Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Pain And Discomfort In The Upper Back Between My Shoulder Blades?
Question: I have pain and discomfort in my upper back between my shoulder blades. It also runs up to my neck, it comes on when I turn my head to the left or right sometimes just my neck or both. Sometime when I stand up as well. This has been going on for a couple of weeks.
Brief Answer:
Possible strain - and what to do:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
The area that you are describing may be part of the trapezius muscle. That muscle goes all the way up to the neck, and down the middle of the back between the shoulder blades. Here is a drawing of it: http://www.gustrength.com/muscles:trapezius-location-actions-and-trigger-points
It sounds like you may have strained it. Is it possible that you are continuing to reinjure or strain it by some continued activity or posture?
If it has been continuing for 2 weeks without getting better, it is time to have it looked at. You can either go in to see your doctor first, or go to see a physical therapist directly.
If you have symptoms of pain going down your arms or numbness, then best to see your doctor who may want to consider some imaging studies and make sure there isn't a disc problem.
If no radiation of pain or numbness, other than seeing a physical therapist, you may want to consider seeing an experienced acupuncturist who is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Best if this practitioner was actually trained in China (I think their training is more extensive). Acupuncture can be effective for neuromuscular problems.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Possible strain - and what to do:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
The area that you are describing may be part of the trapezius muscle. That muscle goes all the way up to the neck, and down the middle of the back between the shoulder blades. Here is a drawing of it: http://www.gustrength.com/muscles:trapezius-location-actions-and-trigger-points
It sounds like you may have strained it. Is it possible that you are continuing to reinjure or strain it by some continued activity or posture?
If it has been continuing for 2 weeks without getting better, it is time to have it looked at. You can either go in to see your doctor first, or go to see a physical therapist directly.
If you have symptoms of pain going down your arms or numbness, then best to see your doctor who may want to consider some imaging studies and make sure there isn't a disc problem.
If no radiation of pain or numbness, other than seeing a physical therapist, you may want to consider seeing an experienced acupuncturist who is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Best if this practitioner was actually trained in China (I think their training is more extensive). Acupuncture can be effective for neuromuscular problems.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks so much. I figure it was a possible strain or something.
Brief Answer:
Your welcome.
Detailed Answer:
I hope you are feeling better soon!
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Your welcome.
Detailed Answer:
I hope you are feeling better soon!
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
