What does it mean when your back hurts between your shoulders?
Poor posture, injury, or problems with the spine can all lead to upper back pain. A common cause of pain between the shoulder blades is muscle strain. Treatments for mild upper back pain include stretching exercises and pain relievers. Some cases of pain between the shoulder blades are preventable.
Can lower back pain cause pain between shoulder blades?
Prolonged sitting with poor posture may cause your spine to undergo structural changes that eventually cause pain underneath the shoulder blade.
How do you relieve back pain between shoulder blades?
Relieving the Pain Under Your Shoulder Blade
- Rest your upper back from activity. If your pain worsens when you do certain movements or physical activities, such as household chores or exercise, rest for a day or two.
- Apply ice and/or heat.
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) medication.
- Massage it out.
- Visit a health care provider.
What can cause pain that comes and goes between the shoulder blades?
Trauma. A severe injury such as joint separation, rotator cuff tears, and spine fractures can put pressure on the muscles between the shoulder blades, leading to tension build-up.
When should I worry about back pain between shoulder blades?
When should I worry about upper back pain between shoulder blades? Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing severe upper back pain between the shoulder blades, as it may be signs of a serious medical condition, such as lung disease, heart disease, blood vessel disease, or gallstones.
Can GERD cause back pain between shoulder blades?
If you are experiencing chronic cases of GERD and heartburn, you may notice an increased intensity in your symptoms. Your chest pain may radiate to your back between your shoulder blades, lower back, and down into your abdomen. You should visit a doctor if your heartburn is manifesting as increased back pain.
Can liver cause pain between shoulder blades?
Liver disease can be a source of referred pain, in which discomfort is noticed in an area other than where the actual problem is. The shoulders and neck are common sites of pain referred from the liver. Liver disease can also cause inflammation throughout the body, leading to a general feeling of discomfort.
Can high blood pressure cause pain between shoulder blades?
Upper back pain can sometimes be more concerning, as it is potentially linked to high blood pressure and other issues with the heart. This is especially true if you’re experiencing pain directly between your shoulder blades or you have pain that radiates to either arm.