How does shoulder blade pain radiate down the arm, and is it dangerous to leave it untreated?

Sitting and working for long periods without changing positions can cause neck, shoulder, and shoulder blade pain that radiates down the arm. Many people who notice these symptoms might think it’s just typical soreness or common office syndrome that will go away with a bit of rest. However, in reality, shoulder blade pain radiating down the arm could be a dangerous sign of other conditions. If left untreated for a long time, it could become more seriously harmful.

Therefore, understanding and recognizing shoulder blade pain that radiates down the arm, including its causes and warning signs, is important for self-care, caring for loved ones, and preventing potential dangers from worsening shoulder blade pain.

What is the shoulder blade? Understanding shoulder blade pain radiating down the arm better

The scapula, or shoulder blade area, is a bone located in the upper back region. There are two scapulae, one on the left side and one on the right side. These bones have a triangular shape extending down from the shoulder. The scapula is surrounded by muscles that attach to it, connecting it to the shoulder, neck, and parts of the back.

Therefore, in the understanding of patients, when they mention shoulder blade pain or shoulder blade pain radiating down the arm, it usually includes neck, shoulder, and upper back pain as well. It often refers to pain in the muscles around the scapula.

What is shoulder blade pain like?

When patients visit a doctor with shoulder blade pain, the doctor will have a method for diagnosing and categorizing the pain into two types as follows:

1. Direct shoulder blade pain, which may involve issues in the shoulder blade area such as bones, muscles, nerves, and the thoracic cavity adjacent to the shoulder blade. Therefore, if these areas have problems, it can cause shoulder blade pain.
2. Referred shoulder blade pain, which originates from other locations, often results from issues in the neck bones, neck muscles, or muscle spasms in the shoulders. These issues can cause pain that radiates down to the shoulder blade and even down the arm. It may also result from nerve pain in the neck or problems with the shoulder tendons.

Since shoulder blade pain radiating down the arm can have various causes, doctors need to conduct thorough and careful examinations to identify the true source of the pain. This helps determine whether the pain originates directly from the shoulder blade area or is referred pain from other locations. Such precise diagnosis leads to the correct and most effective treatment plan.

Schedule an appointment with a doctor for consultation and diagnosis 02-080-8999
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The causes of shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm

Patients who visit the doctor with shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm have various causes, but the common ones are usually the following diseases:

• Shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm caused by Office Syndrome or Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS): This group of patients experiences shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm due to the muscles around the shoulder blade tensing up, which is a result of repetitive use. Patients often experience pain in the neck, shoulders, and shoulder blades. When the muscles tense up, trigger points occur in these areas, causing pain to radiate to the shoulder blades or arms. This is why it is called shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm.
• Shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm caused by cervical spine problems: This group of patients might have issues such as cervical spine degeneration or herniated discs pressing on the nerves in the neck. The nerves in the neck extend down to the shoulder blades and arms, causing pain to radiate from the neck to the shoulder blades and arms. Some patients may also experience numbness and weakness in the arms.
• Shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm caused by shoulder joint problems: This group of patients may have issues in the shoulder joint, such as tendonitis, frozen shoulder, or a torn rotator cuff. These conditions can cause radiating pain in the shoulder, and sometimes this pain can extend to the shoulder blade, arm, or elbow.

Is shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm dangerous if left untreated?

Shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm can be caused by various factors. Therefore, leaving it untreated carries different risks depending on the underlying cause, as follows:

• In the case of Office Syndrome, if left untreated, it is not considered dangerous. However, it can cause pain and inconvenience in daily activities, such as not being able to use the muscles fully and having pain that disrupts daily life.
• In the case of cervical spine problems, it is advisable to see a doctor for treatment. This is because it is necessary to check whether there is any nerve compression to proceed with the appropriate treatment.
• In the case of shoulder problems, if one does not see a doctor for treatment, and the pain becomes chronic and does not subside, it might be due to inflamed or torn shoulder tendons. Besides causing pain, if left untreated for a long time, it can lead to frozen shoulder, making it difficult to lift the shoulder. Pain can occur when lifting the shoulder, during sleep at night, or experiencing shoulder stiffness, especially when lying on the side, which can increase the pain.

In summary, regardless of the cause of shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm, if the pain persists, does not improve with pain medication, or physical therapy at a clinic has not helped, it is important to see a specialist. They can diagnose the issue and provide targeted treatment to address the underlying cause, enabling recovery and a return to normal daily activities.

