The pain in your back under shoulder blade (also called scapula) may feel sharp or burning close to the spine or more of a deep ache that spreads across the shoulder and upper back. It can limit arm movements and make your life difficult. Fortunately, most cases of this type of pain are temporary. There are many things that can cause this pain, including a tense muscle knot or referred pain from other parts of your body.

A scapula is a large, triangular bone in your back that supports and moves your shoulder blades. It has several muscles that attach to it and support your arms. This pain is most often the result of muscle injury or overuse, such as from sports or work. It also may be due to an underlying health condition, such as a heart condition or lung disease.

Heart-related pain in the area of your shoulder blade can be caused by a condition called angina. It can be a sign of a heart attack or aortic dissection. It can also occur with other cardiac conditions like pericarditis, pulmonary embolism, or pneumothorax. Lung diseases or pancoast tumors may also cause this pain.

Over-the-counter medications (OTCs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help reduce some types of this pain. These medications act to reduce inflammation and block or alter pain signals in your brain. Acupuncture is another option for reducing this pain. In this ancient Chinese therapy, extremely thin needles are inserted into specific acupoints. This stimulates the nervous system to release natural painkillers, such as endorphins, into your muscles and spinal cord. This treatment may be effective for some people, but the results vary from person to person.pain in back under shoulder blade