Chronic pain in the muscles between the shoulder blades. What can cause pain between the shoulder blades in the spine

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When a person feels pain in the back between the shoulder blades, it usually does not occur to him that these are the first symptoms of serious diseases.

What can cause dull or sharp pain between the shoulder blades in the spine? As a rule, such symptoms are observed with a sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work.

Programmers, secretaries, drivers, and representatives of other professions, whose work is connected with the need to spend most of the day sitting, often complain about such problems.

In scientific language, the area between the shoulder blades is called the thoracic spine.

The seriousness of the problem lies in the fact that such pain is not always very strong and therefore does not cause fear and desire to see a doctor.

In order to understand what its danger is, we will try to consider in more detail the types, causes and methods of treating such pains.

Types of pain

Pain in the shoulder blades is different:

burning;
stupid.

If the pain between the shoulder blades in the spine increases with a slight turn or tilt of the body, arms, neck, deep breath- it can be caused, and if it is shingles in nature - intercostal neuralgia.

If it arose after stress, and is not associated with movement, - myocardial infarction.

If the cause of the pain is a muscle, it takes on the appearance of heaviness in the back. If the cause lies in the nerve endings, tendons or bones - the pain has a sharp, dagger, pressing or breaking character, sometimes - goosebumps or even body numbness.

The pain itself can, in addition to the back, give to the region of the heart or spread along the spine.

After repeated attacks, it becomes chronic.

Aching pain between the shoulder blades - possible at chronic diseases spine ( ,).

Similar complaints of pain can appear in the case of other diseases, such as pneumonia, pleurisy, herniated disc, and others.

There can be many causes of pain in the thoracic region, so a visit to the doctor is necessary to determine the causes.

Causes of pain between the shoulder blades

The presence of any pain is quite unpleasant. In addition, it interferes with a normal life, possibly restricting movement.

What can contribute to the appearance of pain in the back between the shoulder blades? These are the following factors:

What diseases can provoke pain between the shoulder blades?

Most often, pain occurs in the following cases:

. The disease occurs in the case of prolonged exposure to uncomfortable positions. This leads to muscle strain and muscle spasm, which pulls the displacement of the bones of the spine. There is a curvature of it, which leads to pressure on the nerve endings. The pain can be dull or sharp, depending on the severity of the disease.
spine. In the chest area, the spine is curved, looks like a stoop, it is also called a round back. The shoulders are tilted down, and the chest is deformed. The pain is aching, dull.
Hernia of the intervertebral disc of the thoracic region. Pain occurs due to damage to the nerve endings or loss of flexibility of the intervertebral joint. The pain is aching, prolonged, intensifies, gradually increasing in the evening.
Kyphoscoliosis. Violation of posture, in which, in addition to rounding the back, the spine is also bent to one side. Spasmodic muscles and a twisted spine contribute to the compression of nerve endings, leading to pain. The pain is aching, dull.
. The disease can be caused by the deposition of calcium salts in the joints of the spinal column itself or by deformation, delamination, inflammation of the intervertebral discs. This causes loss of joint mobility and pressure on the nerve endings that exit the spinal cord. Pain during movement increases and can be different - aching, dull, pulling, sharp, sharp shooting. At night, she is strong. It can give into the hand, and give a feeling of goosebumps in the hands.
. Inflammation in the intercostal nerves. The pain is concentrated in the region of the shoulder blades, and diverges in the direction of the intercostal nerves. It has a strong, paroxysmal, encircling, shooting character; it intensifies when the body moves.
Spondylarthrosis of the thoracic spine. Damage to the joints of the spine. The destruction of cartilage and the deposition of calcium salts lead to pain in the shoulder blades. It can be sharp, shooting, and aching, associated with movement, worse at night.
. Due to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the nerve roots are damaged. The result is a change in the soft tissues around the shoulder joint.
Increased physical load on the shoulder joint or its injury. The pain is quite strong, sharp, stabbing and increasing when turning the shoulder, it radiates to the shoulder blade, back, neck.
Protrusion of the disc of the thoracic spine. The extension of the intervertebral disc from the spinal column, during which no changes in the connective tissue occur. Accompanied by severe pain.
Radiculitis. The disease is caused by inflammation, infringement or compression of the nerve roots. Pain is sharp.
Ischemic heart disease, angina pectoris. Violation of cardiac blood supply. Gives to the place between the shoulder blades, there is fear, dizziness, a feeling of lack of air. The pain is sharp, burning, squeezing, does not depend on movement.
Pathology of the mediastinal organs. The area is located deep in the chest. Its inflammation or tumor formation causes dull pain.
Tuberculosis and poliomyelitis are infectious diseases. They harm the spine, which contributes to the occurrence of dull pain.
Pathology of the lungs and pleura. Inflammatory processes can activate pain between the shoulder blades in them. Dull pain, and in disease of the pleura, stitching.
Peculiarities professional activity. Aching, dull pain occurs due to muscle tension in the upper shoulder girdle.

Pain during pregnancy

During pregnancy, complaints of pain between the shoulder blades are caused by the fact that the load on the spine increases.

This is due to an increase in the weight of a pregnant woman, a shift in the center of gravity and, as a result, an overstrain of the back muscles. The pain can be both weak and acute, after rest it disappears.

