Pain Between The Shoulder Blades: Causes and Treatment

Shoulder Blade Pain Is Common

According to a research study on Shoulder Pain and Occupation, approximately 1 in 5 adults will experience shoulder pain in their lifetime. Typically when patients come to our office complaining of pain between the shoulder blades, they have already tried some at home remedies ranging from a few weeks to a couple months, but nothing has proven to be effective. Patients often report that pain between the shoulder blades came on gradually but has continued to linger without relief.

The bones in the Thoracic spine (mid back) are not as vulnerable to injury as those of the neck or lower back. This is because they are supported by the rib cage. Despite the added protection, however, pain between the shoulder blades is a common ailment and requires expert treatment to prevent a chronic disorder from developing.

If you have pain between the shoulder blades, get your spine checked today. Unruh Spine Centers can evaluate you and determine whether chiropractic care can help ease your pain. Call us today at (661) 288-0022.

Typical Causes of Pain Between Shoulder Blades

• Sports Injury: Sometimes pain is caused from old chronic injuries such as sports injuries. Twisting the torso beyond its normal range of motion can wear muscles that connect the vertebrae together, leaving a weakness in that area of the spine. Many people have congenital scoliosis (curvature of the spine) in varying degrees. When they are under stress, the body loses its ability to compensate for the curvature.
• Bursitis: Bursitis is a condition where the protective sacs (bursae) in your joints become inflamed and irritated, causing pain when performing certain movements such as raising your arm or pressing down on the shoulder. This condition is usually caused by injury or repetitive pressure on the bursae around a joint.
• Repetitive Physical Stress: Physical stress can cause upper back pain too, such as bad posture, too much sitting or leaning over gadgets like smartphones and tablets, which could lead to text neck, a relatively new medical condition. 

Why Do I Have Shoulder Pain While Breathing, Sneezing or Coughing?

Pain that gradually develops without apparent cause is usually the result of the chronic postural stress of the spine. It may be from long distance driving or even hours of sitting in an awkward position. Sometimes even a rib will become dislocated. This usually causes more intense pain and will be aggravated on taking a deep breath, coughing or sneezing.

Shoulder Blade Pain Treatment

No matter the cause, pain between the shoulder blades can impact your everyday life and hinder your basic activities. The pain may be worse enough to keep you up at night and unable to find a comfortable position. Slight movements may cause more pain and muscle spasms, which can result in even more pain. 

This vicious cycle can really interrupt your quality of life. When the pain is caused by nerve pressure from the spine or rib cage, it requires expert care to correct. Chiropractors are the only specialists trained in the precise manipulative procedures needed to remove the cause of the problem. Many patients feel relief immediately after the adjustment. 

The content on this page has been reviewed by Dr. Chace Unruh.

Schedule a consultation with our Santa Clarita chiropractor by calling Unruh Spine Centers today at (661) 288-0022.