Upper Back Pain Between Shoulder Blades
Upper back pain between shoulder blades is a common complaint that can strike anyone of any age. Mild discomfort can grow into severe and debilitating sensations, so sometimes slight muscle strain, poor posture, or even one of the medical conditions underneath it all makes matters worse. This kind of pain may masquerade as something else entirely sometimes, and an examination can be necessary to distinguish between these causes. It can be caused by GERD, heart problems, axial skeletal disease, or even hidden infections like:
COVID-19: Attention to the source of this sort of upper back pain is urgent. For instance, it can warn of other problems, including heart failure and lung disease.
Knowing the reasons for this and what you can do about it will be a major relief. This article will explore the causes of upper back pain between shoulder blades, what to look for, and helpful ways to treat it.
Common Causes of Upper Back Pain Between Shoulder Blades
There are many reasons for pain between the shoulder blades. Some of the most typical reasons for this type of pain are the following:
Poor Posture & Strain
Poor posture from sitting too long, bad sleeping positions, or improper way of carrying heavy objects is one of the leading causes of such discomfort. Muscles in the upper back are overly strained for an extended period. It leads to upper back pain, especially between the shoulder blades. One of the main solutions is frequent breaks and excellent posture.
Injury & Trauma
Many accidents and forces strain and even tear the upper back muscles. Whiplash and other trauma may cause upper back pain between the shoulder blades. If this feeling is present after an injury, a medical consultation is mandatory.
Medical Conditions
Referred pain between the shoulder blades may be connected to several medical conditions:
GERD & Acid Reflux:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease and heartburn cause acid to irritate the esophagus. Pain in the whole body may manifest as pain between the shoulder blades.
Heart Problems:
Heart attack is seldom a cause of such back pain, mostly in women. However, one must be aware of the connection and go to the hospital if chest pain, shortness of breath, and referred pain occur. Due to the severity of the condition, upper back pain could be experienced.
COVID-19:
Viral infections, including COVID-19, may cause upper back pain. The main reason for this is muscle pain, which is sometimes felt in the lungs. It is mostly the result of infection and stays even after the disease phase is over.
Serious Causes Requiring Immediate Attention
Although many cases of upper back pain are minor, some conditions need emergency medical care.
Heart Attack
if you are middle-aged and up and find pain in your upper back, between the shoulder blades, plus chest pains, then it could very well be a heart attack. Along with these symptoms, other typical ones include shortness of breath and a feeling of illness. For women in particular, they may feel different from men.
Pulmonary Issues
Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in your lung) causes abrupt upper back pain, combined with severe difficulty in breathing. See your doctor if you experience these symptoms during air travel
Spinal Conditions
Spinal issues such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis cause pain between the shoulder blades. Both issues put a great deal of pressure on the discs and nerves of the spine, thereby causing pain that can often extend to the shoulders and neck regions.
Diagnosis
To diagnose the cause of a specific case of upper back pain, doctors will likely perform a physical examination, which will be complemented by imaging tests such as Arthrograms, CT Scans, MRIs, X-rays, etc. These will help determine the root cause of the phenomenon.
In any case of sudden or severe back pain, a multi-trial medical evaluation is an absolute must in order to rule out heart attack and other dangerous conditions.
Symptoms to Watch For
The source of the problem can be determined by the type and intensity of the pain. Some symptoms to watch out for are:
Types of Pain
Sharp, stabbing pain:
Sharp pain that stabs generally suggests that the muscles are strained and the nerves pinched.
Dull, aching
Pain suggests muscle fatigue or poor posture.
Chronic pain:
If this pain is persistent and gets worse when you rest, it might point out a serious problem, such as spinal disease.
Location of Pain
Pain felt between the shoulder blades may extend down into the neck and upper back, or it might run right through your arms. It is important to monitor its location as this may show what part of your body is causing pain.
Red Flags
Chest pain or shortness of breath:
These could indicate a heart attack.
Radiating pain:
if it goes through your upper back onto your arms or chest can point to serious conditions such as a heart or spinal problem.
Treatment Options for upper back pain between shoulder blades
Preventing upper back pain is the key to avoiding long-term discomfort. There are many ways to relieve pain between shoulder blades, from home remedies to doctor-prescribed treatments:
Home Remedies
Rest:
Allow your muscles to recuperate by giving them time off from any activities that cause pain.
Stretching exercises:
Gentle stretching can loosen the tension in your muscles
Cold/hot therapy:
A cold compress can decrease inflammation and numb the aching area, while hot therapy can relax the tightened muscles.
