The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a flat triangular bone that is located on the upper back and is connected to the collarbone and arm bone. Pain between the shoulder blades can be caused by various factors, including a problem with the scapula itself or an issue with nearby organs.
One organ that can cause pain between the shoulder blades is the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located under the liver, on the right side of the body. It stores bile, which is produced by the liver to aid in the digestion of fats. If the gallbladder becomes inflamed or develops stones, it can cause pain that radiates to the back, between the shoulder blades. This pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and jaundice.
Another organ that can contribute to pain between the shoulder blades is the heart. In some cases, a heart attack or angina (chest pain) can cause referred pain that is felt between the shoulder blades. This occurs when the nerves that supply the heart also supply the upper back region, leading to a phenomenon known as referred pain. Other symptoms that may accompany heart-related pain include shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, and lightheadedness.
The lungs and the diaphragm, a muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavity, can also cause pain between the shoulder blades. Conditions such as pneumonia, pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs), or a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) may cause pain that is felt in the upper back.
Lastly, muscular strains or injuries in the upper back or neck area can also lead to pain between the shoulder blades. Poor posture, heavy lifting, or repetitive movements can strain the muscles in the upper back and cause discomfort that is localized in between the shoulder blades.
In conclusion, pain between the shoulder blades can be caused by various factors, including issues with the gallbladder, heart, lungs, diaphragm, or musculoskeletal system. It is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Does COVID cause upper back ache?
“People who have COVID-19 may experience muscle pain and body aches due to the body’s inflammatory response, which can be felt in the upper and lower back,” says Sagar Parikh, M.D., an interventional pain medicine specialist and Director of the Center for Sports and Spine Medicine at JFK Johnson.
Why does my upper back hurt between my shoulder blades?
Upper back painUpper back painMiddle back pain can have several causes, including impact trauma, arthritis, herniated discs, muscle strains, scoliosis, poor posture, and more. Depending on the cause, medical treatments, home remedies, and exercises may help.https://www.medicalnewstoday.com › articlesMiddle back pain: Causes, treatment, and exercises – Medical News Today between the shoulder blades may result from poor posture or muscle strain. However, it can also stem from problems with the spine, such as scoliosis or osteoarthritis. These may need medical attention. Treatments for mild upper back pain include stretching exercises and pain relievers.Sep 9, 2020
What is a red flag for upper back pain?
Red flag symptoms may include: Constant back pain. Unexplained continuous fever. Swelling or other structural deformity.
When should I worry about upper back pain between shoulder blades?
Upper back pain between the shoulder blades can be a symptom of a heart attack, stroke, or another serious cardiac event. If you experience pain between your shoulder blades accompanied by chest pain, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath seek immediate medical attention.Oct 2, 2022
Which is the fastest painkiller?
Best for Quick Action. Ibuprofen is a short-acting NSAID that starts working faster than naproxen. 11 This may be better for acute pain, like a new injury. The downside is that ibuprofen has to be taken more often than naproxen.Nov 2, 2023
What is the best pain reliever for back pain?
NSAIDs are often the go-to drugs for back pain relief. They can be purchased over the counter (or, in higher doses, by prescription) and include ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). NSAIDs help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation in muscles and around damaged spinal discs or arthritic joints.
What is the strongest pain killer?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid similar to morphine but up to 100 times more potent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is among the most abused pain relievers in the U.S. and the leading cause of overdose deaths.
Which painkiller is best for back pain?
If your pain continues, your provider may suggest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). You can buy some NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, without a prescription. NSAIDs help reduce the swelling around the swollen disk or arthritis in the back.
