DEHABILITATING PAIN IN UPPER BACK - NEAR SHOULDER BLADES

Question

77 year old female w/previous undiagnosed arm and hand pain (many years and worsening over time).

About 4 days ago, I began having sharp radiating pain in the L. shoulder blade area.  A couple days later, it switched to my R. shoulder and worsened to the point that I was unable to move when I woke up this a.m.

It took over an hour to get out of bed. (I began by slowly and Very painfully moving fingers, arms, etc.)  I am presently sitting up and using heating heating pad.)  The pain is still terrible but, I can move around.  Needless to say, I'm terrified to go to bed tonight.

For the past 12 yrs., I've been taking oxy. & percocet as a result of a messed up surgical procedure on my R. kidney. ( kidney is ok;  supposedly I had a birth defect that needed fixing).  My current dosage is 180 mg.s daily w/ the percocet for 'breakthroughs'.  I do not take any pain meds (only a 10 kg ambion) before going to bed.

My husband & I are traveling in our r.v. and I haven't a clue how to help myself.  Can you give me some ideas as
to what my be happening and possibly what kind of resource I need???

Thank you so very much for what you do!   Ann  e

This discussion is related to pain in left arm and neak.

silverfox67 · Answer

If you read on the forum about Shingles without the rash, you will find that you can have a debilitating pain running along a nerve for years... shingles.
     You might want to have your doctor check you for shingles and perhaps try an antiviral med. to see if it takes some of the pain away.
    Not saying you have shingles, could be neuralgia (Gabapentin works on that or Lyrica).  Only thing I know helps shingles is the antiviral.

    Hope this information is helpful.

annevans24 · Answer

Actually, I do take most of the supplements you mentioned (individually-not in 'granny' sup.). Pre-natal pills(contents)  is very interesting. My Potassium is ok, & the others, I take.

Also, did not know that lack of minerals could cause back spasms.  Do you really think that a lack of same could cause the severity & debilitating pain I described?                

Thanks for your response,   ann  e

annevans24 · Answer

Thank you for response.

I have been under care of a Physiatist for the past 12+ years.  Obviously, I am addicted.  After extensive, unsuccessful attempts to find help (for my butchered surgery); it came down to a quality of life decision.  I could get help controlling painful condition that can not be corrected -or suffer.

Although my R, side as atrophied as a result of the aforementioned condition, I don't think it's associated..but, who knows?

I was just in such extreme pain (despite my meds) I hoped someone might  know something!

Thanks anyway,  ann  e

silverfox67 · Answer

Anne, you don't say if you are taking any supplements - only meds.  You might just be stressed and may need some Magnesium, Calcium and Vitamin D3 to start.  Potassium might also be low.
     A deficiency in minerals can cause spasms in the upper back -  Has your husband tried massaging your back?   He should try rubbing your back with a good oil  such as  Doterra's Basil which is good for pain.
     Instead of a Centrum vitamin supplement, try a Prenatal vitamin.  It contains so much more than the old people type.  Folic acid for instance, is so needed for our muscles as we age.  (I am 69 and Mom is 94).  We both take Cod Liver Oil, Magnesium, Milk Thistle, Elderberry, and  Flaxseed.  These keep us going in our old age.

    Hope this information is helpful... wishing you the best

caregiver222 · Answer

You are on a very high dose of oxycontin and need to be weaned off. The pain is likely due to spinal stenosis in the cervical area. There is not a lot to be done. An MRI of the cervical vertebra would be indicated. In the meantime get an inflatable cushin to sit on while traveling to avoid up-and-down bumps. A cervical collar is not the best idea because the muscles that separate the vertebra atrophy. Percocet is hard on the liver. You have an addiction to pain medications that isn't doing you any good. You really need a professional in-person evaluation to determine if there are any exercises that would be appropriate and not cause further damage.