Pain between the shoulder blades when swallowing can be caused by various conditions, including GERD, acid reflux, esophageal spasms, or musculoskeletal issues. Approximately 20% of adults in the U.S. experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a common cause of pain during swallowing.
For this reason, we are here to explain the main causes of pain between shoulder blades when swallowing and natural treatment options.
Pain Between Shoulder Blades When Swallowing
Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing is often linked to this kind of pain. When we swallow and we feel pain, it can be from various causes including esophageal conditions that need medical attention ASAP.
This pain is not limited to the shoulder blade area but can be referred pain. For example a condition affecting the esophagus like esophageal cancer can cause pain that radiates to the back, between the shoulder blades. The intensity of this pain can vary but if it’s during swallowing it’s a red flag that something’s wrong.
In many cases pain between the shoulder blades when swallowing is a symptom of more serious conditions like esophageal cancer which often presents with difficulty swallowing and food impaction.
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Acid Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acid reflux are common conditions that can cause pain between the shoulder blades. GERD is when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and irritates it. This irritation can be severe enough to mimic a heart attack symptoms like chest pain and back pain.
People with GERD often experience intense heartburn episodes which can cause pain between the shoulder blades.
This pain is triggered by the intensity of the heartburn and can become chronic if not managed properly. Untreated acid reflux often progresses to GERD and can lead to more severe symptoms and complications. Around 30% of people with acid reflux report experiencing back or shoulder blade pain along with their symptoms.
As you can see, eating a fatty meal or lying down after eating can worsen GERD symptoms and increase pain.
2. Esophageal Conditions
Esophageal conditions like esophageal cancer and esophagitis can cause pain between the shoulder blades especially during swallowing.
Esophageal cancer for example can present as pain that radiates to the back and the area between the shoulder blades. Advanced stage of this cancer can cause food to get stuck in the chest and can lead to difficulty swallowing and pain.
Because of this, pain from esophageal conditions can also radiate to the throat or back.
This radiating pain is often because of the esophagus’s proximity to other structures and nerves in the thoracic region.
Conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis and GERD can also cause similar symptoms.
3. Muscle Strain and Poor Posture
These are common causes of pain between the shoulder blades. Prolonged poor posture like slouching while sitting or using handheld devices can cause discomfort and pain in the upper back and shoulder blade area. This pain can become chronic if the posture issues are not corrected.
Repetitive motions and heavy lifting can also cause muscle strain and shoulder pain. Good posture and body mechanics when lifting heavy objects can prevent these. Physical therapy can help manage and prevent muscle strain by strengthening the muscles and improving posture.
Simple adjustments like sitting up straight, using ergonomic furniture and taking breaks from repetitive tasks can make a big difference in preventing pain.
Good posture keeps the spine aligned and reduces the risk of developing chronic pain in the shoulder blades.
4. Cardiac Concerns
Severe pain between the shoulder blades can be a sign of serious cardiac events like heart attacks or pulmonary embolism. If this pain is accompanied by chest tightness, shortness of breath, sweating or dizziness, seek medical attention immediately.
Unexpected right ?
These symptoms can be a heart attack which needs urgent care to prevent further complications.
A pulmonary embolism which is a blood clot in the lungs can also cause referred pain in the shoulder area and back. This pain can worsen with deep breathing or swallowing so if you have these symptoms seek medical help.
5. Lung and Respiratory Issues
Respiratory conditions like lung cancer and pulmonary embolism can cause pain between the shoulder blades during swallowing. Lung cancer can affect the surrounding tissues and nerves in the thoracic region and can cause pain in the upper back and shoulder area.
This pain can be more pronounced during swallowing because of the nearby structures involved.
Pulmonary embolism which is a blood clot in the lungs can cause sharp chest pain that radiates to the back and worsens during swallowing.
Other respiratory issues like pleuritis (inflammation of the pleura) or pneumonia can also cause referred pain to the shoulder blades because of its effect on the lung tissues and pleura.
Pain Between Shoulder Blades After Eating
Pain between your shoulder blades after eating can be a sign of digestive issues, such as acid reflux or GERD. When stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, it can cause discomfort that radiates to your upper back.
