Why do I feel pain under my shoulder blade?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain under the shoulder blade often stems from nerve compression or spinal problems, particularly in the cervical (neck) region. Common causes include pinched nerves, herniated discs, poor posture, or muscle strain radiating from the upper spine. Because shoulder blade pain can also signal more serious conditions, identifying the root cause early is important.

To better understand what may be behind your discomfort and determine the right next steps, take a free, instant, online symptom check. It takes only minutes, requires no signup, and provides personalized insights based on your specific symptoms—helping you decide whether self-care, a doctor's visit, or urgent evaluation is appropriate.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

What brings you in today?

Can I treat this myself Do I need to see a doctor Where should I go for care I'm concerned about a symptom Concerned about a possible condition My symptoms are getting worse Seeking a second opinion

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

Feeling pain under your shoulder blade can be uncomfortable. There are a few reasons why this might happen.

Nerve Problems: Sometimes, nerves that go to your shoulder can get irritated. This can cause pain in the shoulder area, including under the shoulder blade.
Spine Issues: The spine in your neck can also be related to shoulder pain. If there is a problem with the spine, like a pinched nerve, it might cause pain that you feel under your shoulder blade.

Understanding these causes can help in figuring out what might be going on. If you are experiencing this pain, you can use our free AI symptom checker to help identify possible causes and determine if you should seek medical care.

(References)

Bateman JE. (1983). Neurologic painful conditions affecting the shoulder. Clinical orthopaedics and related research, 6825345.
Mizutamari M, Sei A, Tokiyoshi A, Fujimoto T, Taniwaki T, Togami W, & Mizuta H. (2010). Corresponding scapular pain with the nerve root involved .... Journal of orthopaedic surgery (Hong Kong), 21187551.
Mimori K, Muneta T, Komori H, Okawa A, & Shinomiya K. (1999). Relation between the painful shoulder and the cervical .... Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, 10472000.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.