Strange pain from . . . where???

[wutherhi]

This is just too weird. I've got this stange pain that seems to start in my neck and run in a line down my back, and I can't tell if lifting weights or riding my bike is causing it. My neck pops and cracks, but the pain isn't there--it's in my lower shoulder blades. And I mean this hurts! I have to twist and curl my way out of bed in the mornings, and it's almost impossible to get out of a recliner. It doesn't hurt at all when I lie flat, but I can't lift my head even an inch. But it's not just because it hurts, it's because the muscles (or whatever) just refuse to work at all. The worst part only lasts a day or so, but I'm constantly aggravating it, although I've take something like two weeks off of everything to let it heal. And here's the weirdest part: it changes sides. I feel like a hypochondriac. Anyone else experience anything like this?

Shari

 

[Maribeth]

Shari,
The pain isn't really strange, given that the trapezius attaches to the base of the skull, runs down the back and out over the shoulder blades and back to the spine below the shoulder blades. Sounds like you've done something that is causing you to have problems in this area.

It would also make sense that when you lie down, it wouldn't hurt. In a supine position with your head supported, the traps can relax. Trying to lift your head may be difficult because if your traps have been in spasm, the muscles that oppose the traps will be inhibited.

I can't guarantee that this is what is happening with you, but it is a possibility that fits with the symptoms you describe.
Maribeth