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Overview of upper back pain
Upper back pain is classified as pain or discomfort in the area between your shoulder blades. This type of back pain can be mild or severe. It may be constant, or you may only notice it with activity. Although back pain is very common, upper back pain is less common than lower back pain. This is because the bones in your upper and middle back are attached to your ribcage and are not as mobile as those in your neck or lower back. Get to the bottom of your pain by coming to Dignity Health orthopedic services. Find a doctor or location that fits your needs. SymptomsUpper back pain can start slowly and develop over time, or come on very quickly. Signs and symptoms of upper back pain include pain that is sharp, stabbing, dull, achy, or cramping. Some people also experience muscle spasms or headaches. Upper back pain can sometimes be severe and limit mobility. CausesOne of the most common causes of upper back pain is poor posture. Those who sit at a computer for much of the day are especially at risk of having slumped or slouched posture that irritates the upper back. Sprains or strains are additional causes of back pain. These injuries usually result from sudden, awkward movements during sports and other activities, and the pain often goes away within a few days. Other causes of upper back pain involve spine conditions such as spinal arthritis, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), and degenerated, ruptured, or herniated discs. Osteoporosis can also cause upper back pain. In rare cases, other medical conditions such as heart attacks or injuries to the lungs can cause referred pain in the upper back. You should call 911 if you notice any symptoms of a potential heart attack such as upper back pain accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, jaw pain, or nausea. TypesUpper back pain generally falls into two categories: joint dysfunction or muscular irritation. Patients experiencing pain due to joint dysfunction generally either had a sudden injury or have natural degeneration from aging. For example, a joint’s cartilage or capsule could tear. If the vertebrae are weakening, it is possible that a degenerative disc disease could be present as well. On the other hand, muscular irritation is almost always because of overuse injuries or a lack of strength. The large upper back muscles that attach to the shoulder blade and back of the rib cage are especially prone to strains and tightness. Poor posture will only add to this type of pain. Risk factorsWhile upper back pain is often the result of acute trauma or repetitive motion injury, some factors will make you more susceptible:
PreventionAs with most back pain, preventing upper back pain is easier than curing it. There are many things you can do to keep your spine healthy:
If you work in an office and are staring at a computer for hours at a time, it is essential to take breaks to stretch and walk around. The muscle strain and fatigue of sitting at a desk add to poor posture and can make you more likely to experience upper back pain. The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider. Pain between the shoulder blades is common. Doctors refer to this discomfort as interscapular pain. People with shoulder blade pain typically have aching, dull, sore, or shooting pain in the upper part of their back between their shoulder blades. Most of the time, shoulder blade pain isn’t anything to worry about. But in some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious condition. Keep reading to learn more about this common problem and how it can be treated or prevented. There are many possible causes for pain between your shoulder blades. An injury to a muscle or a tendon around the shoulder blades is a common reason for this type of pain. More serious causes are also possible. Read on to learn about the possible causes of shoulder pain. Muscle strainsMuscle strains can result from:
InjuriesInjuries to other parts of your body can also lead to pain between your shoulder blades. These injuries might include:
Other causesOther causes of shoulder blade pain might include:
Emergency causesSome sudden events that cause shoulder pain require emergency care. These can often cause severe pain, but not always. Such conditions include:
The scapula, commonly called the shoulder blade, is a large flat, triangular bone midway up your back. You have two of them, one on each side of your back. Around the scapula, and attached to it, is a network of muscles that support and maintain the scapula’s position. These muscles make it possible for you to move your arms. When an injury or condition weakens or otherwise damages these muscles, the position of the scapula may change. This change in the position or motion of the scapula is called dyskinesis. It’s a common cause of shoulder blade pain. There may be more serious causes of shoulder blade pain, such as heart attack, cancer, or blood clot. It’s important to see a medical professional for a diagnosis, especially if your pain is sudden or severe. Symptoms of shoulder blade pain may include :
You should see a doctor if your pain is severe, unusual, or doesn’t go away. Pain is a sign that something could be wrong. Your condition might not be serious, but it could be. If it’s bothersome in any way, you will want to get it checked out. If your shoulder blade pain is accompanied by certain symptoms, it could mean you have a life threatening condition that requires prompt medical attention. Seek help right away if you have pain between your shoulder blades along with the following:
Treatment for your shoulder blade pain will depend on the cause and severity of your condition. Recovery time will vary from person to person. Home remediesSome people find relief from shoulder blade pain with therapies performed at home. ExerciseExercise can help strengthen areas in your back, which may help lessen your shoulder pain. A 2020 research review found that exercise therapy was as effective as a corticosteroid injection or shoulder decompression surgery in reducing shoulder pain. It’s best to work with a physical therapist to reduce your shoulder pain through exercise. They will design a regimen of exercises specific to your particular condition. That way, you’ll know you are helping and not hurting your shoulder with the exercises you do. Your primary doctor may be able to refer you to a physical therapist. Good exercises to strengthen muscles in your back and abdomen include:
For more exercises, see these 10 exercises for relieving shoulder pain and tightness. Here are several basic exercises you can try to help strengthen your shoulder and back muscles. These exercises are recommended by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Shoulder blade squeezeThis exercise will help improve your posture. Share on Pinterest
Arm circlesShare on PinterestThis is a shoulder stretch that will loosen muscles and help you become more limber.
