Pain between the shoulder blades and shortness of breath can be caused by numerous medical conditions, including certain heart and lung disorders, spinal problems, and certain forms of arthritis. Depending on the cause, treatments range from physical therapy and medications to lifestyle modifications and surgery.
Some of the more common disorders that can cause pain between the shoulder blades and shortness of breath include:
• Costochondritis: Costochondritis occurs when the cartilage between the ribs becomes inflamed and irritated. Symptoms of costochondritis include pain in the chest wall, especially between the shoulder blades, and shortness of breath.
This condition is usually treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy.
• Pulmonary embolism: Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition in which a clot or piece of material blocks a lung artery. Symptoms include chest pain, often between the shoulder blades, as well as shortness of breath.
Treatment for pulmonary embolism usually involves anticoagulant medications and clot dissolvers to make the clot dissolve.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of bones wears down. Pain, stiffness, and aching in the area between the shoulder blades is a common symptom of this condition.
Treatment may include medications to relieve pain, hot and cold therapy, and physical therapy.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia occurs when the air sacs in the lungs become inflamed and fill with fluid. Symptoms of pneumonia include sharp pain between the shoulder blades, coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Treatment typically involves antibiotics, supportive care, and rest.
If you are experiencing pain between the shoulder blades and difficulty breathing, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Can heart problems cause pain between shoulder blades?
Yes, heart problems can cause pain between the shoulder blades. Pain between the shoulder blades is one of the potential symptoms of a heart attack which is a medical emergency. Other conditions like angina, myocarditis, aortic dissection, and cardiomyopathy can also cause pain between the shoulder blades.
Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart and often radiates to the shoulder blades. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart and can cause chest or shoulder blade pain. Aortic dissection occurs when the inner layers of the aorta separate and can lead to pain between the shoulder blades.
Cardiomyopathy is a condition that occurs when the heart muscle becomes thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood and can cause shoulder blade pain.
Pain between shoulder blades can also be caused by other conditions, such as muscular strain, lung and esophageal conditions, and digestive issues. If you experience any pain in the area, you should seek medical attention to determine the cause.
Do not take any medications or attempt any treatments on your own, before consulting a doctor.
How do you know if shoulder blade pain is heart related?
It can be difficult to determine whether or not shoulder blade pain is heart-related. Typically, pain in the shoulder blade that is heart-related will be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, cold sweats, and lightheadedness.
If the shoulder blade pain is severe and accompanied by any of these additional symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
In some cases, shoulder blade pain may be the only symptom that you experience, but this still doesn’t necessarily mean that it is heart-related. It is important to speak with a doctor and explain all of your symptoms so that they can investigate further and reach an accurate diagnosis.
While it can be difficult to determine the cause of shoulder blade pain, talking to a doctor is the only way to ensure you get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Why does my upper back hurt between my shoulder blades?
Your upper back can hurt between your shoulder blades for many different reasons, including poor posture, muscle strain, and medical conditions such as arthritis and herniated discs.
Poor posture can cause a strain on the muscles of your upper back. Sitting for long periods of time in an incorrect position, or hunching over your computer for hours can put strain on the muscles between your shoulder blades.
It is important to practice proper posture when sitting or standing to reduce the strain that poor posture can have over time.
In addition, muscle strain can cause pain in the upper back between your shoulder blades. Strains can occur from overuse of the muscles in your upper back, such as from weightlifting or throwing activities.
When straining the muscles, it is important to stretch and rest the muscles to reduce the strain, or it can worsen over time.
Medical conditions such as arthritis, bursitis and herniated discs can also cause upper back pain. Arthritis is a common condition which can affect the joints and surrounding area, resulting in pain and swelling.
Bursitis is an inflammation of a fluid filled sac which cushions the joint and can cause upper back pain. A herniated disc is a condition which occurs when the gel like material between your vertebrae bulges out, resulting in nerve pain in the affected area.
If the pain between your shoulder blades persists, you should speak to your doctor for an evaluation and possible treatment.
