What's Behind the Pain Between Your Shoulder Blades?
Pain in this region is usually the result of strain on the small muscles and joints around the upper back. Understanding the source makes it easier to choose the right approach for relief.
1. Poor Posture
Slouching forward at a desk shortens the chest muscles and overstretches the rhomboids and middle trapezius, leaving them fatigued and sore.
2. Muscle Strain
Sudden movements, lifting something too heavy, or sleeping in an awkward position can pull or irritate the muscles that support the scapula.
3. Repetitive Stress
Tasks done over and over — typing, painting, hanging laundry, throwing a ball — can inflame tendons and small joints in the upper back.
4. Disc and Spine Issues
Compressed nerves in the neck (cervical spine) often refer pain down into the area between the shoulder blades, sometimes accompanied by tingling in an arm.
5. Less Common but Important
- Gallbladder problems can refer pain to the right shoulder blade
- Heart issues may cause pain near the left shoulder blade
- Lung conditions can produce sharp pain on inhalation
Next, see how to find relief.