Shoulder Blade Pain
The shoulder blade, also called the scapula, is a flat triangular bone that sits midway up your back. It's attached to a network of muscles that make it possible for you to move your arms and shoulders. Pain under or around the shoulder blade can cause you to have difficulty turning your body or raising your arm over your head. It can also keep you from sleeping in your preferred position or doing a particular activity.
Muscle strain is the most common reason for shoulder blade pain. Sports or work activities that require repeated overhead motions, like throwing a ball, lifting heavy objects or swimming strokes, can strain the muscles between the shoulder blades. This can lead to a feeling of weakness in the area, pain and swelling. Typically, these types of muscle injuries heal within a few weeks when treated with rest, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and gentle range of motion exercises.
A pinched nerve in the neck, or cervical radiculopathy, can also contribute to shoulder blade pain. This type of condition causes a slipped disc to put pressure on the neck and upper back's ligaments, muscles and nerves, which can cause pain under or near the shoulder blade. Diagnosis and treatment may include physical therapy to help increase your shoulder's range of motion; over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), which can relieve pain and inflammation; and cortisone injections into the area.
If you have severe, sudden or persistent shoulder blade pain, or if it's accompanied by a headache, tingling or weakness, seek emergency medical attention. These are often red flags that indicate a serious medical issue.back pain shoulder blade