Common Causes Behind Shoulder Blade Pain
Shoulder blade pain can range from being a minor nuisance to a nearly debilitating state. Many people put up with the pain and tell themselves that they must have just pulled a muscle or need to replace that old mattress. While these can be causes behind shoulder blade pain, there are many more potential causes. We are going to discuss some of the most common types of shoulder blade pain and how they can be treated, if possible.
More often than not, the best way to determine the cause behind a pain is to figure out exactly where the pain is coming from. If the pain seems to be radiating from above the shoulder blade is more likely to be caused by a muscular issue. This area is home to a cluster of small muscles as well as one large muscle called the trapezius. When these muscles have been overused or become stressed, they can often react by tightening up and becoming spastic. Over time, the spastic muscles can develop bumps that trigger pain throughout the area of the shoulder blade and sometimes even further up or down the back.
When the pain seems to be radiating from underneath the shoulder blade, then it is most likely that the pain is actually coming from a nearby organ. If the pain seems to be coming from under the right shoulder blade, the culprit could be the gallbladder or the liver. Pain coming from under the left shoulder blade may be a bit more severe as the organs that reside here are the stomach and heart.
Statistics show that the most common cause of shoulder pain is due to inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, also known as rotator cuff tendonitis. These tendons connect the arm to the shoulder blade in the back and the collar bone in the front. Everyday wear and tear can lead to this inflammation which makes it difficult to lift the arm up from the side. If the condition goes untreated for too long—usually over a period of years—it can result in a tear in one of the tendons.
The treatment methods used depends upon the cause behind the shoulder blade pain. If the tendons in the rotator cuff have become inflamed, there are several rehabilitating exercises that can be done to regain strength and mobility in the area. These exercises can be a huge asset when it comes to recovering mobility, but periods of rest should also be included in the recovery process. Steer clear of heavy lifting or playing games like golf, tennis, and baseball. If the rotator cuff is extremely inflamed, the doctor might recommend an anti-inflammatory injection or anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or Aleve. If there is a tear in the rotator cuff over a long period of time, the doctor may suggest a surgical procedure to correct the problem. A tear is often suspected when the patient has been participating in a physical therapy program yet the pain continues on.
If the doctor suspects that the shoulder blade pain is actually being caused by an organ, then a variety of tests are likely to be performed. These tests will help the doctor determine which organ is in trouble and what the condition. The course of treatment will vary depending on whether the problem is related to cancer, gallstones, heart disease, and so on.
Most of the time, shoulder blade pain is not a cause for panic. It is quite possible that the muscles there have simply become a little strained from hunching forward or just overuse. Rest and even a little massage therapy can work wonders when the cause is as mild as this. If the pain has gone on for quite some time or arm movement has become severely restricted, a trip to the doctor should definitely be considered.