You're not alone if you struggle with pain between your shoulder blades. Many people experience this type of discomfort regularly, which can be an incredibly frustrating symptom that affects how we go about our day-to-day activities.
This blog post will explore the causes of pain between the shoulder blades so that you can learn more about why it occurs and what steps you can take to find relief from the symptoms.
Please keep reading to discover which medical conditions, injuries, or lifestyle factors might trigger such painful sensations and learn how best to manage them to improve your quality of life.
Muscle Strain
A muscle strain is one of the most common causes of shoulder blade pain. This type of injury occurs when the muscles in the area become overstretched or torn due to repetitive movements or excessive force.
Symptoms may include difficulty turning your head and neck and tenderness and soreness in the area.
Arthritis
Pain between the shoulder blades can also be a sign of arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints, and it can affect the shoulder blades just as it does other parts of the body.
Symptoms of arthritis in this area include stiffness, pain when moving your arms or shoulders, and swelling around the shoulder blades.
Vertebral Subluxation
Another common cause of shoulder blade pain is vertebral subluxation. This occurs when one of the bones in your spine, known as a vertebra, slips out of its normal position and compresses nearby nerves.
Symptoms can include pain that radiates to the shoulder blades, numbness or tingling in the arms, and difficulty moving your head and neck.
Posture
Poor posture can also lead to discomfort between the shoulder blades. Slouching or hunching over for extended periods can cause muscle strain in this area and soreness and fatigue.
To prevent this from occurring, sit up straight with your shoulders back and your chin parallel to the ground whenever possible.
Repetitive Movements
Doing the same movements over and over can also cause pain between the shoulder blades. Repetitive motions such as typing, painting, or lifting heavy objects can cause stress to the muscles in this area, leading to strain or discomfort.
Stress
High levels of stress can also trigger pain between the shoulder blades. Stress causes body tension, manifesting as pain in various locations, including your back and shoulders.
Taking time to relax and unwind is essential for reducing stress-related symptoms.
Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition affecting the discs in your neck, leading to pressure on nerves near the shoulder blades.
Symptoms of this condition include muscle stiffness, pain when turning your head or neck, and tingling or numbness in the hands.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder that causes muscle pain and tenderness in various body parts, including the shoulder blades.
Symptoms may include localized pain, tight muscles, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are another common cause of shoulder blade pain. This type of headache often begins with mild to moderate discomfort at the back of the neck, which then spreads to both shoulders.
Other symptoms may include tightness in the forehead or scalp and sensitivity to light and noise.
Discogenic Pain Syndrome
Discogenic pain syndrome is a condition that causes back pain due to damage or deterioration of the discs in your spine. This can lead to intermittent or constant pain near the shoulder blades, stiffness, inflammation, and difficulty moving your head and neck.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating disorder characterized by extreme fatigue lasting extended periods. It can also be accompanied by shoulder blade pain, which may worsen when engaging in physical activity or lifting heavy objects.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread muscle tenderness, fatigue, and stiffness throughout the body. It can also cause pain in the shoulder blades that may range from mild to severe.
Scapulothoracic Bursitis
This condition is characterized by inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac between your shoulder blade and your rib cage. Symptoms may include tenderness when touching the area or difficulty moving your arms or shoulders due to pain.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when the nerves and blood vessels near your collarbone become compressed, leading to tingling, numbness, or pain in various body parts, including the shoulder blades. Other symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, and trouble breathing.
Tumors
While rare, tumors can also cause pain between the shoulder blades. If you're experiencing persistent or severe pain in this area that does not improve with treatment, it's important to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
These are just a few of the possible causes of shoulder blade pain. It's important to note that various medical conditions and injuries can cause this type of discomfort, so if you're experiencing any symptoms, it's best to consult with your doctor to determine an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
How do I get rid of pain in between my shoulder blades?
1. Identify the Cause
The first step in relieving pain between your shoulder blades is identifying the cause.
Common causes of this discomfort include medical conditions such as scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and osteoarthritis; injuries like muscle strains or bone fractures; or lifestyle habits like poor posture, overuse of muscles, or carrying heavy backpacks.
If you can pinpoint which one is causing your pain, it can make treatment much easier.
2. Get Professional Help
If you've identified the underlying cause but still feel discomfort between your shoulder blades, it's best to consult a medical professional for help. A doctor can diagnose deeper issues and recommend physical therapy, pain medication, or surgery.
3. Utilize Home Remedies
In addition to seeking professional help, you can use a few home remedies to reduce the discomfort between your shoulder blades.
For example, regularly stretching the area can help keep muscles loose and relieve tension; applying ice packs or hot compresses to the affected area can improve circulation and soothe pain; or trying relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can help reduce stress levels that may exacerbate symptoms.
4. Make Lifestyle Changes
It's important to make lifestyle changes to help lessen the pressure on your upper back if you want long-term relief from pain between your shoulder blades.
This includes avoiding activities that cause strain on the area, such as carrying heavy objects; maintaining proper posture while sitting and standing; getting regular exercise to keep muscles strong and flexible; taking breaks throughout the day to rest and relax; and wearing supportive shoes or orthotics to reduce strain on joints.
By following these tips, you can relieve pain between your shoulder blades and help prevent future episodes of discomfort.
Remember to speak with a medical professional if your symptoms persist despite self-care measures or become unbearable, as this could indicate a more serious underlying health condition requiring medical attention. Good luck!
FAQs
Is pain between shoulder blades serious?
It depends. While minor medical conditions or lifestyle habits often cause pain between the shoulder blades, they can signal a more serious underlying health issue. If you are experiencing symptoms that persist despite self-care measures or become unbearable, then it's best to consult a doctor for further diagnosis and treatment.
Can gas cause shoulder pain?
Yes, trapped gas in the intestines can cause shoulder pain that radiates to the back between the shoulder blades. When too much gas builds up in the stomach and intestines, the pressure can push against nearby organs or nerve endings, leading to discomfort.
What are some home remedies for shoulder blade pain?
Some home remedies that may help reduce pain between your shoulder blades include stretching regularly, applying ice packs or hot compresses to the affected area, using relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation, and making lifestyle changes like avoiding activities that strain your upper back and wearing supportive shoes or orthotics.
Conclusion
Pain between the shoulder blades is an incredibly common symptom that affects many people. While it can be a minor annoyance for some, it may also signal underlying medical conditions or injuries that require diagnosis and treatment. To find relief from your shoulder blade pain, start by ruling out any serious medical conditions with a visit to your doctor!
