Upper back and shoulder blade pain

Upper back and shoulder blade pain is a common complaint that is often felt as pain or aching on one side or more broadly in the shoulder, shoulder blade or spine area. The pain may be occasional, constant or appear, for example, with movement or breathing. For many people the pain is related to muscle tension, poor working posture, prolonged sitting, or physical strain such as lifting or repeated movements. Injuries, sprains and sports injuries can also cause upper back pain.

The most common causes in Finland are muscle-related reasons, such as tension in the neck and shoulder area, but the pain can sometimes be due to joint-related problems such as wear in the thoracic spine, disc problems or, more rarely, inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The pain may also radiate to the chest or arms and can sometimes be accompanied by numbness or tingling. In most cases upper back and shoulder blade pain is harmless and related to everyday strain, but long-lasting, severe or suddenly beginning pain, as well as other associated symptoms such as breathing difficulties, fever or unexplained weight loss, should always be examined by a professional.

If the cause of the pain is unclear, it worsens quickly or significantly interferes with everyday life, it is a good idea to seek assessment from a healthcare professional. A professional can assess the situation and, if needed, refer you for further tests or suitable treatment.