Interscapular pain is discomfort or pain felt in the upper back between the shoulder blades. Doctors use this term to describe this common ailment. The pain can vary greatly in intensity and character, ranging from a dull ache to a sharp, shooting pain. It's often localized to the area between the shoulder blades but may radiate to the neck, arms, or lower back. The pain can be constant or intermittent, and its severity can fluctuate.
Causes of Interscapular Pain
Many factors can contribute to interscapular pain. These include, but are not limited to:
- Muscle strain or spasm: This is a very common cause, often stemming from poor posture, overuse, or injury.
- Nerve entrapment: Conditions such as dorsal scapular nerve entrapment can lead to significant pain in this area. For example, nerve entrapment at the scalenus medius muscle or stretching during overhead activities can be causative factors. [Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23220342/]
- Joint problems: Issues with the zygapophyseal joints in the spine can contribute to interscapular pain, particularly after procedures like anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Over-distraction of these joints is a potential contributing factor. [Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38792516/, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11122480/]
- Referred pain: Pain originating from other areas of the body, such as the heart, lungs, or esophagus, can sometimes manifest as interscapular pain.
Characteristics of Interscapular Pain
The experience of interscapular pain is subjective, varying from person to person. However, common characteristics include:
- Location: Primarily between the shoulder blades, potentially radiating to other areas.
- Intensity: Can range from mild to severe.
- Character: Can be described as aching, dull, sore, or sharp and shooting.
- Duration: Can be constant or intermittent.
Seeking Medical Attention
While many cases of interscapular pain resolve on their own or with simple self-care measures, it’s crucial to consult a doctor if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever, weakness, or numbness. A proper diagnosis is needed to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
