A sudden overloading, especially after long periods of overuse, can finally cause some degree of tearing to the muscle fibers and/or the tendons. (A 'sprain' means that ligaments have been damaged.)īecause of its wide range of motion, the shoulder is a relatively unstable joint that is vulnerable to injury. Shoulder strain means that the muscles and/or the tendons in the shoulder have been overstretched to the point of damage and sometimes partial tearing. This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have. Pancreatitis: This digestive disorder causes left shoulder pain and can cause extreme pain that requires medical attention.More common in the right shoulder blade, discomfort is due to referred pain by nerves that also affect the area of the abdomen where the gallbladder lies. Gallstones: The presence of gallstones is a common cause of discomfort that doesn't improve with rest and time.Issues in the abdomen can result in referred pain to the shoulder, such as the following. Other serious heart problems: Shoulder discomfort is also related to pericarditis and aortic dissection, both requiring immediate medical attention.Heart attack: In some cases, especially with women, shoulder blade pain can be a sign of a heart attack.Heart issues can present as shoulder pain. Snapping scapula syndrome: If your discomfort is accompanied by cracking and popping noises, this muscular condition could be the cause.Muscle strain: The most common cause of shoulder blade pain are muscle strains from intense workouts, heavy lifting, or even sleeping in an uncomfortable position.Shoulder blade pain may be due to musculoskeletal causes. The following details may help you better understand your symptoms and if and when you need to see a physician. There are several causes to consider when dealing with shoulder blade pain symptoms.

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