Risk groups for shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm

Shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm is a condition that can affect anyone. However, there are common risk groups, which are categorized by the cause of the symptoms, as follows:

• Shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm caused by Office Syndrome is commonly found in people who have work habits that require them to look down for extended periods without frequently changing posture. This includes working-age individuals, teenagers who frequently use computers and mobile phones, and elderly people who still work at home on a computer also face this risk.
• Shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm caused by cervical spine problems is commonly found in office workers who frequently bend their necks for extended periods and in elderly people who have age-related cervical spine degeneration.
• Shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm caused by shoulder joint problems is commonly found in athletes or people who exercise regularly and use their shoulders more than usual. This is also common in elderly individuals as they are at higher risk of tendon degeneration and tears in the shoulder.

Diagnosing shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm

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Due to the varied causes of shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm in different patients, doctors need to conduct a thorough diagnosis to determine the exact cause. This leads to proper and targeted treatment planning. The diagnostic process includes the following steps:

1. Conducting a detailed patient history The doctor will ask about the nature of the shoulder blade pain, whether it radiates down the arm, and if there are any other accompanying symptoms. This helps determine which group of causes the symptoms belong to.
2. Physical examination This includes palpating the muscles to identify tender points and may involve a detailed physical examination known as a Special Test, such as examining the neck and shoulders. This is to determine if there is cervical spine degeneration or issues with the shoulder tendons.
3. X-ray examination This is to identify abnormalities causing shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm, such as cervical spine or shoulder joint X-rays. X-rays help doctors clearly see certain pathological conditions to determine the cause of the symptoms.
4.  MRI examination In cases where doctors suspect that shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm is due to cervical spine degeneration or displacement pressing on the nerves, or suspect a torn shoulder tendon, an MRI will help identify the abnormalities clearly, leading to the most accurate diagnosis of the cause.

Schedule an appointment with a doctor for consultation and diagnosis 02-080-8999
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How can shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm be treated?

The approach to treating patients with shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm involves the doctor considering the symptoms and disease group. A thorough diagnosis is required to identify the exact cause of the pain. The following are the approaches to treatment and relief of symptoms:

• Prescribing pain relief medication anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or medication to alleviate nerve pain. The choice of medication will be tailored to the specific cause of the shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm.
• Changing habits For patients with shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm due to Office Syndrome, doctors will recommend avoiding prolonged sitting and keeping the neck bent for long periods. It is advisable to change positions at least every hour, such as by standing up, walking, or stretching. In the case of patients with shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm due to a torn shoulder tendon, it is recommended to avoid exercises or movements that cause pain, and avoid lifting heavy objects.
• Physical therapy which can be done in various ways such as shockwave therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, ultrasound, etc. It also includes therapeutic exercise, depending on the cause and symptoms of the patient. The goal is to reduce pain, relax muscles, stimulate the relaxation of tense muscles, relieve pain, and prevent recurrence.
• Surgery Doctors will consider treating shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm with surgery only if it is absolutely necessary. For instance, in patients with cervical spine degeneration pressing on nerves, or herniated cervical discs pressing on nerves, where non-surgical treatments have not been effective, or in cases where patients with torn shoulder tendons have not improved with other treatments, surgery will be considered as an option.

Important considerations for treating shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm

For some people, shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm may be seen as common, non-dangerous pain. However, it can actually have a greater impact on daily life than one might think and should not be left untreated. It is essential to see a doctor promptly for consultation, diagnosis, and treatment to recover and return to normal life with a good quality of life. The important considerations for treating shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm are as follows:

• Shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm can have multiple causes. It might not just be ordinary muscle soreness but could also result from cervical spine degeneration, herniated cervical discs compressing nerves, or inflamed or torn shoulder tendons. Therefore, proper diagnosis of the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment.
• It is recommended to seek care from a specialized orthopedic doctor for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment planning suitable for the condition.
• Even after successful treatment, recurrence is possible if there are no changes in lifestyle habits that lead to muscle, cervical spine, shoulder, and neck problems. Therefore, the approach to treatment and prevention of recurrence relies heavily on the patient’s discipline in changing their behaviors.

