Severe Shoulder Discomfort: Seeking Solutions
Hello everyone! For several years, I have been grappling with an intense and burning sensation located beneath my shoulder blades. I want to convey where the pain is most acute: the deepest discomfort is in the area marked in red, while the orange section represents slightly less pain. Additionally, there's a particular vertebra in that region that seems to be a major trigger for my distress. Despite undergoing numerous MRIs on my neck and spine—upper and lower—everything has returned normal. The agony is nearly unbearable, especially since I struggle to alleviate the discomfort in that area. This ongoing pain has significantly affected my ability to perform everyday tasks. Although I’ve tried physical therapy, it hasn’t yielded any relief, and no medical professional seems to have an explanation for my condition. I sincerely welcome any advice or insights. A bit about myself: I am a 21-year-old Caucasian female, standing at 5'3". As for my current medications, I take Baclofen, Hydroxyzine, Rexulti, and Propranolol, but I don’t think these are contributing factors since the pain began well before I started any treatment. Concerning my health, I have a history of hEDS, POTS, Raynaud's phenomenon, Autism, and ADHD.
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 11:30:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing significant discomfort beneath your shoulder blades, which has persisted for years, and I understand how debilitating that can be, especially since it impacts your daily life. Given that you have a history of conditions like hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), it’s possible that your pain may be linked to musculoskeletal issues or connective tissue complications rather than structural abnormalities, given the normal MRI results.
Explanation:
The burning sensation you described could result from several factors related to hEDS, such as joint instability affecting muscles and ligaments in your shoulder and upper back. Chronic pain in this area can also stem from muscle tension, poor posture, or even nerve irritation. Other considerations for this type of pain can include myofascial pain syndrome, which often does not show up on imaging but causes significant discomfort.
Next Steps:
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Self-Care Strategies:
- Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Engage in targeted stretching of the upper back and shoulder areas. Incorporate strengthening exercises for your upper back and shoulder to improve support and alignment. Y-T-W exercises can be beneficial.
- Heat Therapy: Apply heat to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time to help relax the muscles and relieve discomfort.
- Posture Awareness: Be mindful of your posture during daily activities, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting or using devices. Use ergonomic supports if necessary.
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Relaxation Techniques:
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Exercises: Techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness meditation can help manage pain and may reduce muscle tension associated with stress.
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Pain Management:
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If suitable for you, consider taking NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) to help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. Ensure you follow package directions and check if they are safe with your current medications.
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Monitoring and Documenting Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting activities that exacerbate or improve your pain, any fluctuations in severity, and potential triggers. This could be helpful for assessing patterns over time.
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Explore Alternative Therapies:
- Consider therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or chiropractic care, which may provide symptom relief, especially for chronic pain and muscle tension.
Maintain ongoing communication with your healthcare providers, as they can suggest additional therapeutic options tailored to your unique situation. If your pain continues to be unmanageable or worsens, further specialized evaluation may be necessary. Remember, you are not alone in this, and seeking relief is a valid and important pursuit.
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