Causes Of Upper Back Pain Between Shoulder Blades And Its Relief

Causes Of Upper Back Pain Between Shoulder Blades And Its Relief









Upper back pain between the shoulder blades is associated with a host of factors. More often than not, upper back pain is a referred pain. Relief from pain between shoulder blades depends upon the cause of the condition, though in most cases it can be treated promptly with simple exercise and home remedies.

It is therefore important to identify the cause of the back pain between shoulder blades as it can also be referred pain associated with cardiac disorders.

Upper back pain between shoulder blades can be quite annoying and distressing. While in most cases this pain may be associated with bad posture, in some cases this pain may be a referral pain associated with cardiac or gastrointestinal disorder.


While upper back pain may itself be very annoying, it may be associated with certain other symptoms,

• Restricted range of movement of the neck or pain on any effort extends beyond the restricted range of movement.


• Inability to focus or concentrated on the work, due to persistent gnawing pain in the back.


• Pain in the upper back may be associated with tingling numbness in the upper extremities.


• Typically the pain is relieved by massage of the muscles of the upper back or hot fomentation.

What Causes Pain In Upper Back Between Shoulder Blades?

While there are a host of factors that are associated with upper back pain between the shoulder blades, some of the common causes include the following,

• Bad or faulty posture, especially when working in front of the computer screen for prolonged period of time.
  
  
  Faulty posture while going to bed or while sitting in the chair can also lead to pain in the upper back.


• Occasionally cardiac disorders, especially myocardial infarction is associated with referred pain to the upper back, between the shoulder blades. In such cases, the pain may be associated with profuse perspiration, palpitation, breathlessness and nausea.


• Gall bladder disease, especially gall bladder stone is associated with referred pain which radiates to the upper back. In most cases the pain is intermittent and severe, lasting for 15-20 minutes at a time. In addition to the pain, the patient may manifest other symptoms like jaundice, fever, loss of appetite, etc.


• Liver cancer or Esophageal cancer are also associated with referred pain to the upper back between the shoulder blades.


• Herniation of a spinal disc, either cervical or thoracic is also associated with upper back pain. In addition to the pain, the patient may complain of tingling numbness with a history of fall or injury.

How To Relieve Pain In Between Shoulder Blades?

As mentioned above, as the upper back pain is associated with a host of factors and the treatment regimen would also depend upon the underlying cause for the condition. Here are some simple home remedies and treatment options that can be beneficial.

• Massage the upper back portion for about 15 – 20 minutes each day. Massage with oil helps improve blood circulation to the affected area and thereby reduces pain, especially when associated with postural problems.


• Vitamins and calcium supplements play a vital role in management of back pain. These nutrients help strengthen the muscles and the spine.


• Simple neck and upper back exercises also help improve the circulation of blood to the back and thereby reduce pain.