Your entire life can become difficult if the pain between your shoulders gets worse. You may find it difficult to get groceries or your child out of their car seat. You may have trouble sleeping or working. There is help for anyone who feels pain between the shoulder blades. This article will explain what pain between the shoulder blades is, how to treat it, and what to do about it.
The big, flat bones at the top of your back are your shoulder blades. They are also known as scapulae. When you feel pain between the shoulder blades in your upper back, it is called interscapular pain.
Each scapula attaches to your collarbone, or clavicle. The scapulae, which are combined with ligaments and upper back muscles, allow you to move your arms as well as shoulders.
Depending on the reason, shoulder blade pain can feel different. It can feel like a stabbing, burning, or shooting pain for some people. Sometimes the pain can radiate down your arms and affect your ability to use your limbs. It may be felt in your neck or jaw. Sometimes, you may feel tingling or numbness instead of pain.
When you don’t know what is causing the pain, it can be nerve-wracking.
These are just a few possible causes of shoulder blade pain. This information is not meant to replace a doctor’s diagnosis. Your doctor should be consulted if the pain between your shoulder blades doesn’t disappear within a few days, or if it is severe.
Arthritis can be a common condition. According to the CDC, 54.4 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis. There are more than 100 types of arthritis. The most common is osteoarthritis.
These are some of the most common risk factors for developing arthritis:
Osteoarthritis can cause stiffness in the shoulder, reduced range of motion, and nighttime pain.
Subacromial or shoulder bursitis is also known. It occurs when your joints’ protective sacs or bursae become inflamed or irritated.
When you lift your arm up to the side or press down on the shoulder, this can cause pain. Bursitis can be caused by injury, arthritis, repetitive movements, or other factors.
Some pain is not caused by a physical cause. A 2004 study in The Primary Care Companion of the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that physical pain can be caused by mental or emotional distress.
Even though depression is a mental illness, it can also have physical symptoms, such as pain. The physical symptoms of mental illness may not disappear even if you have received treatment.
This does not mean that your pain is “all in your head.” It is real and should always be taken seriously.
The United States has a high proportion of people who spend too much time sitting. Even worse, many Americans spend too much time sitting down. Too much sitting can lead to obesity and other serious conditions.
You don’t need to sit down to stress your back. Text neck is a new condition that occurs when you lean over to check your smartphone or tablet. Text neck is possible if you spend a lot of time on your phone and have neck pain.
This chronic condition can affect many areas of the body. Fibromyalgia is most commonly associated with tenderness and pain. However, it can also cause anxiety and disrupt sleep.
Fibromyalgia, another type of pain, can be caused by psychological factors. Fibromyalgia is also a risk factor. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one example. If you have had an injury or infection in the past, you may be more at risk for developing fibromyalgia.
You may already be aware of whether you have injured your upper back in the recent past. Maybe your job involves repetitive, strenuous arm movements. Perhaps you felt sudden pain when exercising. If this is the case, your pain will likely resolve within a few days. If you feel the bone is shifting out of place or your pain persists after a few days, it’s best to see a doctor right away. You should consult a doctor if the pain is severe or interfering in your daily life.
An injury may also lead to a more severe condition, such as a strain or a tear. Tears can be caused by muscle injuries that build up over time. Rotator cuff tears are the most common tear in the shoulders. Other than pain, symptoms can include tenderness, weakness, reduced range of motion, and tenderness.
There are many ways to treat the pain between the shoulder blades. There are many options available, from simple at-home treatments to more complex professional interventions. Before you start any type of treatment, it is important to consult a doctor.
These are the most common treatments for shoulder pain and upper back pain that your doctor may recommend. You may also want to mention them at your next appointment.
Remember to be patient with your body. It can take several weeks or even months to heal depending on how severe your pain is. It can be difficult to deal with pain. Don’t try too hard and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
You may have to change your daily routine if you are suffering from chronic or persistent pain between the shoulder blades.