When should I be worried about pain between my shoulder blades?
If you are experiencing pain between your shoulder blades that persists or worsens, it is important to seek medical attention. Such pain may be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as an infection, muscle strain, or something more serious such as a heart or lung condition.
Many issues can cause shoulder blade pain and other symptoms such as numbness and tingling, limited range of motion, weakness, fever, or even coughing up blood. Speak with your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms in addition to pain between your shoulder blades.
It is especially important to seek medical attention immediately if your shoulder blade pain is caused by an injury or accident, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, shoulder pain, or other signs of a heart attack.
How can you tell if back pain is muscular or something else?
When dealing with back pain, it is important to know whether the pain is muscular in origin or caused by something else. Muscular back pain usually occurs due to heavy lifting, overuse, poor posture, lack of activity, or an injury.
Symptoms typically include muscle ache or spasms, tightness, a dull ache, or pain when twisting or arching the back.
If the pain becomes more intense with activity, resolves during rest, and is localized to a particular area, it is likely that the pain is muscular in origin. However, it is important to consider other causes of back pain as well, as they could be more serious in nature.
For example, a herniated disc in the vertebrae can cause sharp pain and discomfort in the lower back, and may even radiate down into the limbs. Pain that worsens with changes in positions may also indicate a fracture or an issue with the spine or joints.
If the pain is sudden and severe, and is accompanied by a fever or tingling or numbness in the legs, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. It is also important to note that certain conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis or fibromyalgia, can sometimes cause pain that mimics muscular back pain.
In order to accurately tell whether your back pain is muscular or something else, it is important to consult a medical professional. This can help to diagnose the cause and provide appropriate treatment to help relieve the pain.
What are red flags for middle back pain?
Red flags for middle back pain may include persistent pain that lasts more than 4-6 weeks, pain that radiates to other body parts like the neck, arms, chest or abdomen, muscle spasms, an inability to bend forward or to the side, numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, or legs, and new weakness in the legs.
Other warning signs may include an increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, a loss of appetite, or weight loss. Chronic middle back pain can have a number of causes, but the most common is a strained muscle or ligament, a bulging or herniated disc, or an arthritic joint.
Scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and osteoporosis can also lead to chronic back pain. If the pain is accompanied by any of the above signs, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor can provide a diagnosis, prescribe the appropriate treatment, and answer any questions or concerns the patient may have.
Why is back pain at night a red flag?
Back pain at night is considered to be a red flag because it can be a warning sign of a more serious underlying condition. Chronic back pain at night can be caused by a number of issues, such as a herniated disc, sciatica, arthritis, and even something as serious as spinal stenosis.
The pain may also worsen if you sleep in the wrong position or if your mattress does not provide adequate support. Additionally, back pain at night can interrupt your sleep, leading to fatigue and decreased quality of life.
If back pain persists at night, it is important to talk to your doctor to discuss treatment options. Treatment may include physical therapy, medications, and even surgery in more severe cases.
What causes upper back pain in females?
Upper back pain in females can be caused by a variety of factors. It can be the result of injury or a condition that affects the bones and muscles of the back and neck. Injuries can be caused by incorrect lifting, poor posture, and everyday activities.
Conditions such as arthritis, scoliosis, poor posture, and poor ergonomics can also be a factor in causing upper back pain. Stress can also contribute to the development of upper back pain due to the tension that is often felt in the muscles of the neck and upper back.
Additionally, women may experience upper back pain associated with breast tissue and mammogram discomfort. In some cases, chest pain can radiate to the upper back. Finally, breast cancer can be linked to upper back pain in women.
This is because cancerous cells may spread to the chest wall and spine and cause pain and discomfort in the upper back.
What does shortness of breath and shoulder pain mean?
The combination of shortness of breath and shoulder pain could be a sign of multiple medical conditions, ranging from minor to more serious conditions. One possibility is Panic Attack. Panic Attacks are common and can be accompanied by sudden shortness of breath and pain in the chest or shoulders.
