If you’re experiencing a sharp pain in your back under shoulder blade, it could be due to a serious medical issue. This type of pain is usually the result of referred pain from other areas of the body, which can range from something as simple as muscle strain to something as dangerous as a heart attack or lung disease.
Usually, the pain is a result of a pulled or tight muscle knot. This is often the case when you’re sleeping in an awkward position or have bad posture. The muscle may also become strained if you’ve recently changed your physical routine or exercise program.
Pain in the back under your shoulder can also be caused by a herniated disc in the thoracic spine or upper back. This is less common, but it can still occur. If you have this type of pain, seek medical attention right away, as it could be a sign of a thoracic aortic dissection, which is considered a medical emergency.
Over-the-counter pain medications may help relieve shoulder blade pain. This includes medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox DS, Naprosyn). These types of medication work by reducing inflammation, or by blocking or altering pain signals in the brain.
Acupuncture is another alternative that has been proven to be effective in relieving pain in the back. The acupuncturist inserts very fine needles into certain acupoints, which trigger the release of natural pain-killing chemicals in the body. The acupuncturist can also give you exercises that will strengthen and stretch the muscles in your shoulders and back to prevent further pain. pain in back under shoulder blade