Serratus Anterior (Burning Pain)

[AngelaMc69]

Hello,
I have been experiencing a burning pain and then continuou aching in myupper back just below my  left shoulder blade. This has been going on for about 2 weeks. I do not remember injuring or straining myself at anytime, just all of a sudden one day I felt a burning sensation around the Serratus Anterior area and now it is a continuous discomfort daily. I find it worsens the longer I stand still or stand and work on something.

[Tuckamore]

Thanks so much for the update.

The 5k walk episode certainly explains a lot.  I admire your commitment and contribution to find a cure for Breast Cancer. Thanks!

Stains can be painful and take time to heal.... but I am glad it wasn't anything worse. Please stop by again.

Happy Healing,
~Tuck  

[AngelaMc69]

Thank you for the information. I went to our local Urgent Care and after an exam and xray it was determined that I had pulled or strained that muscle ( not really sure how) I walked in a 5k for breast cancer that weekend  May 7th and I remember my knee giving out and it threw my stride off and I reached out and grabbed my husband with my left arm. I think that is when I strained it and it just kept getting worse. Basically they just told me to keep MOIST heat on it and to take an anti-inflamitory like Aleve. So far it seems to be helping! Thank you for taking the time to resond ti my post.

Sincerely,
Angela

[Tuckamore]

Hi AngelaMac,

Welcome. I am sorry to hear you have acute pain in your serratus anterior muscle. This muscle is nicknamed "the boxer's muscle." Most injuries and/or pain result in strain or over use of it. Do you do repetitive tasks?

If you've been researching you know that this muscle attaches to the ribs and the shoulder blades. It is key in raising the arm and assists in breathing. Often when the serratus anterior is inflamed or irritated you will also notice some pain with deep breathing. It can actually have similar symptoms to cardiac pain. Has this been true for you?

You might find this MH post dated December 2008 of interest and helpful. It's was answered by one of our Experts, Michael L. Gross, MD the CEO of Active Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Here's the link:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Orthopedic-Sports-Medicine/Painful-Serratus-Anterior/show/712931

Here's a more recent MH Post that may not be as appropriate in your situation but it may provide some insight and useful information. This one was answered Dr Vinod.
Here's that link:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Orthopedics/Serratus-anterior/show/1150285

You didn't ask a specific question so forgive me for assuming there is one. In my opinion, any pain that doesn't respond to home treatments and lasts for two weeks requires clinical evaluation. I encourage you to consult your PCP.

Please keep in touch and let us know what you discover and how you are doing. Best of luck and I'll look forward to your updates. I hope this has been helpful.

Take Care,
~Tuck