It could also be a sign of something more serious, such as a heart attack, in which case pain in the chest and shoulders is common. Other conditions related to shortness of breath and shoulder pain can include Pulmonary Embolism, Pulmonary Hypertension, Pneumonia, and Pulmonary Fibrosis.
In any case, if you experience a sudden onset of shortness of breath and shoulder pain, you should seek immediate medical attention.
What heart conditions cause shoulder pain?
Some heart conditions can cause shoulder pain. These include coronary artery disease, which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked; pericarditis, inflammation of the heart’s sac-like covering; and myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Other heart-related issues that may lead to shoulder pain include an abnormal heartbeat or arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), aortic dissection (tearing of the aorta) and aortic aneurysm (enlargement of the aorta).
In some cases, shoulder pain may be a symptom of a heart condition even if it does not appear to be related to the heart. Shoulder pain may also indicate that a person is having a heart attack, and it is important to seek medical attention immediately in this case.
If the shoulder pain is severe or is associated with any other symptoms such as sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid heartbeat, it is important to seek medical attention right away to ensure no serious cardiac event is occurring.
Does lung problems cause shoulder pain?
In some cases, yes – lung problems may cause shoulder pain. This is especially true if the cause of the lung problem is related to a musculoskeletal disorder. For example, certain lung diseases like interstitial lung disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can cause pain in the chest, back, and shoulders due to airway obstruction or inflammation.
Likewise, scarring in the lungs as a result of these conditions can lead to pain in the neck and shoulder muscles. Additionally, complications of chronic lung disorders such as pneumonia, pleurisy, and pneumothorax can create inflammation of the chest wall and result in shoulder pain.
If your shoulder pain persists and you’ve been diagnosed with a lung problem, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to explore any potential connections.
When should I go to the ER for shoulder pain?
It is important to consult with your doctor if you are experiencing shoulder pain. At times, shoulder pain may require immediate medical attention, in which case you should consider going to the emergency room (ER).
Signs and symptoms that may indicate you should seek immediate medical attention for shoulder include severe pain that does not subside with self-care or home remedies, difficulty breathing, difficulty performing basic activities, numbness or tingling in the shoulder, redness or warmth in the shoulder area, or if you have suffered a significant injury, such as a fall or a motor vehicle accident.
It is also important to seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, or a fever of 100.4F or higher. Additionally, if your shoulder pain is accompanied by any kind of chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, you should go to the ER right away.
Does heart related shoulder pain come and go?
Yes, heart related shoulder pain can come and go. Depending on the cause, shoulder pain associated with the heart can range from mild to severe, and come and go in intensity. Potential causes of heart-related shoulder pain can include things like angina, viral infection, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, or aortic aneurysm.
If the shoulder pain is related to the heart, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the exact cause. Angina typically causes chest and shoulder pain that is deep and dull, and can come and go in intensity.
Shoulder pain caused by congestive heart failure is typically deep and aching, and a viral infection can cause a dull ache in the shoulder. Depending on the underlying cause, heart-related shoulder pain may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, or dizziness.
Diagnostic tests may be necessary to determine the exact cause of the heart-related shoulder pain, as well as any potential treatments.
Can shoulder pain be a symptom of something else?
Yes, shoulder pain can be a symptom of something else. For instance, shoulder pain can indicate an injury or mechanical problem, such as breaking a bone, having strained a muscle, or having an unevenly balanced workload throughout the shoulder and neck muscles.
Additionally, shoulder pain can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition, such as infection, tendinitis, arthritis, bursitis, rotator cuff tears, bone fractures, and more. Furthermore, shoulder pain can also be caused by issues in other parts of the body, such as problems in the heart, lungs, or other organs.
In some cases, shoulder pain can even be a sign of psychosocial trauma. Therefore, if you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is important that you get a proper diagnosis from a health-care professional to determine the cause and the best course of treatment.