Expert: Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac. - 3/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: Iv been in pain for three days, my shoulder blade hurts all the way down to my fingers. I have very severe pain, I cant even sleep. I took advil for the pain relief but it dosent help. What do you think the problem could be. it deals as if my hand has no circulation

ANSWER: Hi Paula,

What type of pain are you experiencing?  (sharp, dull, achey?)

What is your age?

What and when did the pain occur?  (any trauma?)

Which shoulder blade is the pain?

Does the pain hurt at night only because of the position or it only comes at night time?

I will be able to give more appropriate advice with the additional information.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is an achey pain, im 54. It hurts all day, its my right shoulder

Answer
Dear Paula,

There might be two things going on with the right shoulder.  All seems to indicate that it is a chronic condition, meaning, you have had this pain for months if not years now.  By taking the pain medication, you have been masking the pain and continued to use the shoulder even though it has not been resolved or treated at the root.

In term of Chiropractic, you may have strained the muscles surrounding the scapula (shoulder blade) and the ribs and vertebra adjacent to the painful area may be "out" or mis-aligned.  For this, visiting a chiropractic office will help.

In term of Acupuncture, you may have blood and qi stagnation in the local area.  This may occur with past trauma or injury which may include repetitive activities involving the use of the right arm.  For this, visiting an acupuncturist office will help.

So which is the cause?  It is most likely both.  It will be great if you can visit a practitioner who is licensed or certified in both OR visit a chiropractor first.  If the condition does not resolve within 5 visits, then consider doing the second option (Acupuncture).  The acupuncturist will take care the portion where Chiropractic cannot perform.