why does my shoulder blade hurt

The pain in the shoulder blade can be caused by various factors, often related to muscle strain or injury to muscles and tendons around the shoulder blades. Common causes include poor posture, heavy lifting, repetitive movements, overuse during activities or exercise, and injuries such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocation, or fractures. Other possible causes are spinal issues like herniated discs or arthritis, nerve compression, or even referred pain from internal organs. More serious underlying conditions that can cause shoulder blade pain include heart attack (notably more common in women as shoulder blade pain can be a symptom), aortic tear, pulmonary embolism, lung conditions like cancer or collapsed lung, and nerve-related conditions such as shingles or myofascial pain syndrome. If the shoulder blade pain is sudden, severe, or paired with other symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, arm weakness, or reduced shoulder movement, it requires immediate medical attention. Otherwise, muscle strain and poor posture are the most frequent causes and often improve with rest and proper care. However, a medical evaluation may be needed to pinpoint the exact cause if the pain persists or worsens.