Snapping Scapula
Snapping scapula is a condition in which the shoulder blade (scapula) rubs against the ribs and causes a “snapping” sound or feeling. This can cause pain and affect shoulder function. In some cases, snapping scapula is painless. This condition usually goes away with proper treatment.
This condition may cause fluid-filled sacs that is marked by persistent “snapping” of the shoulder blade (scapula). You may feel a snapping sensation or hear a snapping sound. You may feel shoulder pain or discomfort. The scapula rubbing against the ribs of the chest wall causes the snapping sensation/sound. Fluid-filled sacs (bursae) exist under the scapula to become painful and swollen (inflamed). This condition is called bursitis, and it can
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• MRI.
• CT scan.
RISK FACTORS This condition is more likely to develop in:
• People who play contact or collision sports, especially without adequate protective equipment.
• People with poor shoulder strength and flexibility.
• People who do not warm up properly before physical activity.
• People with muscular imbalances.
• People who have broken (fractured) their scapula or ribs before.
• SYMPTOMS
• Snapping, grating, or popping of the shoulder or scapula heard and/or felt.
• • Pain or discomfort in the area of the scapula.
• • Bump felt on the scapula.
• • Affected scapula may be more prominent. It may hurt to sit on a chair with a high back.
CAUSES
Snapping scapulaThis condition may be caused by:
• • Bony alterations of the scapula.
• • Soft tissue growths. (normal variants or benign or malignant tumors).
• Scapula instability due to loss of muscle tissue (• Muscle atrophy). that produces scapular instability.
Repetitive shoulder motions that cause inflammation of the bursae that lie beneath the scapula may worsen the condition. Direct injury may result in bursitis.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition may
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HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
General Instructions
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.
• If directed, apply ice to any injured or inflamed areas:
• Put ice in a plastic bag.
• Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
• Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.
• Do this immediately after any activity that makes your condition worse.
• If directed, apply a heat pack to any injured or inflamed areas before doing stretching or strengthening exercises. Activities
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Avoid activities that make your condition worse or cause pain.
• Rest and recover in between periods of physical activity.
• Do stretching and strengthening exercises as told by your health care provider.
• Do these exercises as often as is comfortable.
• Maintaining shoulder conditioning helps to relieve pain and stiffness and helps to prevent future injury.
PROGNOSIS
With proper treatment symptoms usually resolve.
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