When the pain in back under shoulder blade becomes severe or does not disappear with at-home treatment, it should be seen by a specialist. The nagging ache could be from something as simple as a muscle strain or as complex as a serious condition like heart disease or lung cancer. The best way to determine the cause of shoulder blade pain is to visit a spine expert who will take your medical history and conduct an examination to identify critical conditions.
Common Causes of Shoulder Blade Pain
Most often, pain in the back under shoulder blade is a result of overuse of muscles and joints. It may also be due to poor posture or sleeping in an awkward position. The pain can be dull and achy or sharp and stabbing, depending on the type of injury. Some people experience numbness or tingling in the area, which suggests nerve involvement.
Rib fractures and misalignments are less common causes of pain in the upper back but can be quite painful. A rib can pop out of place or become misaligned when you reach for something overhead or lift something heavy, which can lead to back pain that is worse with movement and is tender to the touch.
In most cases, pain in the back under shoulder blade can be relieved by using over-the-counter pain medications and doing regular exercise. A physiatrist, chiropractor, or physical therapist can help with the exercises and stretching to strengthen and stretch the muscles and joints in the upper back and neck. A trial and error approach will be needed to find what works best for your individual situation, as everyone is different.
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