Many cases of shoulder pain can be attributed to repetitive movements. You might consider changing your hobby to something that doesn’t involve repetitive movements, such as playing tennis or violin. You might want to diversify your leisure activities if you have a hobby (e.g., violin playing or tennis) that requires repetitive shoulder movements.
If your job involves repetitive movements or puts pressure on your shoulders, ask your boss if you can take some time off work to rest. Talk to your boss if your shoulder pain is severe and chronic.
Your after-work routine should include some tender care for your shoulder. This article will provide you with several tips on how to care for your shoulder pain at home.
Good health is dependent on getting a good night’s sleep. However, shoulder blade pain can make it difficult to sleep. Even worse, lying on the injured shoulder can cause pain.
This can be fixed by finding a comfortable sleeping position and sticking with it. Your shoulder could be further injured if you move around at night.
The most common and inexpensive method of pain relief is heat and/or cold therapy. Cold therapy works best for acute injuries. Some types of chronic pain like arthritis may be helped by hot therapy. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you.
A hot shower can help ease the pain. You can also try ice wraps or packs. No matter what method you choose, don’t let the temperature get too high or low. Also, don’t leave the treatment on for too long. It is possible to burn yourself. You should always follow the instructions if you buy a product at a retail store.
Exercise and stretching can not only make you feel better, but they can help reduce pain in your shoulders. What exercises to do depends on the cause of your shoulder pain. We suggest a set of exercises that can be used to alleviate text neck pain. A stronger body is better equipped to deal with stressors every day and can heal injuries faster.
No matter what type of exercise you do, it is important to take it slowly at first. Stop if you feel any pain or discomfort. You have two options: you can set a time for exercising each day or perform exercises when your pain is at its lowest.
You can use over-the-counter pain relief medications like Advil or Tylenol to help with high-pain days. However, you should not take more than the recommended dosage and consult your doctor before using them.
An antidepressant or an anti-anxiety medication may be helpful if your shoulder pain is caused by depression or other mental illness. Talk to your psychiatrist if you are interested in this option.
A chiropractor can help you with pain relief by manipulating the affected joints. Although there isn’t yet any evidence that chiropractic can relieve shoulder pain, the practice is safe as long as the chiropractor is properly trained and experienced. This can be helpful for some types of pain and is non-invasive.
Physical therapists can reduce or manage pain. A physical therapist will evaluate you and recommend the best treatment for you. They may recommend any combination of the treatments mentioned in this article, as well as any additional treatments they feel are necessary.
Regular visits with us can provide many benefits including pain relief, strength, and a greater range of motion. Physical therapy is a common treatment, but it can also be helpful for patients who have had surgery.
Although the idea of having to undergo both of these treatments might sound frightening, most cases of pain between the shoulder blades can be treated with less severe options. Here are some things to expect in the rare event you need these treatments.
Cortisone injections can be used to reduce inflammation, such as in the shoulder joint. Because both conditions involve inflammation of the joints, they are often recommended for arthritis and bursitis. Orally, steroids can also be used.
Cortisone is generally safe but can cause serious side effects if it’s administered incorrectly. Before deciding whether cortisone injections might be right for you, it is important to talk with your doctor about this possibility.
If your shoulder blade pain persists, becomes severe, or gets worse over time, surgery may be required. In extreme cases of bursitis, your doctor might recommend that the bursa be removed.
Surgery and injections should be used only as a last resort. Before recommending either one, your doctor will usually suggest non-invasive and less severe treatments. Shoulder injections and surgery may be necessary. However, your doctor will likely recommend other non-invasive treatments such as heat/cold therapy or exercise to complement the procedure. Some patients can regain their lives after years of suffering from pain.
Click below to reach our team if you want to live a pain-free life. Our team is committed to helping patients with a combination of non-invasive treatments and cutting-edge chiropractic medicine to reduce pain and improve their quality of life.
