What could this strange pain be?

[Reuben]

My partner has had a strange and horrible pain in/on her back for about two months …

It’s basically a nasty burning sensation just under the skin on her left shoulder-blade, in an area about 2"x2". The weird thing is that there is no mark of any kind save for a possible hint of redness. It is hot to the touch, and often has a noticeably tender texture compared to the surrounding area.

Her pain threshold is quite high - this is really hurting her - and she says it feels just like a burn, yet there’s no mark and as far as she knows she hasn’t done any damage to that part of her body.

Anyone got any ideas what this might be?

Many thanks,
– Reuben

[Shayna]

She’s been experiencing severe pain, burning and tenderness under her skin for two months and she hasn’t gone to a doctor for a diagnosis? And you expect strangers on a message board, without medical degrees or licenses, who can’t see, feel or examine her skin, to be able to tell you what could be causing the problem? Tell her to go to a doctor.

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/skin_pain.htm (bolding mine)

Skin areas can be painful due to various reasons such as rash, skin infections, or local problems. Nerve conditions can also lead to paresthesias that cause pins-and-needles, prickling, burning sensations, or numbness in an area of skin. Any pain needs medical investigation.

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/paresthesias.htm (again, bolding mine)

Abnormal nerve sensations such as pins-and-needles, tingling, burning, prickling or similar feelings are all known as “paresthesias”.

<snip>

Parethesias with simple causes such as pressing on a nerve are usually reversible. Certain other nerve conditions such as peripheral neuropathy (often from diabetes), lupus complications, Guillain-Barre syndrome, or multiple sclerosis are also possible causes of parethesias. Because of the variety of possible causes, any abnormal sensation needs prompt professional medical investigation.

[Shayna]

And I meant to add, but clicked Submit instead of Preview, I hope it’s nothing serious and that she feels better soon.

(But she won’t if she doesn’t see a doctor.)

[Reuben]

Thanks for the links Shayna… looks like a good match. I know there’s no substitute for a professional diagnosis, but she’s just been so very busy of late, and I thought I’d try here just in case it rang a clear bell with anyone. I will nag her to see the doc asap.