Shoulder Blade Pain Causes

World Wide Web | Shoulder Blade Pain Causes |  Pain is a very unpleasant experience whether it's acute, chronic or both. It is the body's way of communicating to us that something is not quite right and needs attention.Fortunately for us the body has the most amazing capabilities and usually will heal itself. This is especially true when we are young, fit and mobile.Shoulder blade pain is like any other type of pain in that it hurts and quite often will cause a reduction in the capacity to move the shoulder. It is always wise to seek medical attention if your pain remains the same or does not improve with 'over the counter' medication after a few days.

The most likely health care providers to help assess the cause of the pain is a General Practitioner (Doctor), Osteopath or Chiro-practor. They will use a their own clinical judgement and quite possibly the help of Xray, Ultrasound or MRI to find the cause.

The shoulder blade is triangular in shape and commonly known as the scapula. It is supported by a network or muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. The shoulder blade is positioned on the upper right and left side of the back, with the spine running down the middle.

Shoulder blade pain may be caused by damage through a movement or activity to any of the tendons, ligaments or muscles that support it. Sometimes it can be associated by a trapped nerve caused by a disc pressing down on the nerve.

Types of pain

Pain itself is subjective and whilst one individual may experience a high degree of pain for a certain injury, another may be able to tolerate more pain. The different types of pain can sometimes help define the nature of the injury. Throbbing, burning, cramping, tightness, stabbing are just some of the types of pain described. You may experience more than one type of pain.

Shoulder blade pain can be associated with myocardial infarction, commonly known as a 'heart attack' Symptoms that would need following up immediately would be:

Chest tightness

Central chest pain

Pain radiating to the left arm and/or left jaw

Central crushing pain, sometimes described as having a tight band around your chest

New pain, similar to indigestion

Chest pain or breathlessness on exertion.

You should call the emergency services if you experience any of these types of pain. If you are not sure you should still call the emergency services or speak to your Doctor straight away.

Shoulder Blade Pain Causes;

There are many things that can cause shoulder blade pain. The more common types of pain are caused by injury to the soft tissues surrounding the shoulder blade. 

Arthritis of the spine may cause a disc between the vertebrae of the spine to protrude and press on a nerve.

Fracture to the shoulder blade through trauma.

Bursitis - The soft cushioning between the joint and muscle can become stiff and swollen.

Rotator cuff - Tendons supporting the shoulder get damaged through injury or repeated use.

Shoulder A-C separation - ligaments connecting the collar bone and shoulder blade are stretched or torn, causing pain.

Tendonitis - Pain is experienced when the tendons become inflamed and swollen.

Basic recovery tips:

1) Bruising and most strains may be treated with ice or heat pads and some over the counter pain relief. Restricting movement until the area has healed may also help considerably.

2) An exercise regime may help to speed up the recovery process, however it is best to seek avoid professional advice to avoid any further damage.