Pathology treatment methods

What to do if you suffer from pain between the shoulder blades?

The probability of being cured at home is quite low, you can try to alleviate the condition by taking painkillers or rubbing.

In order not to miss the onset of a serious illness, you need to visit a doctor who will prescribe treatment according to the detected disease. However, there is a general therapy for all diseases. The complex of treatment includes:

application medicines(this includes painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs);
physiotherapy exercises (exercises are selected after the cessation of acute pain, individually);
treatment with the help of physiotherapy procedures (includes the use of ultrasound and electrophoresis devices, magnetic and manual therapy, a course of massage and, if necessary, extracts. If indicated, treatment in a sanatorium).

Preventive measures

The best prevention is a healthy lifestyle. You need to learn how to take care of your body. And for this, the following rules should become the norm:

necessary when performing physical work avoid overloading the back muscles;
engage in physiotherapy exercises or just daily gymnastics;
work must be done in a comfortable position, do not forget to control your posture and, with a long load, give rest to the muscles of the back and neck.

Doing all this requires discipline and self-control, but keeping the body in an active and at the same time quite gentle state will help to forget about back pain for a long time.

A caring attitude towards your body and yourself, a timely visit to a doctor for advice in case of pain - this is the way to achieve harmony and health.

Video: Kinesiology taping for pain between the shoulder blades

Kinesio taping of the long extensors of the neck is used for such a common problem as pain between the shoulder blades. Immediately after the application of kinesio tape, the muscles relax and the pain disappears.

Pain between the shoulder blades is a very common symptom of a number of diseases that are not always easy to recognize. Most often this is associated with disorders in the vertebral and paravertebral structures, but may be a manifestation of systemic pathology.

The nature of pain sensations can also be different - burning, aching, bursting, pulling, pressing, etc. Sometimes they appear abruptly, but after a while they pass, and sometimes they are constantly disturbing. How to determine if there is a reason for anxiety, and why the back hurts? Almost every disease has characteristics, which will be discussed next.

List of reasons

It should be noted that back pain between the shoulder blades does not always indicate pathology. It can be provoked by a sedentary lifestyle, in which there is no place for sports and active pursuits. Sedentary work, uncomfortable postures and an improperly organized workplace are just some of the factors that negatively affect muscle tone and human health in general.

However, it is also not worth underestimating the fact that your back hurts regularly. It is necessary to pay attention when and under what circumstances the pain appears, whether there are other symptoms - numbness, burning or a feeling of pressure on the back. The completeness of the clinical picture is extremely important for the doctor who will be involved in the examination and diagnosis.

Causes of pain in the interscapular region:

trauma;
osteochondrosis and its complications - protrusions, hernias, etc.;
scoliosis, kyphosis and their combination - kyphoscoliosis;
spondylarthrosis;
radicular syndrome;
humeroscapular periarthritis;
neuralgia.

All these diseases in one way or another affect the spine or paravertebral structures - nerve endings, ligaments, muscles and soft tissues. However, back pain can also be manifested by disorders in the work of the respiratory, cardiovascular systems, infectious and autoimmune diseases:

ischemia of the heart (CHD), angina pectoris;
myocardial infarction;
pneumonia and its complication - pleurisy;
polio;
tuberculosis infection;
stomach ulcer;
cholecystitis (inflammatory process in gallbladder);
pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

Injuries

One of the causes of pain in the spine can be injuries - dislocations, bruises and fractures. Fractures in the thoracic region are relatively rare, but it is here that they are especially dangerous. This is due to the narrowness of the spinal canal, in which the spinal cord passes, which is responsible for the movements of the upper and lower extremities, respiratory and digestive function.

Compression of the spinal cord by bone structures is accompanied by characteristic symptoms - weakness and muscle hypertonicity in the legs, numbness in the back, chest and upper abdomen. Severe fractures can lead to loss of motor ability and paralysis of the lower extremities.

A compression fracture of the vertebrae, which occurs as a result of their compression, manifests itself a little differently. Pain at the time of injury may be minor, which makes the victim think of a simple bruise. However, gradually pain syndrome increases, and the person is forced to go to the emergency room.

Attention: a fracture of the spine is very serious, with such an injury it is absolutely impossible to be in an upright position. With instability of the spinal column, individual vertebrae can shift, which will lead to damage to the spinal cord and complications.

The cause of vertebral compression can be an intense impact along the axis, a sharp flexion of the back, which is sometimes combined with twisting

A fracture is diagnosed by X-ray, and the patient is admitted to the hospital. In controversial cases, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or myelography may be prescribed to clarify the nature of the fracture. This is especially important if a vertebra is suspected to enter the spinal canal.

If the fracture is caused by an inadequately small mechanical impact, and the patient's age exceeds 50 years, densitometry is performed - a study of bone density for osteoporosis.

When surgery is not required, reposition is carried out in a hospital setting - a gradual increase in the angle of inclination of a special (orthopedic) bed.

Dislocations and subluxations in the thoracic vertebral segment, as well as fractures, are infrequent and are accompanied by the same symptoms - pain in the middle part of the back and numbness of the surrounding tissues.

The vertebrae can be displaced not only under the influence of a direct blow or fall, but also from systematic loads, as well as due to degenerative processes in cartilage (spondylolisthesis).

Dislocations are also treated with traction, but for a shorter period.

