“Why am I having back pain?”
I’ve been having upper right back pain right under my shoulder blade every time I move a certain way or take a deep breath, and it’s been lasting since around December. I don’t think it was from an injury, it was a more gradual pain. I also don’t have the best posture, and when I tried the stretches for back pain, it hurt too bad to do them. It is a mix of sharp and stabbing pain depending on how hard I move. It has gotten worse since it had started but is staying pretty constant. I don’t feel it every second of the day, it just happens when my body turns to grab something, etc. Do you think you know what could be causing this pain?
Female | 14 years old
8 Answers
DoctorDoctor
Dr. Ivan Edwards
Physiatrist (Physical Medicine) | Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
San Antonio, TX, TX
I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing this pain—it sounds quite uncomfortable. Gradual upper right back pain beneath the shoulder blade can stem from several potential causes:
Posture: Poor posture can strain muscles and cause tension in the upper back. Sitting or standing with rounded shoulders or a hunched back may contribute to the pain.
Muscle Strain or Overuse: Even without an acute injury, repetitive movements or holding positions for extended periods can lead to muscle strain.
Nerve Involvement: If the pain is sharp and stabbing, it might involve nerve irritation or compression, such as from a pinched nerve.
Underlying Conditions: Conditions like costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs and sternum) or scapular dysfunction could cause the kind of pain you describe.
Since your pain has been worsening and has lasted for months, it’s very important to consult a doctor first. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms, conduct necessary tests, and recommend appropriate treatment.
Posture: Poor posture can strain muscles and cause tension in the upper back. Sitting or standing with rounded shoulders or a hunched back may contribute to the pain.
Muscle Strain or Overuse: Even without an acute injury, repetitive movements or holding positions for extended periods can lead to muscle strain.
Nerve Involvement: If the pain is sharp and stabbing, it might involve nerve irritation or compression, such as from a pinched nerve.
Underlying Conditions: Conditions like costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs and sternum) or scapular dysfunction could cause the kind of pain you describe.
Since your pain has been worsening and has lasted for months, it’s very important to consult a doctor first. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms, conduct necessary tests, and recommend appropriate treatment.
If you slouch a lot and haven't had any trauma you could be having a very tight Lat muscle issue which could be combined with a rib out of place.
This sounds like a rib mislaingment. Stretching will make them worse, the rib muscles are also secondary breathing muscles. This is something that is treated very easily and quickly with a chiropractor.
You most likely need an adjustment.
Good afternoon.The problem you are experiencing sounds like you may have either a rib that shifted causing a rib dysfunction or could be a muscle entrapping the nerve in the shoulder blade region. I would seek the care of a chiropractor to help address the issue as you have had it this long and it has not alleviated itself 100 %.
This could be a rib-head issue. If so, after an exam, it can be a quick, easy fix. Call the office for further details. 717-628-6900.
Best to have an orthopedic surgeon evaluation
I hope you have gotten some help/answers. I do see these issues frequently. Feel free to call me for further information at 203-321-0000.
