Back pain help needed

Been dealing with this back pain on my left side, just under the shoulder blade, for like two days now. It really hits hardest when I try to twist left or take a deep breath. Is this just a muscle thing, or could it be something with my lungs? Never had anything like this happen before, so honestly, I'm pretty freaked out. Hoping someone can weigh in.

It’s most likely just a pinched muscle or some ligament strain. If this thing doesn't clear up in a few days, or if the pain starts getting more intense, you should probably head to a doctor to rule out anything more serious...

I mean, I haven't really done anything that would cause a strain. Isn't it pretty normal to feel that sharp pain when taking a deep breath depending on how you're sitting? 😢

frozenridge43 said:Well, I wasn't actually doing anything strenuous enough to risk a strain, if that’s what you mean. Is it actually somewhat typical to experience that sharp twinge when taking a deep breath while stuck in certain positions?😢

Precisely. As long as you aren't dealing with any acute pain in the shoulder joint or those deeper, more debilitating aches, it shouldn't be a cause for alarm.

Nothing's wrong with my shoulder joint. It just feels like a sharp cut right under my shoulder blade. Thanks, feeling a bit better now.

frozenridge43 said:Fine, but I haven't actually done anything strenuous enough to pull something. Is it normal to feel this kind of pain when taking a deep breath in certain positions?😢

It’s entirely possible. When you breathe, your rib cage expands, which puts tension on all the muscles and ligaments holding it together. You mentioned the pain spikes when you twist to the left—to me, that points directly toward a neuromuscular issue. We could be looking at a pinched nerve, spasms in the intercostal muscles, or even inflammation in the costochondral joints. This type of discomfort can linger for days. If things take a turn for the worse suddenly, or if the pain doesn't let up after a few days, go see a doctor.

Feels like I've got this insanely intense cramp going on. Should I go with Advil or just use some Voltaren cream?

frozenridge43 said:I feel like I'm dealing with some incredibly intense cramping. Should I try taking Voltaren or maybe just use the Voltaren cream?

I’d suggest starting with ibuprofen—Advil or Motrin—or even just some Aspirin first. If that doesn't touch the pain, then move on to the Voltaren... though it's really up to you how you want to handle it.

If the pain is truly severe, go see a doctor. At the end of the day, I can only offer my own assumptions here... and I'm certainly no medical expert.

Man, staying still feels fine, but even the tiniest movement sends this sharp, stabbing pain through me. It’s just like a massive cramp. It hurts like crazy at first, then slowly starts to ease up. If it isn't better by tomorrow or if things get worse, I'm heading to the doctor. Thanks.

Easy breezy! 🙂

Nice. That felt like a serious muscle stretch right there...