Pain between the shoulder blades is a feeling of discomfort or unpleasant pain that occurs in the area of ​​the back between the shoulder blades. It can be caused by various factors, including problems with the spine, muscles, joints, or internal organs. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment, it is recommended to consult an orthopedic doctor.

What are the causes of pain between the shoulder blades?

Pain in the interscapular region is caused by various reasons, for example:

• Muscle tension and overexertion: Prolonged stay in an incorrect posture, lifting heavy objects, or repetitive movements.
• Osteochondrosis and other spinal diseases: Various problems with the spine, such as osteochondrosis, scoliosis, herniated discs, or spondylosis.
• Injuries: Bruises, fractures, or injuries in the area of ​​the back between the shoulder blades.
• Diseases of internal organs: Some diseases of the internal organs, such as gastric ulcer, pancreatitis, or problems with the gallbladder.
• Respiratory problems: Some respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis or pleurisy.
• Neurological problems: Neurological disorders such as radiculopathy or intercostal neuralgia.

These are just a few possible causes of pain between the shoulder blades. To find out why there is pain between the shoulder blades and to choose the right treatment, you need to consult an orthopedic traumatologist with an examination and additional tests.

What are the symptoms of pain between the shoulder blades?

Symptoms of pain between the shoulder blades depend on its cause. Some of the possible symptoms are:

• Pain syndrome:
  • Dull pain in the back between the shoulder blades, which is a feeling of pressure, heaviness, or discomfort between the shoulder blades. It can be constant or temporary.
  • Sharp or stabbing pain, which is piercing or cutting pain that can occur with movement or breathing.
  • Local pain, which is limited to the area between the shoulder blades or spreading along the back.
  • Radiating pain, which is initially felt between the shoulder blades, but can spread to other areas of the back, chest, or even the neck and arms.
• Pain that intensifies when moving the arms or changing body position.
• A feeling of discomfort or pressure between the shoulder blades.
• Limited arm or neck movement due to pain.
• Tightness or muscle spasms in the area between the shoulder blades.
• A burning or numb sensation in the area between the shoulder blades.

These symptoms can be caused by various reasons. Therefore, if you have sharp or aching pain between the shoulder blades, it is better to get an accurate diagnosis from a specialist.

What methods are used to diagnose pain between the shoulder blades at N1 Clinic in Dnipro?

When you come to see an orthopedist at N1 Clinic, the doctor examines the area between the shoulder blades, assesses the presence of swelling, redness, and changes in the shape or size of the shoulder blades, and also evaluates the movements and sensitivity in this area.

Additional diagnostic methods that may be required to make a diagnosis:

• A general blood test to detect the presence of inflammatory processes or infections that may be associated with pain.
• X-ray to assess the condition of the bones and joints, as well as to identify possible damage or deformations.
• Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for a more detailed view of the soft tissue, joints, muscles, and structures of the spine.
• Electromyography (EMG) to assess electrical activity and determine the presence of neurological disorders.
• Ultrasound to visualize soft tissue, joints, and blood vessels.

Using a combination of these methods allows the doctor to get a complete picture of the condition of the area between the shoulder blades and determine the causes of pain.

What methods of treating pain between the shoulder blades are available at N1 Clinic?

In our clinic, doctors use the following methods to relieve pain in the shoulder blade area:

• Exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back, neck, and shoulders, as well as improve flexibility and posture to reduce tension and pain.
• Physical therapy, such as massage, ultrasound therapy, laser treatment, and electrotherapy help relieve pain and muscle spasms, improve circulation, and speed up the healing process.
• Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac.
• Injections of coxib-blocking drugs, such as diclofenac or meloxicam, to reduce pain and inflammation.

If the pain is caused by serious structural problems, such as a herniated disc or a pinched nerve, surgery may be needed.

Depending on the cause of the pain and the individual specifics of a patient, an orthopedic traumatologist may prescribe one or a combination of these treatments.

What is the prevention of pain between the shoulder blades?

Prevention of pain between the shoulder blades is a set of measures to strengthen the back muscles, maintain correct posture, and prevent overload.

We have prepared several recommendations for prevention that will help reduce the risk of pain between the shoulder blades and maintain the health of your back in general:

• Regular exercise: Do exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back and shoulder girdle, such as pull-ups, push-ups, planks, and different variations of dumbbell lifts. This will help strengthen the muscles, improve the support of the spine, and prevent the occurrence of pain between the shoulder blades.
• Maintaining correct posture: Watch your posture when sitting, standing, and walking. Correct posture helps distribute the load evenly along the spine and prevents overstraining of the back muscles.
• Regular breaks when working at the computer: Take short breaks every hour to stretch the muscles of the back and neck if you spend a lot of time at the computer.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid excess weight, and some bad habits, such as smoking.
• Choosing the right shoes: Wear comfortable shoes with good arch support and cushioning. Incorrect shoes can cause muscle strain and increase the risk of pain in the area between the shoulder blades.

What are the benefits of treating pain between the shoulder blades at N1 Clinic in Dnipro?

N1 Clinic employs experienced orthopedic doctors who have been treating various diseases of the musculoskeletal system for over 20 years. Our clinic has everything necessary for a complete diagnosis and treatment of pain between the shoulder blades.

Our medical director, Dr. Artem Naumenko, specializes in vertebrology, which allows him to treat spinal diseases successfully, which are a common cause of pain between the shoulder blades. In some cases, Dr. Naumenko uses the spinal adjustment technique, which allows you to relieve chronic problems after the first session.

You should not postpone treating pain between the shoulder blades when an effective solution is available. Make an appointment with our orthopedic surgeon.