Back Shoulder Blade Pain Causes

Pain between the shoulder blades can be caused by conditions affecting the lungs and chest cavity. These include a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the leg that breaks off and travels to the lungs), pancoast tumor, and gallstones.

Physiotherapy exercises and massage can help relieve back shoulder blade pain resulting from muscle tension or injuries. Prevention is also important.
Causes

Pain under the shoulder blade can occur due to a herniated disk in the neck (cervical radiculopathy), or in the thoracic spine and upper back. It can also be caused by a misaligned rib, such as when lifting heavy weights or reaching overhead. The rotator cuff muscles and tendons are most commonly involved in pain under the shoulder blade, causing a nagging, aching discomfort. This often results from overuse of the shoulder, such as with athletes or laborers.

Pain in the area between the shoulder blades can also be caused by gallbladder problems, such as peptic ulcers and acid reflux; pancreatitis; or gallstones. It can also be caused by scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine that may cause uneven pressure on the muscles and nerves. It can also be a sign of lung or chest disease, such as pneumonia. Pain from these conditions can sometimes be relieved by using ice or heat therapy. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections can also help with pain relief.
Symptoms

Pain in the area of the shoulder blade can occur due to a variety of conditions and problems. Symptoms may include stiffness or limited movement, tenderness to the touch, and pain that radiates from the shoulder to other areas of the body, such as the neck or arms. The pain may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue or a feeling of being cold.

Acid reflux can cause shoulder blade pain in the form of a burning sensation in the upper back that resembles heartburn, and is usually accompanied by other symptoms. Similarly, certain types of lung cancer can cause shoulder blade pain by irritating the lungs, including in the chest area.

Over-the-counter medications that are available without a prescription can ease some types of shoulder blade pain, such as those caused by muscle strain or arthritis. These medications work by reducing inflammation or blocking pain signals to the brain. They may be as simple as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Treatment

A strained muscle usually responds to rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox DS, Naprosyn) reduce inflammation and relieve pain by blocking or altering the body’s natural pain signals.

Throwing sports such as cricket, baseball and basketball may cause you to strain muscles between your shoulder blades. A blow to the shoulder or a fall on your outstretched arm can also injure this area of your upper back, called the acromioclavicular joint.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and order diagnostic imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to determine the source of your pain. Depending on the condition, treatment may include resting your shoulder and using heat or cold therapy. Exercise, massage and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications may also be helpful.

A nagging ache between your shoulder blades is not something to ignore. Aches and pains can signal a serious medical condition, such as a heart attack or lung disease.
Prevention

It is important to know the possible causes of back shoulder blade pain so that you can take preventative measures to keep it from coming back. This can include stretching, massaging the area and getting regular exercise to strengthen the muscles in that area.

Some of the more serious causes of this type of pain include scoliosis, osteoarthritis and a muscle strain. These can require medical attention, including a complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein and liver function tests. Chest X-rays and computerized tomography may also be required.

Good posture is one of the best ways to avoid this type of pain. This means standing tall, sitting erect and not slouching. It is also helpful to get regular massages and to follow a balanced diet with supplements that are needed for healthy bones and muscles. These steps can help to reduce back shoulder blade pain and keep it from returning once treatment is completed. This is the key to long-term relief.find a chiropractor