When bruised, predominantly soft tissues are affected, which is manifested by typical signs - swelling, pain and hematoma. As a rule, the pain passes after a while and is felt only with pressure and movements.

However, a more serious injury may be hiding behind a bruise, and in case of persistent pain, it is better to go to the emergency room.

Osteochondrosis

The most vulnerable to the development of degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs is the cervical region. This is due to the weak muscular corset surrounding the spine in this area, and the small size of the vertebrae. There are neurovascular bundles in the neck, most of which feed the brain.

Pathological changes in the vertebral joints and discs lead to pain in the back, neck muscles and stiffness during movement. Patients complain that it hurts and dizzy, it is difficult to breathe, it is impossible to take a full breath. The feeling of lack of air is due to irritation of the roots of the phrenic nerve, which is responsible for the depth and frequency of breathing. Due to problems with respiratory function, rapid fatigue occurs, concentration decreases, and memory deteriorates.

The defeat of the thoracic region is accompanied by pain in the back and ribs, numbness and weakness of the upper limbs (usually one arm), a crunch during shoulder movements.

Hernia

A hernia is one of the consequences of osteochondrosis and is a protrusion of the intervertebral disc beyond the anatomical boundaries. A hernia of the thoracic region is manifested not only by pain, but often mimics the symptoms of angina pectoris, stomach ulcers and acute pancreatitis.

Most often, hernias occur in the lumbar region, since the lower vertebral region experiences the greatest load. In second place in the frequency of hernia formation is the cervical segment, where complex movements of a significant volume are carried out - twisting, bending and turning.

This is what a herniated disc looks like

The formation of an intervertebral hernia in the lumbar region is accompanied by severe pain in the middle of the back, which makes it difficult to move and makes you look for the most comfortable position. In the place of localization of the hernia, there is tension in the muscles, as a rule, on one side of the spine. Muscular hypertonicity to the right or left of the spinal column provokes a skew, which creates an additional load on the vertebrae and aggravates the symptoms.

Attention: if a hernia is suspected, it is forbidden to massage and warm compresses, as well as take a hot bath and steam in a bathhouse, sauna. After such procedures, a short-term effect occurs, after which the condition deteriorates sharply.

Radicular syndrome (sciatica)

Pinched nerves occur in various pathologies - osteochondrosis and its complications (hernias, protrusions), spondylolisthesis, osteoporosis, etc. Most often, radicular syndrome occurs due to thinning of the intervertebral discs, which leads to narrowing of the intervertebral foramens and creates favorable conditions for compression of nerve endings.

The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of compression, localization, shape and size of the spinal roots, as well as interradicular connections. In the thoracic region, there are 12 vertebrae, next to which are the nerve roots - T1 - T12. When they are pinched, the following signs:

T3 - T6 - pain in the area of the shoulder blades covers the ribs to the edge of the chest. In women, compression of these roots often causes pain in the mammary glands (mastalgia) or in the left side of the chest (cardialgia);
T7 - T8 - a painful focus occurs near the lower edge of the shoulder blades and extends to the top of the peritoneum. There may be indigestion, discomfort and pain in the stomach;
T9 - T10 - the clinical picture is similar to intercostal neuralgia, when it hurts to breathe due to movements of the chest. There may also be acute pain in the abdomen, which is not always associated with lesions of the spinal nerves;
T 11 - T12 - pain spreads from the lower part of the sternum to the lower abdomen and inguinal region.

With pinched nerves, topical agents help - ointments and gels, but only the treatment of the underlying disease can provide a lasting effect.

Rachiocampsis

There are 3 types of curvature of the spinal column - scoliosis, kyphosis and kyphoscoliosis. All these conditions are characterized by pain of varying intensity between the shoulder blades, numbness and muscle tension.

Scoliosis is a deviation of the spine to the right or left of its axis in the frontal plane. Since the entire spine suffers with this deformity, a curvature in the anterior-posterior direction often develops in the future. This increase in physiological curvature is called kyphosis. The combined lesion is called kyphoscoliosis.

The curvature most often occurs precisely in the thoracic region and, in addition to pain between the shoulder blades, is manifested by the following symptoms:

fatigue and weakness of the back muscles;
visual distortion of the back (one shoulder higher than the other) with scoliosis and stoop with kyphosis;
chest pain on the right or left, depending on the side of the curvature;
Spinal deformity is most often seen when the patient is standing or leaning over.

With scoliosis, kyphosis and their combination, the pain appears mainly periodically and intensifies after a long walk, standing or staying in a fixed position. Complete cessation of pain in the supine position or sitting in a comfortable chair is also characteristic.

Diagnostics

Since the cause of pain in the back is difficult to guess, it is advisable to first consult a therapist. If necessary, he will refer you to a specialist who will diagnose and prescribe treatment. If there was an injury and the pain is caused by its consequences, you can immediately go to the traumatologist.

An orthopedist is engaged in the correction of bone deformity, therefore, if the spine is curvature, you should contact him. Osteochondrosis, radicular syndromes, hernias and intercostal neuralgia are treated with the direct participation of a neurologist.

If the pain between the shoulder blades is accompanied by common symptoms - fever, cough, shortness of breath, as well as digestive disorders - then the help of a phthisiatrician, pulmonologist, surgeon or infectious disease specialist may be required.

