What can cause pain from the ribcage to the shoulder blade?
Patient: Hello, I have been having b/l rib pain which also goes into the base of each shoulder blade; also at times in between the shoulder blades. The rib pain has been going on for 2 months. Fatigue, too. Chest xrays indicated COPD, but I have not had any respiratory symptoms. No history of asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. I have never smoked or worked at a worksite where I would have been exposed to substances which inflame the airways in the lungs. PFT is normal. Any ideas? What are my next steps? Thank you, Valerie Doctor: Hi  The pain might be due to costochondritis or muscular cause and may not be related to COPD. As a first line of management you can take analgesics like Ibuprofen or Diclofenac for pain relief. If symptoms persist, better to consult a neurologist and get evaluated.  Hope I have answered your query.  Let me know if I can assist you further.