Aches and pains in the back and shoulder can make reaching for something on a high shelf or twisting the torso difficult. In most cases, however, back pain by the shoulder blade is a temporary condition that goes away with rest and proper treatment. For recurring or chronic pain, you should talk to your doctor and consider treatment options such as physical therapy and over-the-counter medications.

Musculoskeletal causes are the most common cause of shoulder blade pain, resulting from muscles or bones in the area being damaged or stressed. This can be caused by overuse, poor posture, or aging. Excess weight can also cause stress on the back and spine, leading to aches and pains. Getting regular exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, and sleeping enough can help prevent muscle strain or injury in the future.

If you experience a sharp or burning pain in the area, seek immediate medical attention. This could be a sign of a serious heart problem called referred pain, where the nerves in the chest send pain signals to the area around the shoulders and upper back. If this pain is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness, you should call 911 as it may be a heart attack.

Other conditions that can cause referred pain include aortic dissection (tear in the largest blood vessel servicing the heart), pericarditis (inflammation of the lining of the chest cavity), and cancerous tumors such as stomach, esophageal, liver, or pancreatic cancer. back pain by shoulder blade