Shoulder blade pain can be caused by physical activity, sleeping position, degenerative diseases, physical trauma, or a pinched nerve. A rotator cuff injury is a common cause, especially among athletes. Treatment options include medication, massage therapy, surgery, and rest.
The scapula, more commonly known as the scapula, is a flat, triangular-shaped bone. This bone attaches the upper arm bone to the rib bones. Pain in this area of the body is quite common and can have several potential causes, the most common being excessive or strenuous physical activity. Shoulder blade pain can also be caused by sleeping position or degenerative diseases such as arthritis. Physical trauma or injury can also cause shoulder blade pain, so it’s important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Occasional scapula pain is to be expected due to the amount of muscle use in this area of the body. However, if the pain becomes persistent or severe, a visit to the doctor is recommended. Sometimes, changing your sleeping position can help ease the pain. Doctors typically suggest sleeping on your back as much as possible. If this is too difficult, using a high quality pillow and avoiding sleeping in one position for too long at a time can be very helpful.
Arthritis is not a common cause of shoulder blade pain, but it has been reported. In arthritic conditions, especially osteoarthritis, the surrounding joints become damaged. This can lead to a significant amount of pain and inflammation. Doctors often prescribe medications to relieve these symptoms, with cortisone injections being a popular treatment option.
If the shoulder blade pain is not limited to the shoulder area but travels up the arm, a pinched or compressed nerve can be suspected. A pinched nerve in the neck region of the spine is a common cause of shoulder blade pain. Various treatment options are available for this type of injury, including medications, massage therapy, and, in some situations, surgery.
One of the most common sources of shoulder blade pain is a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that work together to support and stabilize the joint found in the shoulder. When one or more of these muscles become damaged, the pain frequently manifests as shoulder blade pain. This type of injury is more common among athletes who repetitively use their shoulder muscles. If left untreated, this type of injury can lead to permanent damage.
Treatment for a rotator cuff tear is slightly different from treatment options involving other types of shoulder blade pain. In some cases, this type of injury can be treated at home with ice therapy, rest, and medication. However, surgery is often needed to repair the muscle damage so that healing occurs, hopefully without any permanent loss of function.
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