Medications
You can buy over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to tackle pain and inflammation. Also, if GERD or acid reflux is causing your pain, you might need some antacid medication to ease the source of the ache. Prescription medications can block stomach acids more effectively.
Physical Therapy
A professional physical therapist can design a set of physical exercises tailored to build up your back muscles and turn your posture into a more beneficial one. It is a good preventive measure because stronger muscles can hold your vertebrae in place.
Surgical Options
If the problem is serious enough, and the pain between shoulder blades is caused by fractures, herniated discs, or a compressed spine, surgery might be the only solution. Nonetheless, surgery is highly unlikely, only ever conducted when no other treatments prove effective.
Preventions for Upper Back Pain Between Shoulder Blades
Preventing upper back pain is key to avoiding long-term discomfort. Here are some ways to prevent it from happening:
Posture Correction
Maintaining proper posture while sitting and standing can prevent muscle strain. If you work at a desk, make sure you have an ergonomic chair to support your back.
Regular Exercise
Start with exercises that help to strengthen the muscles of the upper back and shoulders. Undertake core exercises, as they will support overall spinal health.
Managing GERD
Since for people with acid reflux pain between the shoulder blades is a common occurrence, they can reduce the chances by managing their GERD using dietary changes and drugs.
When to See a Doctor for pain between the shoulder blades
Some of the pains may be harmless, but if they persist, it is advisable to see a healthcare provider. If you feel pain between your shoulder blades and shortness of breath or chest pain, you should seek medical help. It could be a sign of another or some injury that needs proper evaluation and treatment,
Some types of pain between the shoulder blades are harmless. You can handle it at home, but if you experience the following signs you require the help of your doctor,
* Sudden, serious pain
* Pain that goes to your chest, arms, or neck
* Breathing problems and/dizziness
* Numbness, or weakness in your arm
* The pain will not go away after home treatment
* You have or have had heart, lung or spine problems
A healthcare provider will give a treatment plan which might involve some medication, some things you can do at home or order tests to rule out that it is not a more serious disorder.
conclusion
There are many different things that can cause pain between the shoulder blades. These can be simple muscle strains or more serious heart problems. Thus, identifying the cause is very important, as it will help in treating it properly. If you feel continuous or serious pain between the shoulder blades, see a healthcare provider to test for a serious problem.
FAQs
Pain in between the shoulder blades may result from a variety of different factors or premeditate other medical conditions. First of all, it is essential to point out that practising proper posture and regular chiropractic medical maintenance can considerably improve back pain between shoulder blades. Simply sitting in an awkward position for a prolonged period of time or sleeping on one’s side/shoulder can lead to tightness or strain of the muscles and subsequently cause pain in between the shoulder blades.
In rare cases, heart problems or lung conditions, such as pulmonary embolism, can also manifest as pain between the shoulder blades.
To ease the pain between your shoulder blades, it may be helpful to resort to home remedies, including rest, stretching exercises, and cold/hot therapy. A cold compress can help reduce swelling, while heat can relieve tight muscles.
You might also consider gentle stretches and exercises aimed at strengthening the back muscles, which will mostly help you relieve the discomfort. If poor posture triggers the pain, you may want to change the way your work environment is organized and switch your sleeping position to resolve the issue.
Surely, it may also be a temporary solution, but finally, over-the-counter pain relievers may help.
Upper back pain is considered serious if it is associated with chest pain, shortness of breath, or radiating pain to the arms or neck. These symptoms might indicate a heart attack or a pulmonary embolism, which are serious conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Additionally, chronic pain that does not improve with resting or traditional home treatments and pain that tends to worsen with time should be evaluated by a doctor. Conditions such as spinal stenosis or a herniated disc can lead to long-term issues if not addressed. These conditions are not common but should be considered to rule out structural problems within the spine.
In rare cases, heart problems or lung conditions, such as pulmonary embolism, can also manifest as pain between the shoulder blades.
You should consider your shoulder blade pain serious if it’s a constant sensation and you have difficulty breathing, numbness, or weakness in your arms. The same applies to discomfort that radiates to other parts of the body, such as the chest and down the arm.
Should your pain not subside after a few days, even with rest, stretching, and over-the-counter medication, consider it serious and seek medical help. It is also possible that shoulder pain is caused by a problem in the spine or heart, although it is not common. Therefore, refrain from dealing with shoulder blade discomfort in a self-diagnosed way because it can be serious.