How to prevent shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm

To take care of yourself and prevent the risk of developing shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm, there are simple guidelines you can follow, categorized by the cause of the condition as follows:

• In the case of shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm caused by Office Syndrome, changing work habits is recommended. Adjust your sitting posture and how you view computer or mobile screens. Avoid excessive bending of the neck and slouching. Choose a chair that fits your body ergonomics and adjust the screen to eye level. These changes can help reduce muscle pain in the shoulder blade. Additionally, changing your posture every hour, exercising, and stretching can significantly help prevent the risk of developing shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm.
• In the case of shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm caused by cervical spine degeneration, it is important to avoid prolonged neck bending. Sitting with the neck bent increases the pressure on the cervical spine, making neck pain more likely and accelerating spine degeneration. Additionally, avoid sudden neck movements as this behavior can trigger shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm.
• In the case of shoulder blade pain radiating to the arm caused by shoulder joint problems, it is important to avoid activities that could cause shoulder pain or lead to a torn shoulder tendon. For example, avoid lifting your shoulders too high, refrain from excessive shoulder exercise, and avoid lifting heavy objects. Overall, reducing the risk of shoulder injuries is crucial.

How is treating shoulder pain radiating down the arm at kdms Hospital beneficial

Since shoulder pain radiating down the arm can result from many different conditions, it should be treated by a specialized physician. At KDMS Hospital, every patient receives an accurate diagnosis to determine the cause of the shoulder pain radiating down the arm. It could be due to a muscle disorder, a pinched nerve in the neck, shoulder tendon issues, or other causes.

Accurate diagnosis leads to the right and appropriate treatment plan, resulting in effective treatment outcomes. The pain will be relieved, it won’t recur, and it won’t worsen. Seeking treatment at KDMS Hospital will provide confidence and peace of mind for everyone because every step is overseen by experienced and specialized medical professionals in orthopedics.

Schedule an appointment with a doctor for consultation and diagnosis 02-080-8999
Line @kdmshospital

In conclusion

When we use our bodies for long periods, sit for extended times, sit with a bent neck, slouch, exercise, and live with incorrect repetitive or excessive postures, we risk abnormalities in the scapula and muscles, leading to shoulder pain radiating down the arm. The causes vary and can stem from direct muscle pain, cervical spondylosis, or shoulder joint disorders.

If you notice abnormal symptoms such as shoulder pain radiating down the arm that does not improve with self-medication and becomes chronic, you should promptly consult a physician. Proper diagnosis and treatment planning are necessary to alleviate the pain effectively and return to normal life.

Frequently Asked Questions

When shoulder pain radiating down the arm occurs, many people may have questions that they want answered before deciding to see a doctor. We have compiled frequently asked questions and their initial answers to help alleviate concerns for everyone experiencing this pain, as follows:

What is the best treatment for shoulder pain radiating down the arm?

There are both surgical and non-surgical treatments for shoulder pain radiating down the arm. Physicians will always consider non-surgical treatments first, which include medication for pain relief, behavior modification, and physical therapy. If all these methods are ineffective, surgery will then be considered.

However, the best treatment for shoulder pain radiating down the arm depends on the underlying condition. Since the pain can be caused by various factors, it is essential to diagnose the exact cause before determining the most appropriate and effective treatment plan.

How can you tell if you have shoulder pain radiating down the arm?

It’s easy to notice from the pain in the shoulder blade area, which is located at the back near the chest and extends from the shoulder. Additionally, there may be neck, shoulder, and arm pain. If it is related to cervical spondylosis or a herniated disc pressing on a nerve, there may also be numbness or weakness in the arm.

Does massage therapy for shoulder pain radiating down the arm hurt?

In fact, massage is one of the effective methods for pain relief and muscle relaxation. However, it must be done correctly and appropriately. Additionally, to ensure safety, it is important to know the cause of the shoulder pain radiating down the arm to perform the massage safely.

If shoulder pain radiating down the arm is caused by cervical spondylosis or a herniated cervical disc, excessive neck massage can exacerbate the symptoms. Similarly, if the pain is due to shoulder joint issues, massaging the shoulder without knowing the exact problem can be dangerous.

The best approach is to first get a diagnosis from a specialist. If massage or physical therapy is necessary, it should be overseen by an orthopedic specialist.

What is the difference between shoulder pain radiating down the arm and ‘subacromial impingement syndrome’?

There is no difference. Generally, ‘subacromial impingement syndrome’ is a term used by the general public to refer to shoulder blade pain or shoulder pain radiating down the arm. It does not specify or differentiate the cause. Therefore, whether it is called shoulder pain radiating down the arm or subacromial impingement syndrome, it is considered the same. It is a warning sign that the body has an abnormality that should be diagnosed by a specialist to find the cause and plan appropriate treatment.

Article By: Jirachai Pisutbenya, M.D. Spine Surgeons