PlankShare on PinterestThis exercise is designed to strengthen your shoulders, back, and core muscles. The plank is a very common exercise recommended for many conditions, and it is sometimes done using the hands. Try doing it on your elbows instead to help reduce shoulder strain.
StretchingShare on PinterestYoga and other stretching techniques can improve circulation to your muscles and joints, which may offer better mobility and pain relief. This shoulder stretch sometimes helps:
Ask your doctor about other stretches that may help to lessen your pain. DietCertain foods can contribute to inflammation in your body that may worsen your symptoms. Avoid processed foods, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Choosing foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, may also help. RestSometimes, you just need rest to recover from your shoulder blade pain, especially if it’s the result of an injury. Hot or cold therapyApplying hot and cold compresses between your shoulder blades may relieve discomfort. Typically, it’s best to use them for 15 minutes at a time, every few hours. TherapyMassage or physical therapy may provide relief in many cases, especially if the pain is caused by overuse of your muscles or joints, or an injury. Massage therapyA massage therapist can work on areas between your shoulder blades to relax muscle tissue. You can also purchase handheld massage devices to use at home. Physical or occupational therapyIf you have an injury or a compressed nerve, your doctor might recommend physical or occupational therapy. A therapist will help you perform certain exercises that may improve symptoms. MedicationsCertain medications can help relieve pain and discomfort between your shoulder blades. These may include various anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB). Sometimes, steroids are given as a pill or injection to help with pain and inflammation. These are corticosteroids, which are different from anabolic steroids used to strengthen muscles. Muscle relaxers and certain antidepressants are also sometimes prescribed for pain management of conditions involving the shoulder blades. Surgery is only rarely required to resolve shoulder problems. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the large majority of people with shoulder blade pain respond to nonsurgical options, such as a change of activities, rest, exercise, and medications. Surgery is usually reserved for cases involving:
If your doctor does recommend surgery, it may involve removing scar tissue or repairing tendons in your shoulder or upper back area. Shoulder replacement surgery may also be considered. Diagnosis will begin with your doctor discussing your medical history and symptoms with you. They’ll then do a physical examination in which they examine your shoulder and scapula to find areas of weakness, tenderness, or tightness. Your doctor may also perform tests of your muscle and resistance strength to pinpoint the source of your shoulder blade disorder. They may also prescribe imaging tests such as:
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist such as a neurologist or an orthopedist for a further diagnosis and specialized treatment. The following measures may help prevent shoulder pain injuries and pain.
The outlook of your condition will depend on what’s causing your shoulder blade pain and the severity of your condition. Most of the time, pain between the shoulder blades is a temporary ailment that will go away with rest and proper treatment. Although discomfort can linger for some people, your doctor and physical therapist will help you find ways to manage pain and treat your condition. When should I worry about upper back pain between shoulder blades?When should I worry about upper back pain between shoulder blades? Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing severe upper back pain between the shoulder blades, as it may be signs of a serious medical condition, such as lung disease, heart disease, blood vessel disease, or gallstones.
How do you get rid of upper back pain between shoulder blades?Relieving the Pain Under Your Shoulder Blade. Rest your upper back from activity. If your pain worsens when you do certain movements or physical activities, such as household chores or exercise, rest for a day or two. ... . Apply ice and/or heat. ... . Take over-the-counter (OTC) medication. ... . Massage it out. ... . Visit a health care provider.. What organ causes pain between shoulder blades?Gallbladder Disease
Nausea, vomiting, and sharp pains in the upper right portion of the abdomen are often a sign of gallstones or that the gallbladder is not functioning correctly. However, gallbladder disease can cause stabbing pains between the shoulder blades.
What can cause upper back pain in a woman?Upper back pain in women is usually due to: Poor posture, like slouching or pushing the head forward while sitting or standing, causing misalignment of the spine. Muscle overuse or strain, usually due to repetitive motions or lifting items or children incorrectly. Injury to discs, muscles and/or ligaments.
Can heart problems cause pain between shoulder blades?Angina pectoris is discomfort you feel when there is not enough blood getting to your heart muscle to meet its needs. The discomfort can occur in the chest, arms, shoulder, jaw, throat, or between the shoulder blades.
What organ makes your upper back hurt?Organs, including kidneys and the pancreas, can cause pain that spreads to your upper back. The type of pain depends on the cause. It might feel like a continuous, dull ache or a sharp and sudden pinch. It may come and go with rest or activity.
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