What could be causing pain in my shoulder blade?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Shoulder blade pain is often caused by shoulder impingement (when tendons get pinched during arm movement) or by pinched nerves in the neck that radiate discomfort down into the upper back. Other common causes include muscle strain, poor posture, or referred pain from nearby joints.

Because shoulder blade pain can stem from many different sources—some minor, some more serious—identifying the likely cause early can help you get the right care faster and avoid unnecessary worry. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your pain and get personalized guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what’s causing shoulder blade pain Discover if your shoulder blade pain is serious See whether shoulder blade pain needs care Find OTC relief for shoulder blade pain Find a doctor for shoulder blade pain Understand safe home remedies for shoulder blade pain Find out if shoulder pain means something serious

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Explanation

Pain in the shoulder blade can be caused by several issues. One reason might be shoulder impingement, where the shoulder muscles get squeezed, causing pain that can sometimes feel like it's coming from the neck. Another reason could be related to the nerves in your neck. If a nerve in the neck is pinched or irritated, it can cause pain that spreads to the shoulder blade area.

Here are some possible causes of shoulder blade pain:

Shoulder Impingement: This happens when the shoulder muscles are compressed, which can cause pain that feels like it originates from the neck.
Nerve Issues in the Neck: Problems with the nerves in the neck can lead to pain that radiates to the shoulder blade.

If you are experiencing persistent or severe pain, you can check your symptoms with our free AI symptom checker or consult with a healthcare professional to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment.

(References)

Gorski JM, & Schwartz LH. (2003). Shoulder impingement presenting as neck pain. The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume, 12672838.
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.
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.

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