What causes pain in the right upper back near the shoulder blade when tilting the head backward?

Generally, there are many possible causes of pain in the right upper back and shoulder blade area when tilting the head backward, such as sports injuries, lumbar disc herniation, and periarthritis of the shoulder. The details are as follows:

1. Sports Injury

Sudden vigorous movements or excessive range of motion in the shoulder muscles or joints may lead to muscle strains or joint capsule injuries, resulting in pain in the right upper back and scapular region. Treatment for sports injuries typically includes rest, ice application, massage, and other conservative measures, with improvement usually seen within 3–4 days.

2. Lumbar Disc Herniation

Lumbar disc herniation occurs when the gel-like material inside a lumbar intervertebral disc is compressed and protrudes outward, continuously pressing on spinal nerve roots and spinal structures, thereby causing pain in the right upper back and shoulder blade area when tilting the head backward. Patients should seek medical care and receive targeted physical therapies at a hospital, such as appropriate cervical and lumbar spine exercises, electromagnetic therapy, or gravity-based treatments, which can reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms and improve pain.

3. Periarthritis of the Shoulder

Periarthritis of the shoulder is a nonspecific inflammation caused by prolonged activity, overuse, or traumatic injury to the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint, leading to inflammatory changes and resulting in pain in the right upper back and scapular region when tilting the head backward. Treatment primarily involves medication, including anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, and muscle relaxants to relieve pain.

In addition, conditions such as duodenal tumors, myocardial infarction, tuberculosis, and lung cancer may also cause pain in the right upper back and shoulder blade area when tilting the head backward. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a qualified hospital upon experiencing any discomfort.