Pain in Shoulder Blade

Many of us think that pain in shoulder blade is the same as shoulder pain. This statement isn't correct! Many a time, pain in the shoulder blade has nothing to do with the shoulder itself. The shoulder is interconnected with many tissues and muscles. The soft tissues surrounding the shoulder are known as 'rotator cuff' which are made from 4 muscles which connect to the collarbone and the shoulder blade. Apart from the tendons of the rotator cuff, there also exists a bag of fluid known as the bursa which helps in smooth gliding mechanism during the extension or movement of the muscles. Any sort of defect in the bursa or the rotator cuff are the most prominent causes of shoulder blade pain.

Causes of Pain in Shoulder Blade Area

Now that we know the significance or the role that damaged tendons of the rotator cuff or the bursa plays in shoulder pain, there are other causes as well which are somehow inter related. The cause can be diagnosed well by studying the case history of the person and analyzing the range of motion (ROM) of a person's arm movement. Various tests are done based on the condition to determine the cause and treatment for pain in shoulder blade. The following are included under the list of causes.

Bursitis
Bursitis is when the area where the bursa is situated becomes red and swollen with pain and inflammation. The initial stage is known as acute bursitis wherein there is difficulty in arm movement and the pain increases while sleeping. In this case, the joint of the shoulder becomes tender and painful. If the condition isn't treated in time, the situation can get worse to the next level of chronic bursitis.

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
This is the condition wherein the tendons of the rotator cuff become inflamed due to impingement by the adjacent bone arch that exists around the shoulder blade due to excessive wear and tear leading to strain in the soft tissues. Almost 29% of cases of shoulder blade pain is due to rotator cuff tendonitis. There is pain and a lot of difficulty in shoulder movements, especially when it comes to lifting the arm. If left untreated, the rotator cuff can also tear.

Calcific Tendonitis
This is a condition wherein calcium deposits are seen in the rotator cuff tendons. These calcium deposits are seen to be up to 20% in adults without any symptoms or discomfort, however, in people aged between 30-60 (especially women), these calcium deposits can show severe pain and discomfort in arm movement, especially increasing the shoulder pain at night! Severe increase of calcium deposits can also affect the bursa.

Adhesive Capsulitis
This is the medical term for frozen shoulder which occurs due to inflamed socket joint and ball of the bone of the upper arm and the shoulder. This condition can occur due to forearm fractures, calcific tendonitis, extended immobilization of the arm, etc. A person suffering from adhesive capsulitis suffers extreme pain when performing movements. Middle aged women between 40-60 years suffer from this condition, especially on the non-dominant side.

Acromioclavicular Joint
When one experiences pain in shoulder blade and neck, or above the shoulder itself, the reason for the same could be the acromioclavicular joint, which is situated between the collarbone and the shoulder blade. This condition mostly depicts irritation in the cervical nerve root. In such a case, a person suffers from a stiff neck and headaches at the back of the head.

Gallbladder Inflammation
If you are experiencing pain under right shoulder blade, one of the reasons for the same could be inflammation in the gallbladder or gallstones. If that is not the case, it can be associated with duodenum issues or liver related problems.

Stomach Problems
Generally, pain under the left shoulder blade signifies an issue related to chest or stomach related problems. Even lung problems can result in shoulder blade pain when breathing. If that is the case with you, do not delay to get yourself checked as soon as possible, especially if you are a smoker.

Treatment for Pain in Shoulder Blade

The treatment for the condition depends upon the cause of the pain. Many tests including X-rays, MRI scans, blood tests and ultrasonography are done to determine the cause to start the correct treatment. Causes like rotator cuff tendonitis or bursitis are firstly treated with rest and anti-inflammatory drugs without steroids. For people who suffer from severe pain, an injection of corticosteroid-local anesthetic mixture is injected in the joint. Various physical therapies are also instructed to improve the flexibility and the range of movement of the arm. Your doctor would know best as to which treatment is suitable for your condition for you to get shoulder blade pain relief.

So these were the causes and treatments for pain in shoulder blade. I hope this article on shoulder blade pain proved to be of help. Take good care of yourself and visit your doctor as soon as possible to avoid further complications.