Random burning pain below shoulder blades?

[uihwljtkegr]

Hey,
I've noticed recently that I'm getting this kind of burning sensation, across my back, just below my shoulder blades. Happens usually when I'm playing guitar, which isn't good, seeing as I spend a good few hours a day playing guitar (Although its only when I'm sat down playing it.).

There is the fact that in all my lessons at college now I'm either playing an instrument or typing, which makes me think that it could be RSI? (Repetitive strain injury) I'm not sure though, as I have no idea what RSI feels like, or if there is anything else that is related to RSI to look out for.

Anyone have any ideas?

[Lily of the Valley]

Could it be a pinched nerve? I guess it depends how you define "burning sensation," but whenever I have a pinched nerve, it always happens right along/below my shoulder blades.

Meh, I don't know a whole lot about stuff like this. I usually just go 'whatever' when I'm hurt. >.>

~Maggot

[Kaleidoscope Eyes]

I don't know if I would label it as "repetitive strain injury" or anything like that. RSI involves chronic pain caused by doing the same task all the time. Think Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (it's a different diagnosis than RSI, but it's the same concept). It's caused by sitting and typing at a desk all day, but it causes pain even when you're not typing. It can be so bad as to require the use of supportive wrist braces while typing, or even surgery, to deal with the pain. That's the kind of thing you're going to see with RSI, as far as I can tell.

It's more likely that you're just sitting in that same position too long (while you're playing guitar and while you're at school) and your back isn't happy about it. That's why it only happens when you're sitting and playing your guitar, and not while standing. I know I get pain and stiffness in my right shoulder/trapezius when I sit in class writing notes all day.

*Try moving around more. If you sit at school all day and then come home to sit and play your guitar, try exercising a little bit in-between. Stretch out, walk around the block, get your back moving a bit to relax the muscles.
*Heat is also good for reliving muscle pain and tension. If you have a heating pad, try using that when you notice the pain. Put it against the back of the couch or a chair and lean back against it. This holds it in place and takes some pressure off of your back.
* Ibuprofen is a good pain reliever for muscle aches because it reduces inflammation. I would recommend this over paracetamol, if you have a choice between the two.
* Try to prevent the pain from starting with good posture. Sit up straight. No need to keep your back so stiff that it starts hurting from that instead (xP) but just try not to slouch. When you play your guitar, sit on the edge of the seat instead of farther back if you don't already. This helps you keep good posture which also makes it easier to play than when you slouch, I think.

If nothing really helps, go ahead and see your doctor. Maybe they can recommend something else.

[uihwljtkegr]

Hey,
Thanks for the advice!

I had the day off today(Didn't have to go into college - no lessons :D), and decided to try having a day without playing the guitar or using the computer. I must admit that its now a hell of a lot better than it was yesterday, so I think I can say that its nothing that I need to worry about.
Thanks again,
Dan