Upper Back Pain Between Shoulder Blades Causes

What causes upper back pain between the shoulder blades? Although some minor back pain can be caused by overexertion or exercise, it's definitely not normal, and it may require medical assistance to treat. Here are the most common causes of this type of back pain:

1. Improper posture: Have a desk job? Sitting for too long can cause you to sit improperly, causing pain between the shoulder blades. Although it isn't serious, it can be painful if you continue to sit improperly.
2. Arthritis: Although arthritis commonly occurs in the joints, such as the joints in the hands, it can also affect the shoulder blades. When this occurs, you may feel upper back pain between your shoulder blades. Traditional arthritis treatment can help lessen the pain.
3. Cervical herniated disc: Although this is a less common cause--herniated discs usually occur in the lower back--you shouldn't necessarily rule this out as a cause. Common signs include dull pain in the neck or upper back, which can cause numbing or tingling sensations in the arms, hands or fingers.
4. A shoulder injury: Major trauma to the shoulder blade that alters its structure can also lead to excruciating back pain, which may need immediate treatment. Certain painkillers may dull the pain in the interim.
5. Muscle inflammation: Certain movements or exercises have been shown to inflame the shoulder muscles, which can affect the area between the shoulder blades. Normally rest and painkillers can soothe the pain, but additional medical treatment may be needed.
6. Rotator cuff injury: Located at the top of the upper arm, the rotator cuff allows you to move and rotate your arms, but when it is damaged, it can affect the entire region surrounding it. This includes your upper back. Pain when lifting your arm, weakness in the arm joint or pain when lowering the arm are signs that it is injured.