Question
I am a 44 year old female and for the past few months, I will sporadically get excruciating pain along with a burning sensation that starts around/under my left shoulder blade/spine and radiates around to my chest covering my entire left rib cage area and down my arm.  The episodes come on suddenly and stop just as fast and I can be just sitting and watching TV, outside doing chores, sleeping, etc.  The pain feels like a charley horse of sorts with a tearing/burning sensation.  I finally decided to go see a doctor, but my appointment is still 2 weeks away.  Any ideas on what may be causing this?  Are there any tests that I should ask my doctor to run?  Is there anything that I can do in the meantime?

Answer
Hi Lana,

It sounds as if you have what we call a costovertebral subluxation complex.  It involves a sprain/strain of the articulations between the vertebra, the rib and the tissues between the ribs.

When this dysfunction occurs there is inflammation that irritates the nerves which travel between the ribs and contribute to the brachial plexus which goes down the arm.

As a rule the medic will give you and antiinflammatory and see how you do.  Once in a while they will include a pain pill or a muscle relaxant.  If those don't help they will suggest physical therapy or an orthopedist.

None of these will restore the articulation function.  A doctor of chiropractic will evaluate the mechanical problem, start the return to normal motion and give you things to do at home that will help keep it fixed.

So, that is my main suggestion.

Sometimes ice over the initial area for 20 minutes per hour will help reduce or prevent the flare up.  Rolling up a towel and laying on it right down the spine between the shoulders can be a nice stretch at times.

Hope this helps.