What causes pain between the two shoulders?
Disease description:
I have been experiencing persistent pain between my shoulders, especially after prolonged sitting or physical exertion, when the pain becomes more noticeable. Sometimes I also feel stiffness, which can be slightly relieved by moving around. What could be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Pain between the two shoulders can be caused by a variety of factors. The following are some common causes:
1. Muscle fatigue: Maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods, such as sitting or standing for long durations, may lead to fatigue in the shoulder and back muscles, resulting in pain.
2. Osteoporosis: This is a bone disease that causes bones to become fragile and may lead to pain in the middle of the shoulders.
3. Herniated disc: Long-term incorrect sitting posture or excessive computer use may cause disc herniation, which can compress nerves and result in pain in the middle of the shoulders.
4. Arthritis: Arthritis near the shoulder joints may cause joint pain and stiffness, further causing pain in the middle of the shoulders.
5. Periarthritis of the shoulder: This refers to inflammation around the shoulder joint, which can cause shoulder pain and restricted movement, potentially affecting the central shoulder area.
6. Vascular diseases: Cardiac issues such as angina or myocardial infarction may sometimes manifest as pain in the back or shoulders. This type of pain is usually accompanied by symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath.
7. Respiratory diseases: Conditions such as lung infection, pulmonary embolism, and pleurisy may sometimes cause back pain, which often worsens during deep breathing.
8. Digestive system diseases: Gastrointestinal conditions such as peptic ulcer, cholecystitis, and pancreatitis, particularly those involving organs located in the upper abdomen, may refer pain to the middle and upper back region, causing discomfort or pain.