Interruptions in the heart rate and pain radiating to the left arm, combined with cold sweat and an unreasonable fear of death, indicate the development of an attack of angina pectoris or a heart attack. In this case, it is necessary to call as soon as possible emergency care.

Depending on the preliminary diagnosis, one or more of the following studies may be prescribed:

radiography;
MRI, CT;
myelography (X-ray with contrast);
discography;
osteoscintigraphy;
Ultrasound (sonography, echography);
electromyography;
FGS (gastroscopy).

In case of pathologies of the spine, an x-ray is always performed first, if necessary in several projections. If a curvature is diagnosed, then there is no need for a detailed examination. In the case of osteochondrosis and with the presence of signs of hernia formation, magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed, which gives a clearer picture.

A pinched nerve in spinal pathologies is almost always manifested by pain and is diagnosed using MRI.

The degree and localization of nerve root damage can be assessed using electromyography, a method that allows you to register electrical activity muscles. If x-rays pathological changes is not visible, an MRI is prescribed to detail the condition of the intervertebral discs and the musculoskeletal apparatus.

Discography is the same X-ray, but carried out after the introduction of a contrast agent into the cartilaginous tissue of the disc. The method is indispensable for the diagnosis of hernias and protrusions. To exclude or confirm cardiac pathology, an ECG is performed. The results of gastroscopy can identify problems with the gastrointestinal tract or make sure that the pain in the stomach is caused by a herniated disc.

Sciatica and intercostal neuralgia are diagnosed based on symptoms and examination of the patient, but an X-ray or MRI may be ordered to determine the cause.

If necessary, the patient is sent for blood, urine and other tests. laboratory research.

Treatment

To eliminate back pain between the shoulder blades, medical, physiotherapeutic methods and massage are used. It is possible to do therapeutic exercises only after relief of acute symptoms. For severe pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are most often used - Diclofenac, Ketorol, Ketoprofen, Dexalgin, Movalis, Ketonal, etc.

For each patient, treatment is selected individually and is not limited to the removal of pain. Among the physiotherapeutic methods, the most effective are:

electrophoresis with Novocain, Eufillin, Lidase, magnesium sulfate (magnesium sulfate);
ultrasound and magnetic therapy;
laser;
acupuncture;
balneotherapy (procedures with mineral waters).

If the pain is caused by an uncomfortable posture, muscle spasticity, fatigue, then you can get rid of it at home. Simple exercises that are performed standing or sitting will help to cope with discomfort and relieve tension. For example, the rotation of the shoulders back and forth, the reduction and separation of the shoulder blades, swings and raises of the arms.

When the shoulder blades are brought together, the back muscles in the thoracic region are stretched, due to which they relax, and the pain goes away. To enhance the effect, you need to hug yourself with your hands, take a deep breath and linger in this position for a few seconds.

Self-massage will also bring relief, it is even better to use the Kuznetsov applicator or a massage mat, on which you just need to lie. If you have a tennis ball at home, it is perfect for working out the paravertebral muscles. It is enough to put the ball under the back on the side of the spine and ride it back and forth.

Attention: If pain occurs during the massage, the session should be stopped or the intensity of exposure should be reduced.

For back pain, you can use local remedies - for example, Indomethacin ointment, Aertal, Voltaren, Dolobene, Finalgon, Nise. When the pain becomes less, it is advisable to use warming agents - Menovazin, Efkamon or Asterisk balm.

For the prevention of pain, the best solution is to regularly perform gymnastics. If the examination revealed a pathology, then for the duration of treatment, excessive physical activity and avoid heavy lifting.

It is necessary to pay attention to the device of the bed, which must correspond to the correct position of the spine during sleep. It is best to use orthopedic products - a pillow and a mattress. If you follow these simple recommendations, you can forget about back pain for a long time. Be healthy!

Pain in any part of the body is not normal. You should not delay a visit to a specialist if they are long and lengthy. The diagnosis is largely determined by the focus of pain.

If the pain occurs between the shoulder blades, establishing the exact cause becomes quite problematic. It may take quite a long time until the doctor establishes, due to an ailment. Pain is not always the result of spinal problems. It can be provoked by various pathologies with tendons, ligaments, muscles in the interscapular region.

Often, pain between the shoulder blades in the back is associated with a rather unpleasant feeling of heaviness, as well as a burning sensation. In most cases, it completely recedes or dulls when a person changes the position of the body. If the pain does not go away after changing the posture, they are often due to heart disease, spinal problems and other ailments. There are quite a few reasons.

The appearance of interscapular pain can be a symptom of any ailment. When it is accompanied by goosebumps, a feeling of some frostbite and numbness, then a person may suffer from one of the following ailments:

angina;
ischemic heart disease;
kyphosis;
scoliosis;
intercostal neuralgia;
spondylarthrosis;
peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum;
kyphoscoliosis;
herniated disc of one of the spines located in the chest area.

Persistent pain between the ribs often occurs due to prolonged physical exertion on the muscles of the shoulder girdle. They are not typical for training, but for leading a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. This causes the fact that knowledge workers, seamstresses and typists suffer from this problem.

