Unexplained Burning Sensation in Left Shoulder Blade
I am an 18-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 64 kilograms. I don’t use any medications and do not have a habit of smoking. Approximately two years ago, I abruptly halted after a sprint and felt an unusual sensation in my left shoulder blade. Since that incident, I’ve experienced a constant, subtle burning discomfort in that area. Activities that I enjoy, such as writing, drawing, and playing the guitar, tend to provoke this pain severely. Since I recently embarked on my journey at art college, this issue has become incredibly challenging and threatens my aspirations. I have undergone thorough examinations, including assessments of my heart, lungs, bones, and muscles, as well as an MRI scan, all of which yielded no concerning results. This leaves me feeling confused and uncertain about the source of my discomfort. I am seeking advice on potential causes or solutions for this persistent issue.
Answers (1)
9/15/2025, 6:10:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds very concerning to have a persistent burning sensation in your shoulder blade, especially since it affects activities that are important to you, like writing, drawing, and playing guitar. While it’s good that you’ve already undergone thorough medical examinations, I’ll help you explore potential causes and some immediate steps to manage your discomfort.
Main Points:
- Potential Causes: This burning sensation could be related to muscular, nerve, or postural issues rather than a serious medical condition since your tests returned normal results.
- Management Strategies: Focusing on gentle exercises, posture correction, and muscle relaxation techniques may alleviate your discomfort.
Explanation:
The burning sensation may stem from a few different issues:
- Muscle Strain or Overuse: Given that you are active in art pursuits, repetitive motions or inadequate muscle support might lead to strains.
- Postural Issues: Long hours of sitting or poor ergonomics while drawing or writing can create tension in your back and shoulders.
- Nerve Compression: Sometimes, nerve-related pain can feel like burning and arise from muscle tightness.
Next Steps:
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Posture Improvement: Ensure your workspace is ergonomically set up. Keep your back straight, and your shoulders relaxed while drawing or writing. Consider sitting on a chair with good back support.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Integrate neck and shoulder stretches into your daily routine. Exercises like shoulder rolls, neck stretches, and light resistance exercises for your upper back can strengthen and relax the muscles.
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Heat Therapy: Using a warm compress on the affected area can help relax tight muscles and alleviate the burning sensation.
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Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as deep breathing or meditation can help reduce overall tension in your body.
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Keep Track of Symptoms: Maintain a diary of when the pain occurs, its intensity, and any other associated activities. This can help identify triggers and track improvement.
If the discomfort persists or worsens, consider visiting a physical therapist who can provide tailored exercises and manual therapy to address your specific needs. It’s essential to be patient with your body as it heals, especially when dealing with nagging discomfort. Let me know how it goes or if you have more specific questions!
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