PAIN BETWEEN
THE SHOULDER BLADES
Pain between the shoulder blades is a common consequence of sedentary work and poor posture, but it can also originate from the cervical spine. At Dr. Verbitskiy's practice in Maribor, manual treatment relieves tension and improves upper back posture.
The area between the shoulder blades is often a site of chronic tension, especially in people who spend long periods sitting at a computer. In most cases the pain is muscular in origin, though sometimes it radiates from the cervical spine. In rare cases pain between the shoulder blades may originate from internal organs, so it is important to recognize signs that require medical assessment.
Why pain between the shoulder blades occurs
The most common causes of pain between the shoulder blades are related to prolonged static loading of the upper back:
- 🔹 Prolonged sitting with rounded shoulders when working at a computer
- 🔹 Weak muscles between the shoulder blades that struggle to maintain proper posture
- 🔹 Tension radiating from the cervical spine
- 🔹 Stress, which often presents as chronic muscle tension in the upper back
- 🔹 Repetitive arm movements at work or in sports
- 🔹 Poor workstation ergonomics (low screen, inappropriate chair)
How pain between the shoulder blades presents
Pain between the shoulder blades most commonly presents as:
- 🔹 Dull, constant pain or tension between the shoulder blades
- 🔹 Sensation of a 'knot' or tightness at a specific point
- 🔹 Worsening pain after prolonged sitting
- 🔹 Occasional popping or crunching with scapular movement
- 🔹 Tension radiating toward the neck or shoulders
- 🔹 Relief with stretching or change of position
How we treat pain between the shoulder blades
The treatment aim is to relax tense musculature, strengthen weak postural muscles, and address any underlying cause originating from the cervical spine.
1. Assessment of the cause
Examination of posture, neck mobility and muscle tone of the upper back.
2. Manual therapy
Release of tight muscles between the shoulder blades and improvement of upper spinal mobility.
3. Posture recommendations
Advice on workstation ergonomics and exercises to strengthen the muscles between the shoulder blades.
Signs that require immediate attention
Pain between the shoulder blades is rarely a sign of a more serious condition. Seek urgent medical care immediately if the pain is accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, pain radiating to the jaw or left arm, sweating, nausea or dizziness — these signs may indicate a cardiac or other internal condition and require immediate medical assessment, not manual therapy.
What our patients say
Verbitskiy, Manualna terapija - Osteopatija, diagnostika, rehabilitacija, d.o.o. · Maribor
Watch videos about manual therapy and osteopathy on our YouTube channel.
Visit YouTube channel →Frequently asked questions about pain between the shoulder blades
Is pain between the shoulder blades always muscular in origin?
In most cases yes; however, for persistent or unusual pain, especially when combined with other symptoms, a medical evaluation is always appropriate to exclude other causes.
Why does the pain only appear in the afternoon?
Accumulation of static load over the workday often causes tension and pain between the shoulder blades to increase toward the evening.
Does changing the workstation help?
Yes, adjusting screen and chair height and taking stretching breaks significantly reduce recurrence of tension.
How many treatments do I need?
Mild tension often improves within 1–3 visits; chronic problems may require a longer, regular course of treatment.
Are strengthening exercises helpful?
Yes, strengthening the muscles between the shoulder blades significantly helps maintain good posture long-term and prevents recurrence of tension.
Can pain between the shoulder blades be related to the neck?
Yes, it often arises from tension or restrictions in the lower cervical spine, which we treat together with the scapular area.
Contact us
For any questions or to book an appointment we are at your disposal.