Any pain deserves attention, especially if it is persistent. This symptom may be related to fatigue, overstrain, or muscle strain, and sometimes indicates serious problems that require immediate medical attention.
Back pain is a signal that cannot be ignored, especially if it is persistent. Such sensations not only interfere with daily life but can also indicate serious diseases, and the sooner intervention occurs, the higher the chance of avoiding complications. Pain between the shoulder blades can manifest in various ways — from mild discomfort to sharp, unbearable pain. As noted by Alexander Ostashkov, a therapist, cardiologist, and gastroenterologist, the cause is not only related to spinal problems.
From Sharp to Burning
Pain between the shoulder blades can have different "shades," and these characteristics will help the doctor suggest the cause, prescribe diagnostics, and formulate a further examination plan. Therefore, do not be surprised if the doctor inquires in detail about the type of pain you are experiencing — sharp, dull, burning, what preceded it, and what stimulates its intensification or alleviation.
For example, a dull ache typically persists constantly and intensifies with physical activity. This type of pain is not sharply defined but causes discomfort.
Sharp pain appears suddenly, can be severe, and limit the mobility of the torso. Usually, rest provides relief, but it returns even with slight physical activity or movements of the torso.
Attention should be paid to sharp and persistent pain, as it can signal vascular catastrophes — such as a heart attack. Therefore, immediate medical assistance is necessary for such pain.
Dull pain is often long-lasting but bearable. It is during its onset that people often take analgesics for extended periods, which negatively affect the functioning of the digestive tract and can provoke exacerbations of chronic pathologies, including peptic ulcer disease of the stomach and duodenum.
Burning pain may appear, characterized by intense, unbearable sensations accompanied by burning and tingling that "spreads" to surrounding tissues.
Seven Causes of Pain Between the Shoulder Blades
It is only after examination that one can accurately determine the cause of the pain. This symptom can indicate a wide range of pathologies, which is why doctors pay special attention to diagnostics. During the examination, various causes are ruled out, from musculoskeletal disorders to pathologies that pose a real threat to health and life.
1. Intervertebral Hernia
Although hernias rarely form in the cervical and thoracic regions of the spine, their appearance can cause severe and pronounced pain. People who lead a sedentary lifestyle or frequently lift heavy objects are at risk.
The bulging of the hernia compresses nerve roots, leading to severe pain. It can radiate to the arms, shoulder blades, or lower back.
2. Muscle Pathology
Pain may arise after hypothermia, infections, strains, or other muscle injuries. Muscle pain typically intensifies with the slightest activity and is accompanied by muscle tension, sometimes even stiffness of movement. Such limitations are related to pain, prompting the patient to consciously avoid any movement. This condition requires rest, and after the acute phase, physiotherapy may be needed to reduce inflammation, restore function, and prevent recurrences.
3. Spondyloarthritis
This is a chronic degenerative disease characterized by changes in the tissues of the joints between the vertebrae, which become less mobile. As the disease progresses, cartilage destruction and joint deformation occur. All of this provokes pain in the back and neck, limiting mobility.
4. Osteophytes
For various reasons, bony growths, known as osteophytes, can form in the area of the vertebrae. Their contact already causes pain, and in some cases, they may fuse together, significantly limiting mobility. Due to the compression of nerve roots, severe, pronounced, and almost constant pain arises, which only intensifies as the disease progresses.
5. Posture Disorders
Scoliosis and hyperkyphosis can also cause pain between the shoulder blades. The pain is chronic, intensifying with physical activity, especially if a person remains in a static position for an extended period.
To alleviate the pain and avoid serious consequences, posture correction is required, and possibly wearing a special corset. The treatment strategy is determined individually after examination.
6. Shingles
This is an infectious disease in which the varicella-zoster virus "wakes up" due to certain provoking factors. Because the pathogen is "conserved" in the ganglia, its activation causes severe pain along a specific nerve. It can be sharp, intense, and burning. Characteristic rashes appear on the skin.
The activation of the virus occurs in individuals with immunodeficiency — for example, due to certain diseases or undergoing treatment for oncological pathologies. Even after the symptoms of shingles are alleviated, pain may persist. In such cases, doctors refer to it as postherpetic neuralgia.
7. Diseases of Internal Organs
These can include pathologies of the cardiovascular system — for example, angina, myocardial infarction. In cases of persistent and severe pain, gastritis and peptic ulcer disease should be ruled out, although there are often other symptoms indicating problems with the digestive tract. In any case, it is essential to undergo a complete examination to exclude serious pathologies.
Pain between the shoulder blades should not be tolerated. It is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause and receive the necessary therapy. The earlier you start treatment, the lower the risk of missing serious diseases.
