What Causes Back Pain Between the Shoulder Blades?

TLDR

Upper back pain between the shoulder blades may originate from strained muscles, spinal issues, or irritated nerves. Our Long Beach doctors can help identify the source of your discomfort and recommend appropriate treatment to help you feel better.

Table of Contents

Have you ever noticed back pain between your shoulder blades after a long day at your desk or while driving? While it may seem to appear out of nowhere, several conditions can contribute to this type of discomfort.

Our pain management doctors in Long Beach, Brooklyn, and Hempstead, NY, often see patients with pain in their lower and upper backs. Understanding the possible causes is an important first step toward finding relief.

What Can Cause Back Pain Between the Shoulder Blades?

The source of the pain can range from muscle-related issues to problems affecting nearby tissues.

Muscle Strain or Poor Posture

Muscle strain can develop after strenuous exercise, lifting heavy objects, or repetitive overhead movements. Poor posture, especially from sitting or standing in one position for long periods, can place extra stress on the muscles in this area.

Scapulothoracic Bursitis

Scapulothoracic bursitis occurs when the cushioning tissue between the shoulder blade and rib cage becomes irritated. This can cause discomfort around the shoulder blade that may feel like upper back pain.

Vertebral Compression Fractures (VCFs)

Did the pain start suddenly? Does it feel better when lying on your back? In some cases, vertebral compression fractures can cause pain between the shoulder blades, particularly when the affected vertebra is located in the upper spine.

Cervical or Thoracic Spine Problems

Conditions affecting the cervical spine (neck) or the thoracic spine (upper back) may irritate nearby nerves and joints, causing pain that radiates into the surrounding area.

Referred Pain

Sometimes, ulcer irritation can be felt as back pain between the shoulder blades rather than in the abdomen. This is known as referred pain.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Pain Between the Shoulder Blades?

Dr. Hadi examining a patient with back pain between the shoulder blades in Long Beach, NY.

Diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination and a discussion about your symptoms and health history. Our pain physicians in New York may also use blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to confirm the cause.

How Do Doctors Relieve Pain Between the Shoulder Blades?

While heat and ice therapy may provide temporary relief at home, doctors can recommend additional treatments to help alleviate pain more effectively.

Medicine

For pain between the shoulder blades caused by inflammation or muscle strain, doctors may recommend medications, topical pain relievers, and muscle relaxants to be used only as prescribed.

Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty for Compression Fractures

When a compression fracture is causing pain, our medical specialists may perform kyphoplasty to restore stability. The procedure uses a small balloon to create space within the collapsed vertebra, which is then filled with bone cement.

Where Can You Find Treatment for Back Pain Between the Shoulder Blades in New York?

You do not have to cope with persistent pain. At Hadi Pain Associates, we provide pain management services at our Long Beach, Brooklyn, and Hempstead offices. Schedule an appointment to get lasting relief.

Key Takeaways

Muscle strain and poor posture are common causes of pain between the shoulder blades.
Spine conditions and referred pain can also contribute to back pain symptoms.
Our doctors at Hadi Pain Associates in Long Beach, Brooklyn, and Hempstead, NY, offer pain therapy services for lasting relief.