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Left shoulder blade pain
Hello Doctor,
I have been having constant pain around my left shoulder blade and upper back for the last 2–3 years. The pain increases with certain movements and activities. I also feel a cut-cut / clicking sound when moving or rotating my left shoulder.
I have already done X-ray and MRI, but I am still not getting proper relief. Earlier, an orthopaedic doctor told me it could be due to muscle breakdown / muscle strain. Sometimes the pain becomes quite severe.
I would like your guidance on:
• Why the pain is still present despite MRI and X-ray
• Whether I should do specific physiotherapy or rehabilitation exercises
• Which exercises are safe and which I should avoid
• Whether any further treatment or long-term management is needed
Please advise. Thank you.
Answers (5)
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Can be Scapulothoracic bursitis
MRI/X-ray will be normal.
Next Steps
Scapular-focused physiotherapy should be done
Health Tips
Avoid Heavy overhead lifting and shrugs.
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The pain shall not disappear because of MRI or X-ray. Those are investigative modalities that help to understand the problem.
However, treatment is also not based only on report but a co-relation between MRI and examination of patient.
Hence, it will be prudent if you visit shoulder specialist in person and then take it further.
Without assessing it would not be possible to recommend any sort of management.
Next Steps
Appointment to a shoulder specialist
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Ant treatment ongoing?
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Dr. Mayank Daral
Orthopedist
6 yrs exp
Delhi
Your MRI shows only a Grade-1 supraspinatus strain without any tear which explains why scans look largely normal despite persistent pain long standing pain around the shoulder blade and upper back is commonly due to muscle imbalance scapular dyskinesia postural overload or myofascial trigger points which do not always show clearly on X-ray or MRI. the clicking or cut-cut sensation usually comes from abnormal scapular movement or tight muscles not joint damage. Relief requires a targeted shoulder-bladeâfocused exercise program scapular stabilization, posture correction, and gradual strengthening while avoiding heavy overhead lifting, jerky movements, and prolonged slouched sitting. With consistent, correct rehabilitation and activity modification, symptoms usually improve, but chronic cases need long-term posture and muscle balance management rather than medicines alone.
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Dr. Pratik Kumar
Orthopedic surgeon
12 yrs exp
Gorakhpur
Xray mri is investigation not treatment
Shoulder may not be coming from the joint
Physio and rehab is needed
For chronic sprain injections are available
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.