A burning sensation in the shoulder blade area is a common experience. This discomfort, sometimes described as stinging or prickling, typically feels like it originates from the upper back, near or between the shoulder blades. This symptom can arise from various underlying causes. Understanding these potential origins is important.
Understanding Musculoskeletal Origins
Musculoskeletal issues often cause burning pain around the shoulder blade. Muscle strain is a frequent cause, often from overuse, poor posture, or sudden movements. Muscles like the rhomboids, trapezius, and levator scapulae are susceptible to strain due to their role in stabilizing and moving the shoulder. Muscle strain can account for up to 50% of shoulder blade pain cases.
Poor posture, such as prolonged sitting, stresses upper back muscles and ligaments. This strain can lead to muscle fatigue and inflammation, causing a burning sensation. Myofascial pain syndrome, with tender “trigger points” in muscles, can also cause localized or referred burning sensations. Abnormal shoulder blade movement (scapular dyskinesis) can also contribute to discomfort by affecting shoulder and upper back mechanics.
Nerve Involvement and Irritation
Nerves can be a direct source of burning pain in the shoulder blade area when irritated or compressed. Cervical radiculopathy, or a “pinched nerve,” occurs when a nerve root in the neck or upper back is compressed. This compression, often caused by bulging discs or bone spurs, can result in sharp or burning pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulder blade, arm, or hand. This sensation might be accompanied by tingling or numbness.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is another condition where nerves or blood vessels in the space between the neck and chest become compressed. This compression can lead to burning, tingling, and numbness in the shoulder, arm, and hand, extending into the shoulder blade area. Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection that reactivates along nerve pathways and can produce a painful burning sensation and a rash on the skin.
Referred Pain from Other Body Systems
Sometimes, a burning sensation in the shoulder blade is not due to a problem in the back itself, but rather a phenomenon known as referred pain. This occurs when pain originating from an internal organ is perceived in a different part of the body, often due to shared nerve pathways. Recognizing these patterns is important, as they can indicate serious underlying medical conditions.
Heart-related issues, such as angina or a heart attack, can cause pain that radiates to the left shoulder blade, arm, or jaw. This symptom is particularly noted in women experiencing cardiac events. Gallbladder problems, including gallstones or inflammation, frequently lead to pain felt in the right shoulder blade, sometimes after consuming fatty foods. This referred pain happens because the inflamed gallbladder can irritate the phrenic nerve, which has connections to the shoulder region.
Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, can cause severe pain in the upper left abdomen that radiates to the back or below the left shoulder blade. This pain often intensifies after eating, especially fatty meals. Certain lung conditions, such as pleurisy or tumors, may also result in referred pain to the shoulder blade area if they irritate the diaphragm. Additionally, esophageal issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can sometimes manifest as a dull ache or burning sensation between the shoulder blades, as stomach acid irritates the esophagus and its associated nerves.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
While many instances of burning shoulder blade pain resolve with rest or home care, some symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation. Seek medical attention if the pain is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or radiating pain to the jaw or arm, as these can be signs of a heart attack or other serious cardiovascular issues. Sudden, severe, or worsening pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter remedies within a few days or weeks also requires medical assessment.
Other red flag symptoms include pain with fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss, which could suggest an infection or systemic condition. If the pain occurred after trauma or injury, or if you experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm or hand, consult a healthcare professional. A rash with burning pain might indicate shingles and requires medical review. A professional diagnosis can help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.