Shoulder blade pain, medically known as scapular pain, is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strains, ligament sprains, and nerve compression. While shoulder blade pain can be a nuisance, it is usually not a serious condition and can be treated with simple home remedies.
Symptoms of Shoulder Blade Pain
The symptoms of shoulder blade pain can vary depending on the cause of the pain. However, some common symptoms include:
- Aching pain in the shoulder blade
- Stiffness in the shoulder
- Difficulty moving the shoulder
- Numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm
- Weakness in the shoulder
Causes of Shoulder Blade Pain
There are a number of different factors that can cause shoulder blade pain. Some of the most common causes include:
- Muscle strains: Muscle strains are the most common cause of shoulder blade pain. They occur when the muscles in the shoulder are overstretched or torn.
- Ligament sprains: Ligament sprains are another common cause of shoulder blade pain. They occur when the ligaments in the shoulder are overstretched or torn.
- Nerve compression: Nerve compression can also cause shoulder blade pain. This occurs when a nerve in the shoulder is compressed by surrounding tissues.
- Other causes: Other causes of shoulder blade pain can include arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis.
Treatment for Shoulder Blade Pain
The treatment for shoulder blade pain will depend on the cause of the pain. However, some common treatments include:
- Rest: Rest is one of the best ways to treat shoulder blade pain. This will give the muscles and ligaments time to heal.
- Ice: Ice can help to reduce pain and swelling. Apply an ice pack to the shoulder blade for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Heat: Heat can also help to relieve pain and stiffness. Apply a heat pack to the shoulder blade for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Massage: Massage can help to loosen tight muscles and relieve pain.
- Stretching: Stretching can help to improve range of motion and reduce pain.
- Strengthening exercises: Strengthening exercises can help to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder blade and improve stability.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to reduce pain.
- Injections: In some cases, injections of corticosteroids may be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: Surgery is rarely necessary for shoulder blade pain. However, it may be an option if other treatments have not been successful.
Prevention of Shoulder Blade Pain
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent shoulder blade pain. These include:
- Warm up before exercising.
- Stretch your shoulder muscles regularly.
- Strengthen the muscles around your shoulder blade.
- Avoid overuse of the shoulder.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Get regular exercise.
- Quit smoking.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if your shoulder blade pain is severe or does not improve with home treatment. You should also see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm
- Weakness in the shoulder
- Difficulty moving the shoulder
- Fever
- Chills
- Night sweats
