Pain occurring under shoulder blade can be an indicator of quite a few medical conditions. Depending on where exactly is the pain and which shoulder it is, the problem can be detected. This article provides information regarding the same.

Shoulder pain can affect people of all ages and under any circumstances. In youngsters, it can be a result of overexerting the shoulders during sports or any other activity. Worn out joints can be the reason behind the shoulder pain in elderly people. The main reason for shoulder pain is the complex make up of the shoulder joint, that makes it vulnerable to sprains, pulls, inflammation of bursa, capsules, muscles, and ligaments. Now, the important aspect is the diagnosis of the cause of the pain, which is determined by the particular shoulder and the painful spot.

Anatomy of the Shoulder

The shoulder joint is formed by an articulation (the point of connection between two bones) between the long bone of the upper arm (humerus), the collarbone, and scapula (shoulder blade). In addition, there are 4 muscles which are responsible for the shoulder movements, and they also keep the shoulder joint together. They make up the rotator cuff on the whole. These are precisely the muscles which are most vulnerable to wear and tear, and joint pain.

Pain under Right Shoulder Blade

Cause #1: If an individual experiences pain in this area, it is one of the major signs of gallbladder disease or gallstones. In case the gallbladder attack is serious, there will be a severe pain, starting in the right shoulder. This can also result in a person having problems in breathing.

Cause #2: The liver is present just below the rib cage. If it is damaged, there will be pain under the right scapula. To be more specific, if there is a liver abscess, which is caused by bacteria, it is surely going to give you signals that something is wrong with your liver.

Cause #3: Arthritis can lead to stiffness of joints, causing pain below the scapula. The range of motion is also affected by arthritis.

Apart from the aforementioned causes, other reasons could be a pinched nerve, muscle pain or spasm, sports activities, and repetitive strain on shoulder.

Pain under Left Shoulder Blade

Cause #1: An impending heart problem can be a cause of this pain. A neck injury or disease can also lead to this problem. Sometimes, a gallbladder or liver problem can also affect the left side of the shoulder.

Cause #2: Rotator cuff injury is another reason for an individual having this pain. Rotator cuff is important for unhindered and complex movements of our shoulder. So, a damage to this part is not just painful, but can also weaken your shoulder muscles. Repetitive motions, traumatic injury, wear and tear, etc., all can lead to pain under the left scapula. Dislocation of the rotator cuff is a serious cause of this pain. Damage to ligaments connecting the shoulder blade with collarbone is an aftereffect of dislocation.

Cause #3: Inflammation of the tendons, bursa, or muscles of and around the shoulder can also lead to pain. Similarly, tendonitis, which can be an outcome of chronic arthritis is another major cause of pain in the shoulder area.

In case of sports injuries leading to pain, the sports physician and physical therapist can be of help. However, if the underlying cause is of serious nature, it is advisable to immediately consult a concerned specialist.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.