The thoracic vertebral region is practically immobile and deformation changes are not typical for it, especially any significant ones. Exceptional situations are, of course, possible. The presence or absence of deformity is shown by X-ray examination. It is strongly recommended to undergo it, since the occurrence of pain in this area is typical for a long-term load, so curvature may be present to one degree or another.

Interscapular pain is felt in different ways. This is due to the root cause of its occurrence. If it is a problem with the tendons, it feels completely different.

Competent doctors who can help in the treatment of pain between the shoulder blades

The circle of doctors who should be contacted for an accurate diagnosis is extensive, due to the source that led to the problem. A person experiencing interscapular pain should visit and then be treated by one of the following specialists:

cardiologist;
rheumatologist;
traumatologist;
gastroenterologist;
neurologist.

Treatment may involve referral to a chiropractor and massage therapist. Everything depends on the diagnosis.

Causes of back pain between the shoulder blades

The above sources of development and occurrence of the problem are quite diverse, but given that in most cases the cause is associated with stress, it often manifests itself as a result of a prolonged load on the shoulder girdle. The latter is most often due to poor posture, which, in turn, leads to scoliosis or, in simple terms, to the curvature of the spinal region.

Often, back pain felt in the area between the shoulder blades provokes osteochondrosis of the cervical or thoracic vertebral sections. This disease is often accompanied by spondylarthrosis of the chest. Defeats internal organs are not a common cause leading to the occurrence of interscapular pain. They are most often accompanied by other symptoms.

Scoliosis is an ailment "acquired" as a result of an incorrect lifestyle. Its development provokes a long stay in one position. This leads to the creation of a significant load on the muscle groups of the cervical region, as well as the vertebrae.

Osteochondrosis, as a rule, develops as a result of all kinds of damage to the intervertebral discs. It can be bundle, inflammation, deformation.

The disease can occur anywhere in the spine. Often, scoliosis occurs against the background of spondylarthrosis and osteochondrosis. Each of the ailments is usually accompanied by pain localized on the back in the area between the shoulder blades.

In addition, pulmonary diseases, including inflammation, that is, pneumonia, can cause a problem. In order to prevent such an extreme, doctors advise to undergo fluorography every year. Diseases associated with disorders in the work of the heart are rarely accompanied by interscapular pain. If the problem begins to bother, you should immediately contact a specialist.

Treatment of pain between the shoulder blades in the back

Most people, in order to alleviate their condition, resort to physiotherapy, which involves performing exercises as part of therapeutic physical culture, medicines. The most commonly used drugs are anti-inflammatory drugs. nonsteroidal drugs, including nymic, ketonal and other analogues.

Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment, as a rule, are combined with each other. Often resort to sanatorium and spa treatment, to manual and acupuncture procedures, massage sessions, laser and magnetotherapy, ultrasound and lidase electrophoresis. The exact scheme is selected by the doctor. The specialist chooses the treatment that best suits the patient, depending on the diagnosis, in order to quickly eliminate pain and speed up recovery.

Therapeutic exercise, along with the listed procedures, helps to alleviate and relieve pain in the interscapular region. It is prescribed by the attending physician when the pain syndrome begins to recede, it involves the development and daily performance of certain exercises. They do not stop doing it after recovery as a prevention of relapse.

Experts recommend absolutely all people to try to create the most comfortable conditions for optimal load on the muscular system. This involves correct posture, gait, a comfortable position during sleep and mobility, that is, a certain physical activity.

What is the right way of life?

Every person from an early age is told about the importance of giving up bad habits, leading a mobile lifestyle and playing sports, but not everyone knows what exactly is meant by this. The concept of a healthy lifestyle is more complex, since it involves taking into account the environmental situation and observing the basics proper nutrition, as well as other important factors. But diet is paramount.

What foods should be avoided?

In order for the body to function normally, the following foods should not be in the human diet:

flour and confectionery products;
sugar, chocolate and butter;
sausage and frankfurter products;
fast food.

The amount of concentrated juices drunk should be kept to a minimum.

What should you eat every day?

salmon, pink salmon, horse mackerel, trout;
veal and beef;
chicken and turkey meat;
more vegetables and fruits;
dried fruits and cereals;
natural yogurt, kefir and cottage cheese;
Adyghe and Dutch cheeses, as well as mozzarella and gouda.

It is necessary to monitor the compatibility of products, and not to use everything at once. You should not eat borscht, potatoes with meat at the same time, singing the dishes with jelly.

Pain in the spine between the shoulder blades is one of the most common phenomena.

True, due to the fact that they are not strong due to the inactivity of this area, many consider them just a small inconvenience that will torment a little and pass.

People are very surprised if, as a result, a rather rather big “bouquet” of serious diseases is found.

The main causes of pain

Diseases

There are a number of reasons why the thoracic spine can hurt:

Kyphoscoliosis.
Shoulder-scapular periarthrosis.
Injuries.
or .
Myofascial pain.
or thoracic spine.
Flat feet.

Unfortunately, not only diseases of the spine can cause pain in the spine in the region of the shoulder blades.

Diseases of the internal organs can also lead to such a symptom:

Cardiac ischemia.
Angina.
Severe illnesses lungs and pulmonary pleura.
Liver diseases.
Cholecystitis.
Hepatitis.
Ulcer.
So-called "occupational diseases".
Arthrosis of the shoulder joint.
Shoulder arthritis.
Tumors.
Meningitis.
Tuberculosis.
Poliomyelitis and many infectious diseases.

