SCAPULAR (SHOULDER BLADE) PAIN SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

Pain in the shoulder blade region can be caused by various factors, ranging from mild to severe conditions. Inflammation or trauma to the shoulder joint itself can cause shoulder blade pain, but it can also be caused by referred pain from other areas of the body.



Referred pain occurs when a problem in one part of the body causes pain in another area. In the case of shoulder blade pain, it can be caused by issues in the chest or abdomen, such as heart or lung conditions, gastrointestinal problems, or even cancer.

The most common cause of shoulder blade pain is a muscle strain, which may occur due to overuse of the arms and upper torso. The strain may cause pain and discomfort in the scapula area. Other muscular conditions that may lead to shoulder blade pain include rotator cuff tears and snapping scapula syndrome.

Rotator cuff tears occur when the tendons that connect the muscles of the shoulder to the upper arm bone tear. This condition can cause pain in the shoulder blade and is often accompanied by weakness in the shoulder and arm.

Snapping scapula syndrome is a condition characterized by a popping or cracking sensation in the inner side of the shoulder blade. It is caused by the scapula rubbing against the rib cage, resulting in inflammation and pain. This condition can be caused by overuse, trauma, or abnormal scapula anatomy.



Other potential causes of shoulder blade pain include spinal disorders, nerve compression, autoimmune diseases, and referred pain from other areas of the body. A thorough medical evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause of the pain.

It may come as a surprise, but shoulder blade pain can be caused by abdominal or pelvic problems. This is a common phenomenon that occurs due to irritation of nerves that pass along the base of the diaphragm.

The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. It plays a crucial role in breathing by contracting and relaxing, thereby causing the lungs to expand and contract. The nerves that pass along the base of the diaphragm can become irritated due to conditions such as gallbladder disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, or even gynecological disorders in women.



When these nerves are irritated, they can cause pain that feels like it's originating in the shoulder or shoulder blade. This type of pain is known as referred pain and occurs because the nerves that supply the shoulder blade area also supply the organs in the abdomen and pelvis.