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If your pain is severe or accompanied by other red flag symptoms-such as headache, tingling, weakness, or nausea-seek immediate medical attention.Scapular spine fractures are rare injuries. Any back or shoulder pain that lingers a few weeks or interferes with daily activities should be evaluated by a doctor. This list of possible reasons for the pain underneath your shoulder blade is not exhaustive, but hopefully it gives you a helpful starting point on the journey to relief. See When Back Pain Is a Spine Compression Fracture Compression fractures are most commonly caused by osteoporosis in older adults. Watch NowĪ compression fracture is when a vertebral bone (typically in your upper back) weakens and compresses, causing back pain that feels better with rest or is sensitive to the touch. Sharp pain near your shoulder blade can result from this activity, and it can sometimes make it difficult to take a deep breath.Ĭompression fractures occur most often in the thoracic and lumbar sections of the spine and can be caused by traumatic injury or as a result of osteoporosis. While less common, a rib may pop out of place or become misaligned after repetitive strain or reaching for an item overhead. See Cervical Herniated Disc Symptoms and Treatment Options 5. 1 While less common, it’s also possible for a disc herniation in the thoracic spine (upper back) to cause pain near the shoulder blade. A disc herniation in the lower cervical spine is more likely to radiate pain into or near the shoulder blade area. A disc herniation can cause pain and may inflame a nearby nerve root that radiates pain down into the shoulder, arm, and/or hand. Watch NowĪ herniated disc in the cervical spine (neck) occurs when a disc’s outer layer (annulus fibrosus) tears and the inner layer (nucleus pulposus) starts to leak outward. In This Blog Series:Ī cervical herniated disc occurs when the inner portion of a disc in the cervical spine-or neck-ruptures through the outer wall of the disc. Another example is scapulothoracic bursitis, also called snapping scapula syndrome, in which the bursa between the shoulder blade (scapula) and thoracic spine becomes inflamed and painful from overuse or injury. Overuse can lead to muscle strains and ligament sprains, which can cause pain in the upper back, such as between your shoulder blade and spine. Painting a ceiling, helping a friend move furniture, or participating in a softball league are all examples of activities that can put your upper back and shoulders through more work than they’re used to doing.
![spine of scapula spine of scapula](https://openi.nlm.nih.gov/imgs/512/139/2840823/PMC2840823_IJSS-02-64-g001.png)
![spine of scapula spine of scapula](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/62/4a/71/624a716325afbbba292b167748bc782e.jpg)
See Avoid Back Injury with the Right Lifting Techniques 3.
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Lifting objects overhead that are too heavy can strain muscles or sprain ligaments, or potentially injure the shoulder joint or spine, which could refer pain under or near the shoulder blade. If you lift an object that is too heavy, or if the object is held away from the body with the spine misaligned, you can place undue pressure on your upper back. Lifting weight above your head without proper technique can leave your upper back and shoulders susceptible to injury. Reference: 7 Possible Causes of Pain Under Your Shoulder Blade 2.