Shoulder blade pain is a common ailment that can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Most of the time, the discomfort is due to something relatively harmless, such as muscle tension or poor posture. Occasionally, however, pain in or between the shoulder blades can also indicate more serious conditions. Therefore, persistent or severe pain should never be ignored.
The shoulder blades, medically known as scapulae, are two triangular bones attached to the collarbones and upper arms. They form part of the upper back and work together with muscles, ligaments, joints, nerves, and the thoracic spine to support movement and stability.
Because this region is so complex and also protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs, it can sometimes be difficult to determine the exact cause of the pain.
Common symptoms of shoulder blade pain
Pain in the shoulder blade area can occur on one or both sides of the upper back. The sensations can vary greatly and may include the following:
• Dull, pulling pain
• Sharp or boring pain
• Burning sensation
• Pain between the shoulder blades
• Pain that worsens with movement
• Tenderness in the shoulder blade area
Sometimes the pain originates directly from the shoulder blade area. In other cases, it is referred pain, meaning the source of the pain lies elsewhere in the body.
muscle strain
One of the most common causes of shoulder blade pain is muscle tension. Repetitive activities, lifting, sports, poor posture, or even sleeping in an awkward position can put excessive strain on the muscles around the shoulder blade.
People who perform monotonous tasks for long periods often develop chronic pain in their upper back and shoulders. Even starting a new exercise program can put additional strain on these muscles.
Improved posture, regular breaks, stretching exercises and sufficient recovery time can often alleviate muscle-related shoulder blade pain.
Disc problems
Degenerative disc diseases and herniated discs can also contribute to discomfort in the shoulder blade area.
With increasing age, the intervertebral discs gradually lose fluid and flexibility. A herniated disc occurs when the soft core of a disc pushes outwards and irritates adjacent nerves. If nerves in the neck area become pinched or inflamed, pain can radiate as far as the shoulder blades.
Fractures
Although scapular fractures are relatively rare, they can occur after severe trauma such as traffic accidents or falls. These injuries require immediate medical attention, as they are often accompanied by other serious injuries.
However, muscle tension and spinal problems are only part of the story – some surprising illnesses in other parts of the body can also trigger pain in the shoulder blades.
arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the joints around the shoulder blade. It can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, limited mobility, and inflammation at the junctions between the shoulder blade and adjacent bones.
Many people with arthritis find relief through lifestyle changes, exercise, weight control, and medical treatment plans recommended by their doctors.
osteoporosis
Osteoporosis weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. Although scapular fractures are rare, brittle bones can increase the risk of injury after a fall.
Maintaining healthy calcium and vitamin D levels, regular physical activity, and adherence to preventative measures can help protect bone health.
Heart disease
Many people associate heart problems with chest pain, but certain heart conditions can also cause pain in the left shoulder blade.
Women, in particular, may perceive the symptoms differently than men. In some cases, heart attack symptoms can include the following:
• Pain between the shoulder blades
• Shortness of breath
• Extreme fatigue
• Chest discomfort
• Nausea
If pain in the shoulder blade area occurs in addition to these symptoms, immediate medical treatment is essential.
Lung cancer
In rare cases, pain in the shoulder blade area can be associated with a type of lung tumor, the so-called Pancoast tumor, which develops in the upper part of the lung.
The pain is often persistent and can radiate into the shoulder and arm. Pain that worsens at night, occurs at rest, or has no clear musculoskeletal cause should be examined by a doctor.
breast cancer
Some women with breast cancer report upper back pain between the shoulder blades before other symptoms appear. While shoulder blade pain alone is not a sign of breast cancer, persistent, unexplained pain should be evaluated by a doctor.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle and tissue pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Pain between the shoulder blades is a common complaint among people with fibromyalgia.
What surprises many people is that certain digestive and abdominal problems can also cause pain that feels like it’s coming directly from the shoulder blades.
