Upper Shoulder Blade Pain

upper shoulder blade pain is often experienced as a nagging or persistent ache, especially when raising the arm above the head. This can be a result of rotator cuff problems, which may be caused by overuse (such as when athletes or laborers repeatedly lift heavy objects) or it could happen gradually over time due to age-related wear and tear. Symptoms may be accompanied by weakness of the shoulder and arms, and difficulty moving the shoulder backward or to the side.

The scapula, or shoulder blade, is the large flat triangular bone midway up your back. Attached to the scapula is a network of muscles that support and move the shoulder. Myofascial pain syndrome (which is also referred to as fibromyalgia) can occur when these muscles are tight and tense.

Neck injuries can also cause pain between the shoulder blades. A pinched nerve in the neck, called cervical radiculopathy, occurs when a nerve in the neck is squeezed between bones, muscles, and other tissues. Treatment for shoulder pain from these causes usually involves physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation. Steroid injections into the shoulder joint are also common, and surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

Other medical conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and lung disorders, can also cause pain between the shoulder blades. These symptoms, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain, should be evaluated by a doctor immediately to rule out a serious problem such as a pulmonary embolism, which is when a blood clot breaks loose from the leg and travels to the lungs.