Pain between the shoulder blades is a common complaint, and understanding its causes and how to find relief is crucial for those suffering. Dr. Naimish Baxi, a physiatrist at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), shares expert insights on this topic, highlighting the key factors that contribute to scapular pain.
1. Posture: Dr. Baxi emphasizes that “Posture is probably the biggest contributing factor to scapular pain.” Maintaining proper alignment of the spine, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles ensures an even distribution of body weight, reducing stress on muscles, joints, and ligaments. This balance is crucial to prevent back, neck, and shoulder pain. For more information on posture and back health, visit Harvard Health.
2. Scapular Hypermobility: Looseness or hypermobility of the scapula or the glenohumeral joint can create tension or traction on nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet region. Certain body positions, such as poor posture or overhead activities, can exacerbate these symptoms. Learn more about thoracic outlet syndrome at HSS.
3. Spondylosis: This condition affects many older individuals but can also impact younger people. Symptoms vary, with some experiencing stiffness and/or pain in the neck, shoulders, or between the shoulder blades. For a comprehensive overview of spondylosis, visit HSS.
4. Cervical Spine Arthritis: Arthritic deterioration of the discs and facet joint cartilage in the cervical spine can lead to stiffness and/or pain in the affected areas. To understand more about arthritis in the back, spine, and neck, check out the resources provided by HSS.
When shoulder pain does occur, determining the exact cause can be challenging. Issues in other parts of the body, such as the neck, can radiate pain to the shoulder, complicating the diagnosis. Conditions like arthritis and disc herniations in the neck are common culprits. For guidance on how to treat shoulder pain, visit Harvard Health.
Understanding the potential causes of pain between the shoulder blades is the first step towards finding relief. By paying attention to body posture, being mindful of scapular mobility, and staying informed about conditions like spondylosis and cervical spine arthritis, individuals can take proactive steps to mitigate pain and improve their overall quality of life.
