I have a "pinch" or "cramp" between my shoulder blades. What could it be?

Question

It tends to get worse if I carry something heavy or even not so heavy. It also seems to affect my breathing a little. Like something is crushing my chest. I've had ct scan and lung xrays for somehting else. Nothing showed up to cause this discomfort.

Answer 1

Rhonda...

I want to mention one other possible reason but I don't want to frighten you. More than likely you have either the pinched nerve or the pulled muscle.

I went through some similar experiences a few years ago. I would have re-occuring sharp burning pain between my shoulder blades and shortness of breath. Normally it would present itself while I was exerting myself. Then one day in addition to those symptoms I had numbness in my right arm, nausea, I broke out in a cold sweat and it felt like someone was burrowing a post-hole digger through my chest. I was having a heart attack. Prior to having the actual attack I ignored my initial symptoms and figured it was a pulled muscle or a pinched nerve on and off for months.

Like I said, I doubt that this is the case with you. I pray it isn't. But if you are having any other symptoms conducive with a heart condition please contact your family doctor. This also includes if your family history includes parents, grandparents or siblings that have had a heart condition.

It is just better to be safe than sorry. I was almost very sorry.

Sorry if I upset you or anyone else by taking this thread in another direction but I felt it was important to bring this possibility up. I wish someone had said this to me early on.

Answer 2

I had the same thing (well sounds like) and it landed me in the ER too with chest x-rays and all the fun stuff. Turned out I had a nasty muscle pull thanks to the eliptical machine at the gym. If you can get your hands on any kind of codine or vicoden take a few of them (spaced out NOT AT THE SAME TIME) before you go to sleep and you should wake up groggy but the pain will most likely be gone.

Answer 3

I say it may be gas, put 2 tbs of backing soda in a glass then fill it half full with water and drink it. It may take a couple of times, but if it is gas it will get rid of it. If it's a pulled muscle, take it easy for a few days.

Answer 4

I would recommend an MRI. You may have a herniated disc that is putting pressure on the nerves that affect your breathing centers. I would see a neurologist about it. I herniated a disc in my neck and the MRI picked it up. Why a neurologist? they have more specialized training in dealing with nerves than orthopaedic MD's do. Good luck.

Answer 5

Could be a pinched nerve as well. I wouldn't use heat on it but cold. Heat only makes it worse. See a chiropractor, they work wonders on things like that, which other doctors just don't mess with. Insurance usually covers them.

Answer 6

Sounds like a muscle pull along the should line - try to avoid carrying anything in your hands (use back pack) and do regular stretches.

Answer 7

Have you tried seeing a chiropractor to see if your posture is ok? It's worth a try if nothing esle works in the medical field.

Answer 8

You pulled a muscle. A massage and a hot shower will help you to relax. Try not to make sudden moves, they will cause you more pain.

Answer 9

sounds like a pinched nerve, could be causing your chest to constrict when you put pressure on it or it gets inflamed.

Answer 10

sounds like you pulled a muscle. try hot shower and if possible a massage. my father is an x ray tech, he told me there are so many people who get back x rays and all they need is a good massage.