Possible causes of pain in the shoulder blade include sleeping in an uncomfortable position, strain from lifting a heavy object, and physical trauma. It can also be due to a serious condition such as a heart attack.
The shoulder blades are the triangular bones on the back of the shoulders, which health experts also refer to as the scapulae. The scapulae attach to the top of the arm at the shoulder joint and the clavicle, at the acromioclavicular joint.
A complex series of muscles, tendons, and ligaments surround the scapulae and these joints. Damage in any part of these muscular and skeletal systems can result in pain.
Determining the cause of shoulder blade pain can be difficult. People experiencing shoulder blade pain need to know the possible reasons behind the pain and what precautions to take.
Read on to learn more about some of the possible causes of pain around the shoulder blades, as well as the treatment options and preventive measures available.
There are several potential bone or joint issues that can cause shoulder blade pain.
As the shoulder blade is a bone, a person can experience a fracture. This can result from a fall, an accident, or a similar direct injury to the shoulder blade.
Moreover, as a person ages, degenerative conditions may cause shoulder blade pain. Some of these conditions include:
- arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis
- bursitis
- frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
More specifically, a type of arthritis called ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, and it can cause pain and inflammation in surrounding areas, including the shoulders.
Muscular issues can cause shoulder blade pain.
Muscles and tendons in the rotator cuff, across the scapula, up into the neck, and down into the arm are common pain sites.
A person may damage these tissues due to:
- an impact injury
- a muscle strain
- a muscle strain
- overuse
Weak muscles in the shoulder
Pain throughout the shoulder and shoulder blade can be a sign of heart complications, including:
- a heart attack
- aortic dissection, which is a tear in the aorta
- pericarditis, which is inflammation of the lining of the heart
Shoulder pain as a symptom of a heart attack is more common in women than in men, according to a 2019 study. However, anyone experiencing shoulder pain and other heart attack symptoms, such as shortness of breath, should seek immediate medical attention.
Learn more about heart attack symptoms.
Certain lung conditions
- lung cancer
- pulmonary embolism, which can also cause back pain
- a collapsed lung or pneumothorax, which can cause a sharp, stabbing pain
Other causes of direct or referred shoulder blade pain include:
- nerve damage
- peptic ulcer disease
- pancreatitis
- myofascial pain syndrome
- gallstones
A doctor will need to examine a person to determine what is causing the shoulder blade pain.
They may order various tests, such as:
- X-ray
- ultrasound
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- blood tests to rule out other causes
The doctor can advise on what tests they recommend and answer any questions.
Treatment for shoulder pain depends largely on the exact cause and severity of the pain.
Rest
For cases of overuse or strain, a person may be able to treat their shoulder blade pain with rest.
Exercise and stretching
Stretching and light exercise can often help a person remedy shoulder pain.
A 2020 review found that exercise therapy can be as effective at treating shoulder pain as corticosteroid injections and surgical interventions.
A doctor can provide information about the types of exercises that may help.
Medication
A person
Depending on the cause of the pain, a doctor may recommend several over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including:
- pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen
- corticosteroid medications, injections, or ointments
- medications to directly address the underlying cause
Surgery
Most people do not require surgery to treat shoulder blade pain. However, in cases of severe damage or injury, surgery may be necessary. These instances include:
- severe shoulder blade fractures
- severe arthritis
- rotator cuff tears
- severe tendon or ligament damage
Surgeons may perform open surgery on a person’s shoulder and shoulder blade or seek to repair the damage through shoulder arthroscopy. This procedure involves using insertable cameras and small instruments.
Shoulder replacement surgery is also an option for shoulder and shoulder blade pain.
It is best to contact a doctor if the cause of shoulder blade pain is unclear.
A person may also wish to seek guidance from a doctor in the case of a strain, as the doctor may be able to recommend additional treatment.
Symptoms that signal a need for immediate attention include:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- rapid or irregular heartbeat
- sudden difficulty speaking
- lightheadedness
- pain or swelling in the legs
- coughing up blood
- fever
- vision problems
- paralysis on one side of the body
- excessive sweating
- loss of consciousness
Possible causes of shoulder blade pain include bone and joint issues such as arthritis, bursitis, and frozen shoulder.
Injury and muscle strains can also cause shoulder blade pain. Heart attack, a collapsed lung, and some cancers can also cause pain that a person might feel in the shoulder blades.
The treatment for shoulder blade pain will depend on the underlying cause. If a person experiences new or worsening pain, it is best to contact a doctor for advice. They can order tests to confirm the diagnosis and then advise on suitable treatments.
