What Causes Pain Between Shoulder Blades?

Causes of Interscapular Pain

Pain between the shoulder blades is a common issue often linked to orthopedic conditions. While it can sometimes signal a more serious condition, it is usually caused by muscle or joint issues in the neck, upper spine, or shoulders. Some common causes include:

• Muscle Strain: Overuse, poor posture, or injury can strain the muscles between the shoulder blades. Activities like heavy lifting, sitting for long periods, or repetitive movements can lead to muscle tightness and fatigue.
• Rotator Cuff Injuries: Damage to the rotator cuff muscles or tendons can cause pain near the shoulder blades. Overuse can lead to tendon inflammation (tendonitis), while partial or complete tears can result in ongoing discomfort.
• Spinal Conditions: Issues like herniated discs in the neck or upper spine can press on nerves, causing pain that spreads to the shoulder blades. Degenerative disc disease, where spinal discs wear down over time, can also lead to stiffness and discomfort.
• Shoulder Problems: Long-term shoulder issues, such as instability, rotator cuff tears, or dislocated joints, can affect how the shoulder blade moves, leading to pain. Proper diagnosis through exams and imaging is important.
• Snapping Scapula Syndrome: This condition causes pain and a popping sensation when moving the shoulder blade. It may be due to bony growths or inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction).
• Levator Scapulae Syndrome: Pain that runs from the top of the shoulder blade to the neck is often linked to tension in the levator scapula muscle and inflammation in the surrounding area.
• Cervical Disc Herniation: When the soft inner part of a disc in the neck pushes through its outer layer, it can press on nearby nerves. This can cause severe pain that spreads to the shoulder, arm, and hand.

When Should I Worry About Upper Back Pain Between the Shoulder Blades?

Occasional pain between the shoulder blades is usually not a concern, but certain symptoms require medical attention. Seek help if the pain comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, or pressure, as this could signal a heart problem. Persistent pain that worsens over time or affects daily activities should also be evaluated.

Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms may indicate a spinal issue like a herniated disc or nerve compression. If the pain is accompanied by fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss, it could be a sign of an infection, inflammation, or even cancer, requiring a thorough check-up.

Pain after an injury to the upper back should be assessed immediately to rule out fractures or serious damage. Moreover, if the pain limits movement, keeps you in bed, or makes it hard to work, medical attention is necessary.

How to Relieve Upper Back Pain Between Shoulder Blades?

Treatments for pain between the shoulder blades focus on treating the underlying muscle and joint issues. These approaches include:

• Non-Surgical Treatments
  Physical therapy involves personalized exercises to strengthen muscles, improve posture, and reduce tension. Manual therapy, such as spinal manipulation by chiropractors or physiotherapists, helps realign joints and relieve stiffness. Injections like corticosteroids reduce inflammation, while trigger point injections target muscle knots to ease pain.

  Electrotherapy methods like TENS and ultrasound therapy help with pain and inflammation. Radiofrequency ablation, on the other hand, uses heat to block pain signals from nerves. Additionally, braces can also provide support and reduce strain during recovery.

• Surgical Treatments
  Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), such as microdiscectomy or kyphoplasty, can treat herniated discs or vertebral fractures with a shorter recovery time. Spinal decompression procedures like laminectomy or foraminotomy relieve nerve pressure caused by spinal stenosis or bulging discs. In more severe cases, spinal fusion is performed to permanently connect vertebrae and stabilize the spine, especially for trauma or degenerative disc disease.

Wrapping Up

Pain between the shoulder blades is often a sign that your body needs attention. Identifying its causes and choosing the right treatments can help you restore your well-being. Instead of simply putting up with the pain, you can use it as a chance to heal and take better care of yourself.

Visit our sports medicine & shoulder specialist at Barrett S. Brown, MD. Our doctor aims to help patients find relief through specialized surgical or non-surgical treatments. Call us at (346) 247-2531 to schedule an appointment.