Factors that can provoke pain in the thoracic spine

The problem can be called the fact that this pain is completely different. Having a chronic form, it can ache and burst, or it can be sharp, sharp.

It happens that the back becomes numb, it seems that goosebumps run along it, or you pull a heavy load on yourself. And it brings considerable discomfort, because these the symptoms are extremely distressing.

A pronounced symptom greatly affects the way of life and activity of a person, the quality of his physical capabilities.

Pain can be caused by the following factors:

Lifestyle.
"Office", sedentary work.
Irregularity and lack of physical activity (lack of exercise, various sports sections).
Excessive physical activity, especially if they fall out to a person with an untrained body.
Excess body weight.
Injuries.
Sharp tension due to lifting weights.

Manifestations of pain between the shoulder blades

Acute

During such an attack, the patient may experience a sensation of burning pain, as if someone were driving a stake into the spine. At the same time, it becomes stronger when you try to take a deep breath or exhale, turn or bend down, turn or tilt your head.

Chronic

In the chronic stage, pain in the spine can go after one or more attacks of acute pain. At this stage, it pulls the shoulders, bursts between the shoulder blades, and heaviness is felt.

How to get rid of back discomfort at home

In order to remove the pain, you need very little effort.

Stretch and get into a comfortable position

If you work in an uncomfortable position, then you just need to change it and warm up a little.

To do this, it is best to make a few circular movements with your shoulders, turn around a few times, and move and push your shoulder blades.

And you can also do this exercise: while sitting or standing, hug yourself tightly so that the shoulder blades part, then take a deep breath so that the shoulder blades open even more, hold your breath for a few seconds and exhale. During these exercises, muscle spasm is relieved, after which the pain itself quietly disappears.

Massage

Massage is very helpful in relieving pain. And it is not necessary to go to a massage therapist, you can even rub those muscles that are in the accessible area yourself, or ask one of your colleagues or relatives about it, depending on where you are.

If the pain is due to dystrophically altered tendons and ligaments, then it must be borne in mind that calcium salts are sometimes debugged in the tissues in violation of proper nutrition.

Such damages can be formed due to mechanical injuries and are less treatable.

How else can you help yourself with these pains?

To do this, you should buy a tennis ball.

It is necessary to put the ball on the floor and lie on it with your back, then start “rolling” on it along the vertebra on both sides. This procedure must be done for about 3, up to 5 minutes. But dragging on longer is dangerous, it is fraught with increased pain. To improve processes, it is necessary to carry out the procedure for 3-4 weeks.

All this can be supplemented with a light massage-rubbing along the spine and the exercises indicated above.

Back exercises

Head tilt forward while pressing on the forehead with the fingers, which must be kept woven. Then the pressure of the hands on the back of the head, the left temple, then the right. Hands and head should oppose each other. Each movement is 10 sec.
Lying on your back, bend your knees. Then we press with the left hand on the knee of the right leg, which counteracts the hand. Keep it up until you're completely tired. Then we change hands. This exercise will strengthen your back muscles.
From a prone position, bend one leg at the knee, clasp it with your hands and try to press it to your chest. We hold until tired. Then the same with the other leg. Then we bend both legs, press them to the chest and try to swing on our spine. This will help stretch the muscles. We only do it on hard surfaces.

If an inflammatory process occurs in the muscles, then it is necessary to conduct a course of treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Dicloberl, diclofenac, Voltaren, Ortofen.

Such a course is carried out for 3-4 days.

The inflamed area also needs external preparations:

hydrocortisone ointment;
Fastum-gel;
indomethacin ointment;
Diclakgel.

When the inflammation subsides, you can use topical drugs that irritate nerve endings: "Asterisk", Menovazin and others. In the third week, it is worth switching to drugs that affect blood vessels, such as Nicroflex.

If after the first week of treatment there are no positive changes, immediately contact the hospital.

Professional help

When treated in a hospital, the pain syndrome is removed using a complex method of treatment. In this case, medicines, physiotherapy and physiotherapy exercises are used. The doctor calculates the necessary complex for each patient individually.

Medications

Of the drugs, steroid-free anti-inflammatory drugs are used: ketonal, nimic, movalis, etc.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy treatments include:

ultrasound therapy.
Electrophoresis of nimid and lidase.
Traction.
Massages.
Electrotherapy.
laser impact.
Acupuncture.
Soft methods of manual therapy.
Spa treatment.

A course of treatment acute pain in the spine between the shoulder blades is 7-10 sessions. Chronic pain disappears after 10-12 sessions.

Which doctor should I contact?

For back pain, the following specialists are usually referred to:

traumatologist;
pulmonologist;
rheumatologist;
chiropractor;
neurologist;
masseur;
cardiologist.

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Answers to frequently asked questions

Why does pain occur between the shoulder blades when turning or tilting the head?

Pain may occur in connection with degenerative-dystrophic pathologies of the spine - vertebrogenic cervicalgia and thoracalgia, cervicothoracalgia.

Why does the spine hurt between the shoulder blades when inhaling?

Such a symptom can be observed with intercostal neuralgia or overload of the pectoral muscles.

Why does pain appear in the spine between the shoulder blades during pregnancy?

