Shoulder Blade Pain: Causes And Treatment

QI Spine Clinic is India’s first Spine Rehabilitation Clinic dedicated to non surgical treatment of back and neck pain.

The triangular bones on the back of the shoulder, known as the scapulae, are commonly known as shoulder blades. It joins the clavicle at the acromioclavicular joint and the shoulder joint at the top of the arm.  A complex series of muscles, tendons, and ligaments surround these. Any injury caused by them can result in mild to severe shoulder blade pain, commonly known as - interscapular pain. 

 

Shoulder blade pain can feel aching, sore, dull, or shooting. Sometimes, it isn’t anything to worry about. However, in some cases, it may signify a more serious condition. 

What Are The Causes of Shoulder Blade Pain?

There are several possible causes of pain between the shoulder blades. The most common is - injury around the shoulder blades, which is often linked to various underlying conditions, ranging from muscle strain to serious medical conditions. It is important to identify the cause of the pain for effective treatment, as the pain may originate from musculoskeletal problems or more complex health conditions. 

 

Here are some major causes of interscapular pain:

 

  • Muscle Strain - Overuse, heavy lifting, in addition to prolonged slouching, can strain the muscle around the muscle around the shoulder blades. 
  • Nerve Compression - Pinched nerves in the neck or upper spine can radiate pain to the blades of the shoulder. 
  • Herniated Disc - A bulging thoracic or cervical spine disc may press on nerves, causing referred pain. 
  • Arthritis - Spinal inflammation of shoulder joints can contribute to the chronic discomfort of the shoulder blades. 
  • Heart Conditions - Certain heart conditions, such as - angina or heart attacks, can cause pain between the blades. 
  • Lung Issues - Conditions like pneumonia and lung tumours may also cause referred pain in the upper back. 
  • Gallbladder Disease - Gallstones or inflammation can cause pain that radiates to the right shoulder blade. 
  • Shingles - It is a viral infection that affects the nerves, which may result in sharp, burning pain near the shoulder blade. 

 

Other causes of the pain may include - scoliosis, acid reflux, fibromyalgia, cancers (lung cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, etc.), in addition to shoulder dislocation or fracture. 

Treatment For Pain In The Shoulder Blade

Treatment for interscapular pain usually depends on the severity and cause of the pain. Physiotherapy clinics, such as QI Spine, conduct diagnostic tests before suggesting a treatment plan. Diagnostic tests may include - MRI, CT Scans, X-rays, blood tests, etc. This determines and helps identify the underlying cause of the pain. 

 

  • Physical Therapy - It is one of the most common and effective approaches, which involves targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. 
  • Massage Therapy - Massage helps release muscle tension, in addition to cold and hot therapy, which helps reduce inflammation and soothes soreness. 
  • Chiropractic Adjustments - Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the spine and relieve nerve pressure, which helps reduce the pain. 
  • Postural Corrections - Take necessary precautions at home and work to correct the posture that helps prevent recurring pain. 
  • OTC Medicines - Pain specialists may prescribe over-the-counter medication to prevent pain while managing it with exercises and therapies. 

 

People struggling with pains in the shoulder blade can look for a physiotherapy clinic near me to find the best clinics that offer a holistic approach. 

Conclusion

Shoulder blade pain can impact daily activity. However, it can be managed with the correct treatment method and by understanding the cause. Certain physiotherapy clinics, such as QI Spine, specialise in non-surgical techniques to alleviate pain using advanced diagnostic and personalised therapy. This ensures a safe and effective approach to restoring mobility and preventing future discomfort. 

 

FAQs

Q1. How to sleep with shoulder blade pain?

Ans. In case of rotator cuff pain, try sleeping on the back with a small pillow between the shoulder blades to rest the arm on it. 

 

Q2. Can gas cause pain in the shoulder blade?

Ans. Yes, gas can get trapped in the digestive system due to gas buildup and gastroesophageal reflux. This causes pain in the shoulder blade, which feels like a dull ache or pressure. 

 

Q3. Is shoulder pain related to the liver?

Ans. Your right shoulder may hurt if your liver is inflamed. This is a result of activated nerves that link to nerves in the shoulder.


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