Understanding Pain Under Your Shoulder Blade
Your shoulder blade is the triangular bone at the back of your shoulder. There are several reasons that you may feel pain in this area. In fact, it can limit your movements and activity. Pain can be sharp between the blade and your shoulder. Or it can be dull across the upper back. Knowing the possible causes can help you seek proper treatment.
Common Causes of Shoulder Blade Pain
Poor Posture:
Prolonged sitting with bad posture causes structural changes. Eventually, this will cause pain. A hunched back or head tilting down are common problems. This can be seen in people that sit at desks all day, weakening their muscles. Therefore, increasing pressure on spinal discs and ligaments. Furthermore, continued imbalance like this can cause upper back pain.
Overuse:
Certain activities can overwork the back and shoulders. They get strained when you do something they are not used to. Such as moving furniture or painting a ceiling. Overuse leads to muscle strain and pain around the shoulder blade. A condition called scapulothoracic bursitis can develop. Overuse causes inflammation in the bursa between the shoulder blades.
Improper Lifting:
Lifting objects overhead that are too heavy also causes strain. Lifting objects away from the body causes spine misalignment. Additionally, increased pressure is placed on your back, potentially damaging ligaments and muscles. The joints and spine can also be damaged. The result can be shoulder blade pain.
Cervical Herniated Disc:
Spinal discs have two layers. When the outer layer tears, the inner layer can leak. This is called a herniated disc, and this can occur in the neck. This causes pain and inflammation of nearby nerves and often radiates to your shoulder and arm. A herniated disc in the lower cervical spine is another cause. However, a herniated thoracic disc (upper back) can also cause the same pain.
Dislocated Rib:
Ribs can become misaligned after repetitive strain. Reaching overhead can also cause this. You can feel a sharp pain near the shoulder blade. It may also be hard to breathe in deeply. This is a less common cause for shoulder blade pain.
Compression Fracture:
This occurs when a vertebral bone weakens. As the vertebra compresses, you may feel back pain. The area will be tender to touch. It typically gets better with rest. The most common cause is osteoporosis in elderly people.
Heart Conditions:
Some heart conditions can cause pain near the shoulder blade. Heart attacks may present with a pain in the shoulder. This is more common in women. Additionally, aortic dissection can cause pain under the shoulder blade. This is a condition where the aorta is torn. Discomfort can be severe and needs immediate treatment.
In Conclusion
These are the most common reasons you may feel pain in the shoulder blade. But, these are not the only causes. And if it lasts for a few weeks, a medical evaluation is crucial. Speak to a doctor if the pain worsens or limits daily activity. Additionally, seek immediate medical attention if your in severe pain or discomfort. And accompanied by headaches, weakness, tingling, or nausea.
Experiencing shoulder pain without relief? Then, call us at 888-409-8006. Our top orthopedic specialists are glad to help!
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