What causes a pain in the Shoulder Blade area?
Interestingly, but importantly, shoulder blade pain only rarely arises due to a problem with the shoulder blade. The shoulder blade is also called the scapula. True problems in the region of the scapula are rare and include bone disease such as infection or bone tumour. These causes account for no more than a tiny percentage of shouder blade pain problems. Nearly every case of shoulder blade pain is due to a problems in the lower part of the neck or in the upper part of the back. This pattern of pain is known as referred pain. Referred pain from the neck is usually felt along the inner side of the shoulder blade – the side nearest the spine in other words. How to diagnose Shoulder Blade Pain Your doctor or therapist will begin the diagnosis of shoulder blade pain with a simple examination. They will examine your shoulder joint, muscles and the nerves of the upper arm. Your cervical spine (or neck) will also be examined – along with your upper back or thoracic spine. If your shoulder bl
