In rare cases, the pain may signal a severe condition, like aheart attackor cancer.
Each shoulder blade forms the socket holding the ball-shaped end of the upper arm.
The bones stabilize the arms while enabling a wide range of motion.
Illustration by Joshua Seong for Verywell Health
Causes
The cause of shoulder blade pain may be obvious.
For example, you may pull a muscle during a sports injury.
Sometimes, the pain gradually appears and the cause is hard to identify.
Muscle Conditions
Muscle-related problems affecting the scapula include:
2.
Bone and Joint Conditions
Bone and joint problems known to cause scapula pain include:
3.
These may be signs of a heart attack.
Examples include:
5.
Cancers
Malignant (cancerous) tumors in the chest or upper abdomen can also cause shoulder blade pain.
Youll likely be asked many questions about your pain quality, when it began, and how it changes.
Your healthcare provider will test the strength of the shoulder and scapular muscles.
Self-care includes limiting arm movement, resting the shoulder, and applying ice and heat.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) can help reduce pain and swelling.
You may need prescription medication for severe symptoms.
Referred pain can be due to a spinal, heart, lung, or digestive tract condition.
On rare occasions, cancer may be the cause.
The treatment varies by the cause.
It might involve anything from home care for a muscle strain to chemotherapy for cancer.
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