Sudden Shoulder Blade Bump and Numbness in Right Hand: Causes and Concerns

Q: Sudden Shoulder Blade Bump and Numbness in Right Hand: Causes and Concerns

Hello： It is best to visit the outpatient clinic for a check-up. <br>Best wishes, Dr. <br>Yu-Shu Chiu.

The bone in the right scapular area suddenly protrudes, and the right hand experiences numbness while sleeping?

Hello, my father is 66 years old.
Recently, there has been a sudden protrusion of the bone in the right scapular area, and he experiences numbness in his right hand while sleeping.
I would like to inquire if this could be due to a bone pathology.
Thank you!

A Bi, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/01/23

Dr. Qiu Yushu reply Neurosurgery

Hello: It is best to visit the outpatient clinic for a check-up.
Best wishes, Dr.
Yu-Shu Chiu.

Reply Date: 2008/01/23

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your question regarding your father's sudden shoulder blade bump and numbness in his right hand. Given his age and the symptoms you've described, there are several potential causes that we should consider.

Firstly, the sudden prominence of the shoulder blade (scapula) could be due to a few different factors. One possibility is a condition known as scapular winging, which can occur when the muscles that stabilize the scapula, particularly the serratus anterior or trapezius muscles, become weak or injured. This can lead to the scapula protruding more than usual, creating a noticeable bump. Muscle weakness can be caused by nerve damage, injury, or even conditions like muscular dystrophy.

Another potential cause for the bump could be related to bone changes, such as osteophytes (bone spurs) or other degenerative changes in the shoulder joint or spine. These changes can occur with age and may lead to discomfort or altered mechanics in the shoulder region.

The numbness in the right hand, particularly if it occurs during sleep, raises concerns about possible nerve compression. One common condition that could lead to this symptom is thoracic outlet syndrome, where nerves or blood vessels are compressed in the space between the collarbone and the first rib. This can lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm and hand. Another possibility is carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, but given the location of the symptoms, thoracic outlet syndrome may be more likely.

Additionally, cervical radiculopathy, which is caused by compression of the nerves that exit the cervical spine, could also explain the numbness in the hand. This condition can occur due to herniated discs, bone spurs, or degenerative disc disease, which are more common as people age.

Given these possibilities, it is essential for your father to undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. A physical examination, along with imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, may be necessary to determine the exact cause of the bump and numbness. A neurologist or orthopedic specialist would be well-suited to assess these symptoms.

In the meantime, it may be beneficial for your father to avoid activities that exacerbate the symptoms and to maintain good posture, especially during sleep. If he experiences significant pain, weakness, or changes in sensation, seeking medical attention promptly is crucial.

In summary, the sudden bump on the shoulder blade and numbness in the right hand could be indicative of several underlying conditions, including muscle weakness, nerve compression, or degenerative changes. A comprehensive evaluation by a medical professional is necessary to accurately diagnose and treat these symptoms. Thank you for your inquiry, and I hope your father finds relief soon!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Right Shoulder Blade Pain and Numbness: Causes and Solutions

The symptoms are located near the far right side and persist even after receiving treatment at a martial arts clinic. The numbness is not constant; it was only occasionally present during work a couple of days ago, but today it occurs several times whenever I use my right hand. S...

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology
Hello: The symptoms mentioned may be caused by cervical nerve root compression. It is recommended to visit a neurologist for a detailed examination.

Understanding Sharp and Electric Pain in the Right Shoulder Blade: Causes and Next Steps

This condition has persisted for nearly four months since June 30 of this year. On that day, while working in the morning, I suddenly experienced a very intense sharp pain in my right scapula, which also radiated to my chest. The pain lasted only a brief moment, and I was stunned...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, your symptoms are more indicative of an intercostal muscle strain, which is typically associated with pain related to movement and posture. As for the intercostal nerves, they run along the ribs in the chest, passing from the back through the lateral abdomen to the front o...

Understanding Nerve Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. For the past year, I have experienced a tingling sensation in my right hand when positioned at certain angles (such as when riding a bicycle or a motorcycle). The tingling immediately alleviates when I change positions. However, four months ago, I began to experien...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, your condition is likely carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by compression of the nerves in the palm area. It is recommended that you consult with a neurosurgeon for evaluation and examination. Best wishes. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.

Understanding Left Shoulder Blade Pain: Causes and Treatments

I have been experiencing a dull ache and numbness near my left scapula for the past two months, and recently it has occasionally turned into a sharp pain. It came on suddenly, and I haven't had any injuries prior to this. I'm unsure of the cause.

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
The soreness and numbness around the scapula, without any prior injury and with no abnormalities in the hands, is most likely due to tendonitis or fatigue.