One of the main reasons is an increase in the uterus, which is why a woman, changing her position, needs to use additional muscles that we do not actively use during such actions.

Why does my spine hurt after sleeping?

This may be due to osteochondrosis, curvature of the spine, or even just an uncomfortable sleeping position.

Why does coughing cause pain in the spine between the shoulder blades?

This may mean that you have developed diseases in respiratory organs, in the circulatory system, in the genitourinary system or in the nervous system.

Most people, when they experience back pain between the shoulder blades, associate its occurrence with various disorders of the spinal column, nerve roots, ligaments, intervertebral discs, or the discs themselves. But it should be remembered that such painful sensations can also be associated with other diseases of the chest organs - the stomach, heart, respiratory system, mediastinal organs.

Such pain can be either acute, which grows rapidly and either passes quickly or increases significantly with time, or chronic, which worries the patient for a long time and requires an accurate diagnosis, since it can be a symptom of a serious pathology of any chest organs. Sometimes pain between the shoulder blades can occur only after sudden physical exertion or after a long stay in a certain uncomfortable position.

It should be remembered that pain in the interscapular region is not a disease, but a symptom, and before using any or, the real cause of their appearance should be established. When contacting a doctor, it is very important to describe all the slightest concomitant symptoms that accompany pain, the time of their occurrence, provoking factors for its intensification, since the doctor needs help in determining the direction of the examination and it is sometimes very difficult to establish the correct diagnosis without accurate data on the nature of the pain.

Very often, untimely identification of the true cause of pain between the shoulder blades forces a person to undergo a lot of expensive and lengthy examinations, use various treatment options, which are sometimes prescribed inappropriately and therefore do not bring the desired result. Therefore, it is very important that the patient himself knows about the possible list of diseases, which is characterized by this pain syndrome.

Pain caused by pathologies of the spinal column

We will not dwell on such obvious reasons as bruises, injuries, dislocations and fractures of the vertebrae, but consider others. possible reasons such back pain.

Intervertebral hernia

You should know that this is a very rare occurrence, since this part of the spine does not carry such an increased load as the cervical and lumbar regions. To diagnose or exclude this pathology, the neurologist, the osteopath directs the patient to MRI, CT. Changes in intervertebral hernia are due to the fact that the fibrous ring - the outer part of the intervertebral disc from the tear begins to protrude, while the distance between the vertebrae decreases and the nerve roots are pinched. That is, the fibrous ring cracks, the nucleus pulposus (shock absorber in the center of the disc) begins to protrude into it.

If such a hernia is found, doctors prescribe NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory medicines), physiotherapy, exercise therapy, reflexology, in severe cases, a surgical operation is indicated. The difference between such pain in an intervertebral hernia of the thoracic spine from other pathologies is its localization in only one place, and the pain can also radiate to chest, which may resemble symptoms of lung or heart dysfunction. With a long-term lack of treatment of an intervertebral hernia, a curvature of the spine, paraparesis of the lower extremities, a disorder of the functions of the pelvic organs, and chronic pain syndrome may occur.

Overstrain in combination with hypothermia of the back muscles

Overstrain of the back muscles can also cause pain in the shoulder blades, this is not considered a disease, but with frequent excessive loads, weight lifting, prolonged sitting in a sitting position, in a monotonous posture, the risk of developing osteochondrosis, scoliosis, intervertebral hernias. Very often, people whose work forces them to stay in the same position for several hours a day suffer from such pains - these are seamstresses, drivers, office workers, surgeons.

Sometimes, when such a profession and an air conditioner, hypothermia are combined, a so-called backache can occur, when the pain becomes more intense and requires the appointment of NSAIDs (), the use of warming, distracting ointments, massage, etc. To prevent such complications, one should try to avoid drafts, keep the most active lifestyle, do yoga, bodyflex, therapeutic exercises, take a course of professional massage every six months.

Tuberculosis of the spine

Today, many doctors seem to “forget” about this disease, and anti-tuberculosis services in the country for some reason are declining, and in fact, almost 90% of the population have been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis since childhood. If a person is injured, especially the back, or a joint, or simply becomes very cold, with a very weakened immune system, a tuberculous focus often occurs at the site of the injury, which even on X-rays by specific signs is not always possible to recognize in time.

Often in such cases, the diagnosis is established only when the person is already exhausted from terrible pain and has a number of complications. With this disease, a person may be disturbed by very strong, burning pain between the shoulder blades, patients describe it as twisting or drilling at one point of the spine, as well as when the focus is localized in the thoracic spine, in which burning, heat, and aches are felt.

Tuberculosis of the spine is very insidious disease, moreover, when it occurs in the spine, the patient does not always have foci in the lungs, this can be an independent focus of tuberculosis infection in any part of the spine. People are accustomed to the idea that tuberculosis is a disease that affects only low social strata of the population and is localized, as a rule, only in the lungs. This is a huge misconception!

When the body's defenses are weakened, Koch's wand, which is in the body of almost every person, is activated in the most weakened organs and a slow inflammatory process begins, it can be like the kidneys, The lymph nodes, the female fallopian tubes, the prostate or testicles in men, and individual vertebrae in the spine or joints in the limbs.

