Do you have Pain on your Shoulder Blade? If your answer is yes, then you are not alone. There are many, who suffer from Shoulder Blade Pain. This is a common condition which can be the result of overuse of the Shoulder Muscle, Rotator Cuff Tendonitis and also can be due to a Pinched Nerve in the Neck area.
Shoulder Blades, medically known as the scapulae are the Triangular Bone that forms the back of the shoulder. The pain on the Shoulder Blade may limit arm movements and can also interfere with your daily activities. It can be a sharp or burning pain between the Spine and the Shoulder Blade to tender or achy across the Shoulder or Upper Back. The Shoulder Blade pain should not be taken lightly as it can have links to life threatening Heart Problems in some cases.
Why this Article
I occasionally used to have such pain and now for about two weeks, it is very severe. It started with my right shoulder and then the left side also joined. The pain is so severe that I cannot sit on my office chair and do any work – my work is mainly on the computer and mostly involve Mouse movements. I don’t take a pain killer unless it is so unbearable and usually resort to apply some Ayurvedic Oils and Massage the affected area followed by taking a hot water shower. When I searched for the possible reasons for such pain, I could see a number of cases where one could get pain on the Shoulder Blade.
In my case, I get such pain after an extensive weekend cleaning activities at home which involve moving of heavy sofa, bed etc. In addition to that, I sit on computers for about 5 to six hours daily though not continuous which results in poor posture. I also used to get such pain due to gastric problems. Usually the pain lasts for two or three days and goes if I take rest. This article is for those who suffer a lot due to the Shoulder Blade Pain. Don’t take it lightly. If it lasts for few days, consult with your doctor and take necessary steps.
Reasons for the Shoulder Blade
- Poor Posture – Prolonged sitting with poor posture
- Improper Lifting or Pushing/Dragging Techniques – Lifting weight above your head or Pushing or Dragging heavy objects such as tables, sofas etc. without proper technique
- Overuse of Muscles – Painting a Ceiling or related activities
- Herniated Cervical Disc – Disc’s outer layer (Annulus Fibrosus) tears and the inner layer (Nucleus Pulposus) starts to leak outward
- Dislocated Rib – A Rib may pop out of place or become misaligned after repetitive strain or reaching for an item overhead
- Heart Problems – Aortic Dissection is a serious, life-threatening condition that occurs when the heart’s largest Artery gets a tear and may cause severe pain that can move under or near the shoulder blade. A Heart Attack may also present as pain felt in the upper back and/or shoulder, especially in women
- Compression Fracture – when a Vertebral Bone (typically in your upper back) weakens and compresses, causing back pain that feels better with rest or is sensitive to the touch
Read more about the above reasons here
Read more about Shoulder Blade Pain and when to see a doctor here
Disclaimer: The information provided here are only for public awareness. The cause of the pain can be different for each individual and hence it is very important to consult with your doctor before you attempt any treatment.
