Expert: Dr. Peter Carr - 9/25/2009

Question
My Rhomboid Muscle has caused me lots of pain going on 9.5 years! That night in June 2000 when I went to my last break both shoulders were "burning" I thought nothing about it & thought it would go away but it didnt or hasnt so in August 2000 I began PT & cortisone shots plus everything under the sun since including Botox injections with no relief. Is there anything eles that can be done so I can live fulfilled life. Brushing teeth, laundry, going to restroom, cleaning house & working causes me so much pain. I have only worked in factories/warehouse so "I quit" working in Feb 09 & have no plans to return due to the pain level I have working. This was a work injury & I did not report it. Thanks for any help!

Answer
Lisa;

Holy Moley that's a long time to deal with this!!!

Let's talk about the rhomboids, then.  They attach to the scapulae on both sides, and because of their shape (rhomboidal) they get called that. It doesn't seem fair: the levator scapulae raise the scapulae, and that's what they get called.  The rhomboids retract the scapula, pulling your shoulders backwards.

The question is really this:  Does it hurt as you do this motion, especially against resistance?  (try and have someone push on your shoulders as you try to retract them.  If that hurts, then it's the muscle(s).  

It's been my experience that while the rhomboid muscle can tire, it's not often the problem... it's the ribs underneath that cause this pain, and it's usually very sharp, like an ice pick in your back.  It can refer (send) pain to the front along the pathway of the intercostal nerve, and can often limit someone's breathing due to the pain, usually the last 10%.   Is that what you are experiencing?  If so, I would get adjusted by a chiropractor, use a tennis ball to help put the rib "back in place".  

Follow up with me if I'm close on this, and I'll find a DC who can get the job done near you.   If you are near Seattle, swing on into our chiropractic office in downtown, and we'll take care of you here.

Hope this answer helps,

Dr. Peter Carr