Doctor Answers to Patient Questions: Back Pain and Sleep, Burning Pain Under Shoulder Blade

Douglas Hendricks, MD
(About Dr Hendricks)

The following explanations, insights, and advice about upper back problems are provided by Douglas J. Hendricks, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and a contributing author for Spine-health.com.

Patients frequently e-mail us questions about upper back problems, exercises and other treatments, and while we don’t provide individual responses, periodically, Dr. Hendricks and other contributors to Spine-health.com will take time to respond to the themes from more frequently asked questions and we publish the responses in this section of the site.

Please understand that the following responses to questions about upper back problems represent the opinion of one physician, and are intended for informational purposes only and not as a substitute for professional medical help or advice.

Upper back pain during sleep

The Question:
I currently see a chiropractor for my upper back problem. In the past 5 months, I have been experiencing upper back pain during sleep, and I often awake in such pain that it is difficult to move around. My chiropractor had suggested a firmer mattress (I bought one), a body pillow (I bought one), a neck pillow (I bought one), ice and/or heat (have done that too), and so far there has been no pain relief. He now feels I have stress related back pain, since the pain seems to subside as the day wears on and I am moving around. But what can I do to alleviate this horrible pain? What would you advise me to do next? Should I see my regular physician and be thoroughly checked out?

Doctor's Response:
You definitely need to see your medical doctor for a checkup. I doubt this is stress related back pain, since stress-related back pain tends to get worse as the day progresses (not better, as in your case). The pain during sleep is concerning to me. Depending on your age and other medical problems, further imaging is necessary. At the very least, I would recommend a thoracic spine MRI. There may be a need for blood tests and other testing to look at your internal organs.

Burning pain under the shoulder blade

The Question:
I desperately need help. It’s the thoracic pain that started over one year ago: burning and stabbing under the left shoulder blade, and if I move, walk or do any kind of movement, it gets worse. My MRI shows two small fatty tumors in the cervical area and two small bulged discs in the lumbar area, but my doctor says neither should be causing this pain. Nothing is showing in the thoracic area. I've done all the doctors have suggested. I've begged for a shot of some pain relief...just for a few days pain free...God would I be thankful. If I stay still, I am able to handle it, but I can't sit my life away. I’m 55 yrs old and don’t have insurance.

Doctor's Response:
I recommend getting in to see a physiatrist who specializes in diagnosing and treating back pain for a thorough history and physical examination. There may be effective yet affordable treatment alternatives for your upper back pain.