Could Your Shoulder Blade Pain Be A Cervical Disc Herniation?
Do you have pain around or under your shoulder blade that just won’t go away? Maybe it feels like a deep ache, a sharp stab, or a burning sensation. Many people think this pain comes from a pulled muscle or a knot. But sometimes, the real problem is in the neck as an Austin, TX manual physical therapist can share.
Pain in the shoulder blade area can be a sign of a cervical disc herniation. This means a disc in your neck has shifted out of place and is pressing on a nerve. Even though the disc is in the neck, the pain can show up in your upper back. It can be confusing and frustrating.
What Is A Cervical Disc Herniation?
Your spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. In the neck, these bones are called the cervical spine. Between each bone is a disc. Discs are soft cushions that help absorb shock and let your spine move. You can think of them like jelly donuts. They have a soft center and a tougher outside.
Sometimes, the soft center pushes out through a tear in the outer part. This is called a herniation. When this happens in the neck, it can press on nearby nerves. These nerves run from your neck down into your shoulders, arms, and even your hands.
If a disc in your neck herniates, it can cause pain, numbness, or tingling. And the pain doesn’t always stay in the neck. It can travel down to the shoulder blade, upper back, or arm. That’s why you might feel the pain far from where the problem started. That is also why it is best not to try to find online exercises to help your pain. As the team at Move Empower Concierge Physical Therapy has seen countless times, you may feel pain in your elbows and try elbow exercises, not realizing it is a herniated disc in your neck which can be made worse by improper movements.
Why Does a Herniated Disc Cause Shoulder Blade Pain?
It might seem strange that a problem in your neck can cause pain in your shoulder blade. But it all comes down to nerves. The nerves that leave your neck control different parts of your upper body.
When a disc herniates, it can press on one of these nerves. The nerve gets irritated, and your brain reads that irritation as pain. Depending on which nerve is affected, the pain can show up in the shoulder blade, upper back, or arm.
Think of it like a light switch. You flip the switch in one room, and the light turns on in another. The pressure is in the neck, but the pain shows up elsewhere. This can be true for any pain in your body. Just because your shoulder hurts does not mean that is where the issue is originating from.
Symptoms to Watch For
Shoulder blade pain from a cervical disc herniation can feel different from person to person. You might feel a deep ache or a sharp pain under or between your shoulder blades. For some, the pain gets worse when they turn their head or look down. You may also notice your neck feels stiff or sore.
In other cases, people feel tingling or numbness in their arm or hand. There may even be weakness in the muscles. Pain can travel from the neck into the shoulder or arm. Sometimes it stays in one spot. Other times, it moves around or comes and goes. The pain might feel worse after sitting for too long or doing certain movements. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to get checked out. Before trying home remedies, connect with a physical therapist to determine the true source of your pain.
If you’ve been trying to stretch or massage the area around your shoulder blade without relief, that’s a sign the pain may not be coming from the muscles alone. When a nerve in the neck is involved, muscle work won’t solve the problem by itself. It’s important to look deeper at what’s going on in the spine. That’s why getting a professional evaluation is so helpful. A physical therapist can test your neck and nerves to see if a disc is causing the issue and then guide you through a plan to relieve it.
What Causes a Cervical Disc to Herniate?
Many things can lead to a disc herniation in the neck. It often happens over time, not all at once. Poor posture is one of the most common reasons, especially from looking down at phones or sitting hunched over at a desk. Doing the same motions again and again can also put strain on the neck. As we age, our discs naturally wear down. This wear and tear makes them more likely to herniate.
Lifting heavy objects the wrong way can cause injury, especially if you’re using your back or neck instead of your legs. Sometimes, a sudden trauma like a fall or a car accident can cause a disc to herniate. Most of the time, it’s not just one thing. It’s a mix of habits, posture, and small injuries over time. The pain can also start gradually so you may think you just have an ache in your shoulder and not a herniated disc. This is why it is so important to consult a physical therapist to understand what is happening in your body.
How to Avoid This Type of Shoulder Blade Pain
The good news is there are simple ways to help protect your neck and avoid this kind of pain. Keeping good posture is key. Try to sit up tall with your ears in line with your shoulders. Avoid spending long hours looking down at your phone. If you must look down for work or it’s something that you just enjoy, make sure to take breaks and move your head around to carefully stretch your neck. If you work at a desk, make sure your screen is at eye level and take short breaks every hour to stretch or move around.
Strengthening your neck and upper back muscles can also make a big difference. These muscles support your spine and help keep your posture in check. Discuss with a physical therapist the best exercises to do build these muscles. Remember, everyone is different so the way you are sitting, the way you are holding your neck, etc. is different and therefore will require different variations of exercises. Be careful when lifting heavy things. Always bend at your knees and keep the item close to your body. Stay active with regular gentle movement like walking, swimming, or yoga. These activities keep your spine healthy and your muscles strong.
When It Happens Anyway Choose Physical Therapy To Help
Even with good habits, sometimes pain still happens. If you do end up with shoulder blade pain from a cervical disc herniation, physical therapy can help you heal. At Move Empower, we look at the whole picture. We find the root cause of the problem and work with you to fix it.
Physical therapy can reduce pain and swelling using hands-on care, gentle movements, and posture changes. We teach you how to sit, stand, and move in ways that take pressure off your neck. Weak muscles get stronger through simple exercises. As your strength improves, your pain goes down and your movement gets easier.
We also help you improve how your neck and upper back move so you can turn, reach, and lift without discomfort. Treatments may include manual therapy, stretching, and sometimes gentle traction. We also teach you how to move safely during your daily routines so you don’t make the problem worse. The earlier you start, the better your results can be. With the right plan, you can feel stronger, move easier, and get back to your life without pain. At Move Empower Concierge Physical Therapy, we understand how frustrating shoulder blade pain can be. Our team takes the time to listen, find the cause, and create a plan just for you.
We don’t rush. We guide you step by step and give you the tools you need to heal. Our goal is to help you move better and feel better without relying on pills or surgery. If you think your shoulder blade pain might be coming from your neck, reach out. We’re here to help.
Shoulder blade pain doesn’t always mean a pulled muscle. Sometimes, the real problem is a herniated disc in your neck. The good news is, you don’t have to live with the pain. With the right care and support, you can feel better. Physical therapy can help you move more freely, sleep better, and get back to doing what you enjoy.
If you’re dealing with shoulder blade pain and not sure why, contact us at Move Empower. We’re ready to help you take the next step toward feeling good again. Get started with a FREE discovery session.