The shoulder blade (scapula) is a flat triangular bone in the upper back. It’s attached to a network of muscles that make it possible for you to move your arms. Pain between the shoulder blades is often caused by a problem with one of these muscles or a muscle around the spine called the thoracic spinal nerves.
Sometimes, back pain in the area of your shoulder blade may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a heart attack. Other times, it’s an indicator of a chronic condition such as acid reflux or pancreatitis. Taking steps to prevent and treat shoulder blade pain can help you avoid future problems.
If you have back pain, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Then, your doctor will do a physical exam of your neck and upper back. You may also have a variety of tests, such as an X-ray or a CT scan.
Muscle injuries: The most common cause of pain between the shoulder blades is an injury to the muscles and ligaments in your upper back. These injuries can happen due to a specific incident, such as a fall or over-exertion during physical activity. They can also develop over time, as a result of repetitive movements or bad posture.
Muscle knots: These are areas of tense, inflexed muscles that feel hard and tender to touch, like a tight ball or knot. You can get them from playing certain sports or sitting hunched over for long periods of time, especially when you do it all day at work. Using heat and ice to soothe the area and getting regular massages can ease this type of back pain shoulder blade