Scoliosis

According to statistics, almost 50% of the population has various degrees of scoliosis development - curvature, twisting of the spinal column, and most often it is the thoracic spine in combination with the cervical or lumbar regions. And since the ribs are connected with the thoracic regions, the shape of the chest also changes. There are a lot of reasons for its development - these are congenital pathologies of ligaments, bones, as well as acquired ones - intense physical overload, sedentary office work or schoolchildren sitting at a desk.

With lateral and direct chest x-rays, a surgeon, neurologist, orthopedist, or osteopath can make a similar diagnosis. Therapy of such a pathology should be very intensive and long - this is a massage, wearing a special corset, therapeutic exercises. In scoliosis, back pain between the shoulder blades is the leading symptom, and the following symptoms are also inherent in it:

On the early stage visually, the curvature may be subtle, but with the progression of scoliosis when examining the patient from behind, the curvature becomes noticeable.
With scoliosis, there is an increase in fatigue of the back muscles
Shoulders and arm position may be at different heights
Pain that disturbs the patient in the chest is localized more often in one side
Between the shoulder blades, pain can be both periodic from severe overexertion or a long standing or sitting position, and can also be constant.

Osteochondrosis

Since the primary stages of osteochondrosis are today found even in ten-year-old children, this pathology can rightfully be called the scourge of a modern city dweller. More recently, this disease was considered a disease of the elderly, but modern life, an incorrect, sedentary lifestyle, leads to early development dystrophic changes in the joints and spine. The cause of back pain is promoted by the inflammatory process that develops in the surrounding tissues around the damaged vertebrae, as well as due to pinched nerve roots. The following symptoms are characteristic of osteochondrosis:

Constant, aching pain in the back, aggravated by sneezing, coughing, a sharp change in body position, during physical exertion
When straightening the shoulders, you can hear a crunch between the shoulder blades
Chest pain can be described as if "the stake is worth it"
Reducing the mobility of the ribs leads to difficulty in breathing, and the person, as it were, begins to breathe in the stomach
Movement in the hands is limited, weakness, tingling or numbness in the hands is felt.

Intercostal neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia usually bothers a person with pain in one side of the chest, but in rare cases it can also be in the area of the shoulder blades. This occurs in situations where there is compression of the nerve roots in the thoracic region during excessive loads, hypothermia, injuries, infectious diseases or with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.

When, the pain is aggravated by pressure on the chest, when coughing, and can disturb the patient both day and night. Since pain in osteochondrosis, scoliosis and intercostal neuralgia is very difficult to differentiate, to clarify the diagnosis, one should contact qualified orthopedists, neurologists, osteopaths, and surgeons.

Spondylarthrosis

This disease is very similar to osteochondrosis, according to the nature of the pain, according to the factors that increase it during exercise, change in body position. It is also chronic, with periods of exacerbations and remissions. It is possible to distinguish spondylarthrosis from osteochondrosis only with the help of X-ray, MRI or CT. In this disease, cartilage is destroyed and replaced bone tissue, therefore, bony protrusions can be found on the vertebrae.

Myositis of the back muscles

After any hypothermia, muscle strain, back injuries may occur. Like any disease, it can be acute or chronic. Pain in this case can be in any part of the spine, they are aching in nature and also increase with palpation, movement, physical exertion. This is not a dangerous condition and use usually helps.

Diseases of the internal organs

As we have already said, pain in the shoulder blades on the back is not always a sign of diseases of the spine, almost all diseases of the mediastinal organs, heart, stomach, pancreas and gallbladder can contribute to the appearance of pain in the back. In our time of oncological tension, when cancer spares neither children nor adults, the development of tumors of the mediastinal organs, stomach, and lungs can also be manifested by pain in the shoulder blades.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system

Ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, angina are diseases that can also be the cause of such pain. With angina. for example, the pain never lasts more than 5 minutes, and with nitroglycerin it usually resolves immediately. However, in an acute attack, if strong pain last more than 5 minutes, decreases arterial pressure, cold sweat appears, pallor skin, an ambulance should be called immediately.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Stomach ulcer, pancreatitis, cholecystitis are three diseases that may also be responsible for the occurrence of pain in the thoracic region both in front and behind. Also, the development of oncological diseases of the stomach, pancreas can cause such sensations.

Respiratory system diseases

If the patient, in addition to back pain, is worried about coughing, an increase in body temperature, even a slight one, the cause may be lung pathologies. Usually, diseases such as pneumonia or pleurisy are preceded by hypothermia, acute respiratory viral infections, influenza. Recently, cases of atypical forms of pneumonia have become more frequent, when pneumonia is caused by pathogens such as mycoplasma or chlamydia, they are not accompanied by very high temperature, and can occur against the background of subfebrile condition, while back pain may appear on the right, on the left, when inhaling, especially aggravated with a deep breath. The main criterion for distinguishing lung pathology from other causes is the presence of temperature, not even high, and cough.

Other diseases

Osteoporosis with fractures of the vertebral bodies, say, against the background of long-term use of steroid hormones or a drop in estrogen in postmenopausal women.
Metastasis to the vertebrae of stomach cancer, for example, can also cause pain.
Spontaneous fractures with irrational loads.
Ankylochiating spondylitis () systemic disease. Affecting more often than men, in which, against the background of inflammation, the vertebrae are affected and ossification of the ligaments occurs. As a result, the spine becomes inflexible and is described radiologically as a bamboo stick.