Unexpected Pain Between the Shoulder Blade and Spine
Yesterday, I experienced a sudden onset of discomfort located between my shoulder blade and spine. Strangely, this sensation arose out of nowhere during the day; I had not felt any pain before. The ache persists even when I am at rest, and applying ice to the area does not provide any relief. I also notice that my breathing feels constrained, and it becomes painful, especially when I cough. Although I don’t have any chest pain, I do experience occasional wheezing, which seems to exacerbate the discomfort. I can’t help but wonder if there might be an underlying structural issue, although I spent most of yesterday resting. Additionally, I had some pain in my left calf, which has since lessened. I'm not sure if these symptoms are connected or if there’s a larger concern affecting my left side. Does anyone have any insights into what might be causing this? I’m a 29-year-old female, weighing 176 pounds, and I don’t consume alcohol or smoke cigarettes, but I use cannabis daily. Currently, I’m not taking any medications aside from vitamin D3 every other day. My medical history includes COPD (early emphysema), complex dyslipidemia, orthostatic hypotension, psoriatic arthritis, and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS).
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 7:40:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with quite a bit of discomfort, and I understand how concerning it can be when unexpected pain and breathing issues arise. Based on your description, there are a few potential causes for the pain between your shoulder blade and spine and the accompanying breathing difficulties. The presence of your medical history, particularly COPD and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, may also play a role in your symptoms.
Main Points:
- Sudden pain and constrained breathing could indicate several issues, including musculoskeletal strain, inflammation, or even a respiratory concern.
- Your history of COPD presents additional considerations for any respiratory symptoms.
- Immediate attention is needed for your current discomfort and breathing challenges.
Explanation:
The sudden discomfort between your shoulder blade and spine might be muscular or related to your existing connective tissue condition (hEDS). Inflammation in the thoracic region can sometimes occur from strain or spasms. The wheezing and breathing restrictions could be related to your COPD, especially if there’s any inflammation or tightness in the airways.
It’s also important to consider that any new pain that affects your breathing should be evaluated promptly to rule out more serious conditions, such as a pulmonary issue or a cardiovascular concern, especially given the history of your conditions.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep track of your pain levels and breathing difficulties. Note any changes in symptoms, especially if they worsen.
- Rest: Ensure that you are resting adequately and avoiding any physical exertion that might exacerbate your symptoms.
- Breathing Exercises: Practice gentle breathing exercises to help manage the wheezing and improve airway flexibility. Consider sitting upright, inhaling deeply through your nose, and exhaling slowly through your mouth.
- Heat Therapy: If ice is not helping, you may try applying heat (like a warm compress) to the painful area to see if it provides any relief.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus in your airways, which may alleviate some respiratory discomfort.
- Consider CBD/Cannabis Effects: If using cannabis, consider how it might impact your respiratory function, and monitor for any changes in your symptoms after usage.
If your symptoms do not improve rapidly, or if you experience increasing pain, severe shortness of breath, or any new concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek evaluation from a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
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