Shoulder Blade Pain After Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis

[candie429]

I have been really suffering the past few days and am praying someone can help me!  I had surgery to correct my scoliosis (curvature of the spine) about 10 years ago now.  I have always felt great, but occasionally would have pain in my right shoulder blade.  This would happen when I was sitting with no back support, bending over a lot, etc.  It would feel like a burning pain, kind of with needles in it, almost like something was being "torn."  I attributed it to over-exertion and once I would rest, especially overnight, i would be fine.  

The problem is, I was throwing a football around with my husband on Sunday and about an hour later, I got this same shoulder blade pain again.  I rested like usual, but it won't go away!  It has been constant since and I only get some relief when I take advil every couple hours.  I have tried heat, but that didn't seem to help, also tried stretching.  I can't find a comfortable position to sleep and it won't let up.  It's pretty much a constant pain with an occasional burning when I make certain movement.  

I have a call into my doctor, but in the meantime, I was hoping I could find someone who had a similar experience because I'm terrified that something bad is going on.  I'd also welcome any suggestions on how to make it feel better.  I can barely concentrate and feel like I can't function.

Thank you!!

[JD1963]

Hello and Welcome to MedHelp! I am the "new" Orthopedic Community Leader for this website. Since I am new here, I am trying to touch bases with whoever I might have some information for. It's quite a backlog. Unfortunately, all I can offer you are the main culprits of shoulder blade pain. Your physician can be more precise on the diagnosis (and if it's post-surgically related) with the help of a MRI, CT, etc.. The main causes that I am aware of are:

*Bad posture
*over-doing or incorrectly performing exercises
*using an uncomfortable chair for long periods of time
*overweight and/or large breasts

I hope this gives you a little more info. Best wishes! jd1963

[jess89bell]

i have had the same pain and it is so bad right now i wanna cry. nothings helps at all. i have had my fusion for 10years now.

[candie429]

Oh, and the shoulder blade hurts to touch it as well.  That's what really concerns me and why I'm not sure whether I could use heat, ice, pain creams, etc.  Thanks again!!  :)