What is what does it mean when your shoulder blade hurts?

Here's some information about what it means when your shoulder blade hurts:

Pain in the shoulder blade area, also known as the scapula, can stem from a variety of causes. It's important to note that persistent or severe pain should always be evaluated by a medical professional.

Here are some potential causes:

• Muscle Strain or Sprain: This is a common cause, often resulting from overuse, poor posture, or sudden movements. You may experience a dull ache or sharp pain that worsens with movement. Muscle%20Strain and Sprain can be linked to shoulder blade pains.

• Poor Posture: Slouching or hunching forward can put stress on the muscles around the shoulder blades, leading to pain and discomfort. Poor%20Posture is a major cause of the shoulder blade pains.

• Nerve Irritation/Entrapment: Nerves that run through the neck and shoulder area can become pinched or irritated, causing pain that radiates to the shoulder blade. This can be related to nerve%20entrapment or problems in the cervical spine.

• Rotator Cuff Issues: While rotator cuff problems typically cause pain in the shoulder joint, the pain can sometimes radiate to the shoulder blade area. Rotator%20Cuff injuries can cause pain around the shoulder blades.

• Arthritis: Although less common, arthritis in the shoulder joint or spine can sometimes cause referred pain in the shoulder blade area. Arthritis can cause pain in many parts of the body and is a possible cause.

• Referred Pain: Pain originating from other areas of the body, such as the neck, heart, or lungs, can sometimes be felt in the shoulder blade region.

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This condition involves compression of nerves and blood vessels in the space between the collarbone and the first rib, which can cause pain and numbness in the shoulder, arm, and hand.

• Gallbladder Disease: In some instances, pain in the right shoulder blade can be a sign of gallbladder problems.

It's important to consider other symptoms you might be experiencing, such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain radiating to other areas, as these can help pinpoint the cause of your shoulder blade pain. Seeking professional medical advice is always the best course of action for diagnosis and treatment.