Overeating or consuming spicy, fatty, or acidic foods may trigger this pain. In some cases, gallbladder problems, like gallstones, can also cause referred pain between your shoulder blades after meals. Pay attention to other symptoms, like heartburn, nausea, or bloating, to help identify the cause. Over 25 million adults in the U.S. experience gallbladder disease, which can cause pain after eating that radiates to the shoulder blades.
Symptoms Accompanying Pain Between Shoulder Blades
The pain between the shoulder blades can be sharp, dull or burning. These can help determine the underlying cause and treatment. A burning pain can be GERD, a sharp pain can be a pulmonary embolism or cardiac issue.
Key Points:
- Burning Pain: Often associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), affects 20% of the population.
- Sharp Pain: Can be a pulmonary embolism or cardiac issue, both need urgent attention.
- Common Symptoms: Difficulty swallowing, chest pain, shortness of breath and abdominal pain often accompany shoulder blade pain.
For example if you have difficulty swallowing with shoulder blade pain it might be an esophageal condition. If you have chest pain and shortness of breath it might be a cardiac or respiratory issue.
Diagnostic Approaches
A proper diagnosis is the key to understanding the underlying cause of pain between the shoulder blades when swallowing. The diagnostic process usually involves a combination of physical examination, medical history and imaging studies.
During physical examination a healthcare provider may use specific tests like Murphy’s sign to check for acute cholecystitis.
Imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scan or MRI plays a big role in evaluating the gallbladder and other structures to look for gallstones or inflammation. Blood tests may also be done to check for inflammation or other abnormalities.
Medical history review including symptoms, medication and pre-existing conditions is important for accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Studies suggest that up to 10% of individuals with musculoskeletal chest pain report discomfort radiating to the shoulder blade area.
There are various treatment options for pain between the shoulder blades when swallowing. Depending on the cause medications can be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and address the root cause. In some cases surgery may be needed especially for esophageal issues or severe gallbladder conditions.
Physical therapy and lifestyle changes can also help in finding relief from shoulder pain. Working with physical therapists can help strengthen muscles, improve posture and reduce discomfort.
Lifestyle Changes and Prevention
Here are 10 ways to do it:
- Eat a healthy diet to prevent GERD symptoms.
- Exercise regularly to strengthen back and shoulder muscles.
- Practice good posture when sitting or using handheld devices.
- Avoid heavy lifting or use proper technique to prevent muscle strain.
- Manage stress through relaxation or mindfulness.
- Stay hydrated to support muscle function.
- Don’t smoke as it can worsen respiratory conditions.
- Limit alcohol intake to reduce acid reflux risk.
- Get regular check-ups to monitor and manage underlying health conditions.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce back and shoulder strain.
When to See a Doctor
Unexplained weight loss, severe pain and symptoms of a heart attack such as chest tightness, shortness of breath and sweating are red flags that needs immediate attention.
If you have intense shoulder pain, sudden swelling or any signs of medical emergency such as heart attack or pulmonary embolism don’t hesitate to go to urgent care.
FAQs
Why do I have pain between my shoulder blades when I eat?
Pain between your shoulder blades when eating could mean pancreatic inflammation. This can cause referred pain in that area.
Can esophageal problems cause pain between shoulder blades?
Yes, esophageal problems like GERD can cause referred pain between the shoulder blades due to inflammation and with a burning sensation in that area.
Why does my upper back hurt when I swallow?
Upper back pain when swallowing is likely from musculoskeletal issues, like pulled muscles, not digestive problems like acid reflux.
When do I go to the doctor for pain between the shoulder blades?
Go to the doctor for pain between the shoulder blades if you have severe pain, unexplained weight loss or symptoms of a heart attack.
Can poor posture cause pain between the shoulder blades?
Yes, poor posture can cause pain between the shoulder blades from muscle strain and discomfort in that area. Make sure to maintain proper alignment to avoid this.
Wrap Up
With all of this in mind, Pain between the shoulder blades when swallowing can be caused by many conditions from GERD and esophageal issues to cardiac and respiratory problems.
