Causes of pain under the shoulder blade

Muscular tension is a common cause of pain in the shoulder area and below the shoulder blade. Various muscles can be affected. The subscapularis muscle is a muscle that runs directly under the shoulder blade.
Also running in close proximity are the rhomboids (Musculi rhomboideii), the trapezius muscle (Musculus trapezius) and the rotator cuff, a muscle group that includes three other muscles in addition to the subscapularis muscle.
But irritation and inflammation of the tendons and bursae can also cause pain under the shoulder blade.
In addition, the pain can also be caused by bony structures, the ribs and vertebrae. Both joint arthrosis and a slipped disc in the cervical spine can be possible causes of pain below the shoulder blade.
In addition, organs such as the heart, liver and gall bladder can cause pain that radiates to below the shoulder blade.
Occasionally, pain below the shoulder blade is caused by injuries sustained in an accident. Broken bones and injuries to muscles, tendons and ligaments are possible consequences that can cause severe pain.

Diagnosis for pain under the shoulder blade

To enable the attending physician to make the correct diagnosis in the case of pain below the shoulder blade, a detailed medical consultation about the symptoms and the chronological course of the complaints is indicated. The person affected should be given a thorough physical examination. Depending on the doctor’s suspected diagnosis, further examinations such as X-rays or an ultrasound examination of the upper abdomen may be helpful.

Duration of complaints under the shoulder blade

Pain under the shoulder blade can exist for different lengths of time.

Acute injuries, a heart attack and shoulder pain in the context of biliary colic occur suddenly and disappear with appropriate treatment.
If the complaints are based on muscle tension or irritation of tendons, ligaments or bursae, specific treatment is important in order to positively influence the healing process. Those affected should take physically beautiful and pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory tablets. Muscle tensions can be relieved within a few days, while bursitis can last for a few weeks. Untreated, bursitis can even become chronic and cause discomfort for months.