What causes pain between the shoulder blades?
Pain between the shoulder blades at risk
Pain between the shoulder blades is more common in certain groups of people, including:
Women: Although both men and women can experience pain between the shoulder blades, women seem to be more prone to it. This may be due to differences in physique, hormonal fluctuations (e.g. during menstruation or pregnancy), and a greater tendency to store stress physically, such as in the shoulders and upper back. Want to know more specifically about pain between the shoulder blades in women? Then scroll all the way down in this blog for more information!
People with sedentary jobs: People who sit a lot, for example office workers, are more likely to experience pain between the shoulder blades. Prolonged sitting, especially in poor posture, can cause tension in the shoulders, neck and upper back, leading to pain in this area.
Individuals with elevated levels of stress or anxiety: Stress and anxiety can cause muscle pain, as the body often responds to psychological pressure by tightening muscles, especially in the shoulder and neck area. People who experience a lot of stress are at greater risk of experiencing pain between the shoulder blades.
Athletes or people doing heavy physical work: Heavy physical exertion, such as intense sports or physical work, can lead to overuse of the muscles between the shoulder blades. Athletes, as well as people who often lift heavy objects or perform repetitive movements, are therefore at greater risk of muscle pain in this area.
Elders: In the elderly, the risk of muscle and joint pain increases. This is due to natural wear and tear of muscles and joints and a decrease in flexibility and muscle strength. As a result, elderly people are more likely to experience back pain, including pain between the shoulder blades.
So pain between the shoulder blades can affect anyone, but is more common in women, people with sedentary lifestyles, those with high stress levels and those who do heavy physical work or intense exercise.
What can you do to alleviate this pain?
Exercise regularly: Exercises that strengthen the back and shoulder blades can help reduce pain. We also have a written a special blog about exercises for pain between the shoulder blades
Pay attention to your posture: Ensure good ergonomic posture, especially during prolonged sitting or working. If you have the opportunity, invest in a good office chair.
Chiropractic care: Chiropractic care focuses on restoring the correct alignment of the spine, allowing the nervous system to function optimally and reducing the pain in your shoulders. A chiropractor can identify the cause of the pain and offer specific treatments to restore balance.
Chiropractic care for pain between the shoulders
When you visit a chiropractor because of shoulder problems, the consultation usually starts with a thorough examination and discussion about your medical history and your specific complaints. The chiropractor will assess the range of motion of your shoulder joints and identify possible sources of the complaints. He/she may then apply appropriate treatments, such as gentle adjustments, mobilisation techniques or specific exercises to improve mobility and reduce muscle tension. The aim is to restore the shoulder's natural balance and function to relieve pain. The chiropractor will also advise on possible lifestyle changes or exercises that can help reduce symptoms and promote overall health. Read more about what exactly a chiropractor does!
Care at The Family Chiropractor
Want to get rid of annoying symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life again? Make an appointment at The Family Chiropractor today! Our dedicated team is ready to help you with expert chiropractic care. We take the time to listen to your specific needs and offer tailor-made solutions to improve your health. Don't hesitate any longer and contact us for an appointment In our small-scale family practice!
Pain between shoulder blades woman
Pain between the shoulder blades is a common problem in women. Although it is often attributed to muscular problems, there may also be several factors involved that are specific to women. Below, we look at specific causes of pain between the shoulder blades in women (other than the general causes mentioned above)
Hormones and pregnancy: hormonal fluctuations, such as those during menstruation or pregnancy, can cause muscle and joint pain. During pregnancy, the body's centre of gravity shifts, which can cause extra pressure on the back, including the area between the shoulder blades. This can lead to tension and pain in the back muscles, which can also persist after childbirth.
Physical manifestation of stress and tension: women often experience physical symptoms of stress, such as tense muscles in the shoulders and upper back. Emotional strain can manifest itself in physical pain, especially in the area between the shoulder blades. Prolonged stress can lead to chronic muscle tension, making the pain last longer and more difficult to treat.
Breast disorders: although very rare, pain between the shoulder blades in women can also be related to breast conditions. Problems such as breast cysts or even cardiovascular disease can radiate to the shoulders and back. It is important to seek medical advice in case of persistent or unexplained pain.
There are several ways to treat and prevent pain between the shoulder blades woman. If you have a good chiropractor, he/she will create a personalised, tailor-made treatment plan for you that takes into account your unique situation. Pain between the shoulder blades is unfortunately common in women, but with the right approach, you can relieve the pain and prevent it from becoming a long-term problem.
