Joe A Shaw PA-C - 10/8/2008

Question
i am 14 years old currently, at the age of 12 through the early start of 13, i have had a tingling feeling in my left shoulderblade whenever i layed down.
after mid way through age 13 (2007) this has changed from a mild tingling when i lay down, to a very sharp burning bee sting pain whenever i touch the area or brush it past on something. there is nothing physical, from what I can feel with my hands, that is different from my left to my right.  at some mornings i would wake up with a very very severe pain in my left shoulder, the same burning bee sting feeling.  I also recently (within a few months) have managed to have something wrong with my left wrist, it always used to crack like crazy when rolling my wrists around (like my right one)  but now it hurts when i reach a certain point of the rotation.  (looking at palm) from left part of bone when thumb points same way.
what is wrong with me? haha

Answer
Angus,
Regarding your wrist and upper back You need to see either and orthopedic pediatrician or orthopedist and get some X-rays to start, plus a good physical exam. Nothing stands out as a specific thing. I am assuming no trauma ie fell on arm, shoulder,wrist, wrecks etc...
You may have a scapula (shoulder blade) variant or curvature in your spine that may be pressing on or causing irritation to certain nerves and muscles and you need to see if as your growing some kind of physical therapy or brace may help. Some peoples wrists cracks and pops more than others, usually nothing to be concerned w, if no trauma. Just don't be obsessed with cracking popping your wrist joints, you may be doing too much where it has inflammed it?