Table of Contents
Introduction
Feeling pain in your shoulder blade can be problematic. It is a part of our body that we constantly use and rely on heavily, so it is natural to stress when something feels off. However, shoulder blade pain is relatively common and can stem from several causes. Let us look over the shoulder blade, what could be causing your pain, and some treatments you can try.
Understanding the Shoulder Blade
Your shoulder blade, or scapula, is a triangular-shaped bone that sits on the upper back. It connects to the shoulder joint’s humerus (upper arm bone) and helps create a smooth gliding surface for the arm to move. It is also involved in many muscle movements, including elevating and rotating the arm.
What Could be Causing Shoulder Blade Pain?
There are many possible causes of shoulder pain, which can vary depending on when the pain happens. Here are some of the most common reasons:
Muscle Strain
Arthritis
Fractures
Muscle Tears
Osteoporosis
Compressed Nerves
Frozen Shoulder
Heart Problems
Cancer
Treatments for Different Causes of Pain
RICE
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are often recommended as a first-line treatment for shoulder blade pain. To do this properly, you should:
- Rest: Take a break from any activities that are causing or aggravating your pain.
- Ice: Apply ice to the painful area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage or compression sleeve to help reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Raise your arm above your heart to help reduce swelling.
Physical Therapy
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary for people with fractures, severe arthritis, or tears in the muscles or tendons. This is for severe pain in extreme cases that do not respond to other treatments.
Heart problems and cancer need to be followed up with doctors specializing in those areas.
Let’s see how we can help
Should blade pain and any other upper back pain can be extremely debilitating, and at Premier Podiatry and Orthopedics, we’re here to help. At our clinic, we offer treatments that can help relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.
To learn more about how we can help, call us today at (916)-961-3434 or text (279) 800-4542. You can also contact us online.
We look forward to helping you feel your best!
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Schedule an appointment with us by calling (916) 961-3434 or by clicking the button below to begin requesting your appointment today!
