What causes medial shoulder blade pain, and what should you do about it?

Generally, pain on the inner side of the scapula may be related to poor posture, muscle overuse, rotator cuff injury, shoulder periarthritis (frozen shoulder), cervical spondylosis, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Poor Posture

Prolonged poor sitting or standing posture, especially slouching or hunching forward, may cause excessive tension in the muscles surrounding the scapula, leading to pain. It is recommended to maintain appropriate rest and adopt correct sitting and standing postures to help relieve symptoms.

2. Muscle Overuse

Repetitive shoulder movements may lead to muscle fatigue and injury, causing pain on the inner side of the scapula. It is advisable to perform moderate shoulder exercises to enhance muscle strength and joint flexibility.

3. Rotator Cuff Injury

Rotator cuff injuries may be associated with trauma, insufficient blood supply, and other factors. The rotator cuff is a tendon complex composed of four muscles that cover the top of the shoulder joint. When the rotator cuff tendons tear or wear down, shoulder joint stability may decrease, resulting in pain on the inner side of the scapula. This condition may also be accompanied by limited shoulder joint movement and difficulty raising the arm. It is recommended to take medications such as meloxicam tablets, prednisone acetate tablets, and chlorzoxazone tablets under a doctor’s supervision.

4. Shoulder Periarthritis (Frozen Shoulder)

Shoulder periarthritis is usually caused by chronic strain, injury, or infection of the shoulder muscles. Inflammation may lead to swelling, congestion, and pain on the inner side of the scapula. Symptoms may include restricted shoulder movement and stiffness. Treatment may include antibiotics such as levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, cefuroxime axetil tablets, and azithromycin capsules, used under medical guidance.

5. Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis may result from long-term cervical strain or bone spurs. Herniated cervical discs or bone spurs may compress nerve roots, causing radiculopathy with referred pain to the medial aspect of the scapula. Patients may also experience neck pain, arm numbness, and weakness in the fingers. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as acetaminophen tablets, diclofenac sodium tablets, or celecoxib capsules for treatment.

Patients are advised to engage in appropriate physical activity and avoid maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods, which may help alleviate symptoms.