rule out respiratory issues, etc. I thought it might be some sort of eosophagal or stomach irritation, or worse (eosophagal cancer, etc), but I have no burning or pain behind my breast bone, no loss of appetite, no difficulty swallowing, no weight loss. Some direction would be appreciated. Dear Payman:This shoulder pain that you experience may be referred pain from the gastrointestinal tract or chest. Referred pain may occur when various structures share a common nerve supply. For example irritation of the diaphragm (the band of muscle separating the thoracic from the abdominal cavity) may cause referred pain to the shoulder tip. I would advise attending your family doctor for a detailed history of your pain and clinical examination. You may require further investigation such as imaging of the gastrointestinal tract (endoscopy) to determine the cause of your atypical pain. |
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 06 June 2010 ) |
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