What causes shoulder blade muscle pain?

Scapular muscle pain may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as shoulder periarthritis (frozen shoulder) and cervical spondylosis. Different management approaches can be selected based on the underlying cause. Specific analyses are as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

If the neck and shoulder area is inadequately protected from cold, leading to local exposure and chilling, symptoms can be relieved by wearing additional clothing or applying a warm towel for local heat therapy.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Shoulder Periarthritis (Frozen Shoulder)

If shoulder periarthritis is present, inflammatory stimulation may cause pain around the shoulder joint. Under medical guidance, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as loxoprofen sodium tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release tablets, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets may be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. If necessary, anterior shoulder joint release surgery may be performed under medical advice to improve joint function.

2. Cervical Spondylosis

If cervical spondylosis causes disc protrusion that compresses the spinal cord or local nerves, medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, celecoxib capsules, or acetaminophen sustained-release tablets may be prescribed. Physical therapies such as traction or magnetotherapy may also be used to alleviate pain. If medication fails to provide adequate relief, anterior cervical decompression surgery may be recommended by a physician to relieve pressure on nerves and the spinal cord, thereby reducing pain.

In addition, myofascial inflammation of the back muscles could also be a possible cause. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis.