Pain between the shoulder blades is often due to muscle strain, which may result from lifting heavy objects, poor posture, or overuse. Other health issues can cause upper back pain, though, including acid reflux, disc problems, gall bladder disorders, or even a heart attack. Different disorders will cause different types of pain.
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the superior (upper) portion of the shoulder joint, comprised of the distal (furthest from the center of the body) portion of the collar bone (clavicle) and the acromion process of your shoulder blade (scapula). Problems here can lead to loss of shoulder motion, pain, and difficulty performing tasks that require the use of your arm.
Chronic pain and inflammation can really take a toll on your physical and mental health. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) can help reduce pain and inflammation. But they also carry certain risks for cardiovascular and kidney issues, stroke, bleeding and ulcers when you take them for extended periods of time. Fortunately, there are topical anti-inflammatory creams that offer the same amount of relief with significantly reduced risks.
A SLAP tear is an injury to the labrum, the cartilage rim that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. SLAP stands for "superior labrum anterior and posterior," meaning that the tear occurs at the front of the upper arm where the bicep tendon connects to the shoulder.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known for causing all-over inflammation and pain. It happens when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the synovium, the lining of the joints. RA can target the synovial lining of the shoulder joint.
Dupuytren's contracture is a condition that causes tight tissue to form in the palm of the hand and fingers. Exactly why this condition occurs is a bit of a mystery, but there is a known genetic component and there have been other factors including lifestyle, activities, and other medical conditions that may also play a part.
If you have fallen onto an outstretched hand (or a FOOSH injury), then you may have suffered a Colles' fracture. A Colles' fracture a break in the radius bone of the forearm, very close to the wrist joint. It typically requires surgery to reduce or set the bones.
Armpit pain can have many causes, ranging from injuries and irritants to infections that cause swollen lymph nodes. Less commonly, the pain-referred to as axillary pain-may be due to an autoimmune or arterial disease, nerve compression, and malignancies like breast cancer.
Intercostal muscle strain is an injury affecting the muscles between two or more ribs. Symptoms can include sharp, direct pain, stiffness, and mobility difficulties.
Rhomboid muscle pain occurs between the shoulder blades and spine. It may feel like tenderness around the shoulder blade. Risk factors for rhomboid muscle pain include injury and general overuse.