Is scapular pain considered a symptom of cervical spondylosis?

Jun 23, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

A colleague's father is experiencing significant pain in the shoulder blade area. Some colleagues say it's cervical spondylosis, while others disagree. I'd like to ask: can shoulder blade pain be related to cervical spondylosis?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Shuai
The scapula itself is not a type of cervical spondylosis, but certain types of cervical spondylosis may cause pain in the scapular region. Cervical spondylosis is a disease caused by degenerative pathological changes in the cervical spine, primarily manifesting as neck pain, stiffness, and related symptoms. The scapula, a triangular flat bone located on the posterolateral aspect of the thorax, may experience pain due to various causes, including cervical spine problems. Specifically, radiculopathy-type cervical spondylosis can lead to pain in the scapular or neck area when nerve roots innervating the neck and shoulders are compressed. In addition, degenerative cervical spine diseases, herniated intervertebral discs, cervical arthritis, and similar conditions may also cause pain in the scapular region. Therefore, scapular pain may be associated with cervical spondylosis, but not all scapular pain is caused by cervical spondylosis. If related symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.