by Experiencing Left Shoulder Blade Pain?
Having left shoulder blade pain is an issue that could affect your happiness and overall well-being. Even worse, those who are left-handed and are experiencing shoulder pain might have trouble performing everyday tasks. Left shoulder blade pain can make simple activities like typing on a keyboard or more demanding ones like operating machinery painful and difficult.
Sometimes, left shoulder blade pain is nothing to worry about, but it can be bothersome, especially if the discomfort is mild but persistent. It’s always a good idea to consult a qualified physician for expert advice if the pain persists. Whether you are prone to left shoulder blade pain or this is your first time dealing with it, keep reading to learn about three effective home remedies that may help alleviate the pain.
Understanding What’s Going On
Your left shoulder blade is one of the large, flat bones in the shape of a triangle situated in the upper area of your back. These bones, also known as scapulae, are crucial for connecting your upper arm bones (humerus) with your collarbone (clavicles). Your shoulder blades are essential for increasing the range of motion of your arms.
Before we dive into home remedies to relieve left shoulder blade pain, let’s first explore some common causes of shoulder blade discomfort:
Poor Posture
If you spend long hours sitting at a desk or computer, poor posture can easily cause discomfort in your shoulder blades. Sitting with slouched shoulders or a forward head posture can strain your neck, upper back, and shoulder blades.
Additionally, standing with poor posture, such as leaning to one side or rounding your shoulders, can also contribute to shoulder blade pain. Improving your posture while both sitting and standing can help prevent this type of pain.
Heavy Lifting
Are you left-handed? If you frequently lift heavy objects, especially repetitively or with improper form, you may be putting excessive strain on your left shoulder blade. Whether you’re lifting boxes, weights, or other heavy items, poor lifting technique can lead to soreness and discomfort.
Intense Exercise and Other Activities
Exercises that involve repetitive arm movements, such as push-ups, pull-ups, or bicep curls, can overwork your shoulder blades if performed excessively or incorrectly. Even engaging in sports that require overhead arm motions can leave your shoulder blades feeling sore and tight.
Sleeping On Your Side
In some cases, sleeping on one side for extended periods can contribute to shoulder blade pain. If you habitually sleep on your left side, the constant pressure on that shoulder can lead to tightness and soreness the next day.
Shoulder blade pain can also stem from more serious underlying issues such as acid reflux, nerve compression, or even certain medical conditions like gallstones, fibromyalgia, or osteoarthritis. If you experience any unusual symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath along with shoulder blade pain, consult a doctor immediately.
Home Remedies
Here are three home remedies that might help relieve left shoulder blade pain. Be sure to consult a professional before trying any of these remedies to ensure they’re appropriate for your condition.
Ice or Heat Therapy
One of the quickest ways to alleviate left shoulder blade pain is by applying either ice or heat to the affected area. Using an ice pack or a hot water bag for about 15 minutes can help reduce inflammation and ease tension.
For ice therapy, make sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel to avoid direct contact with your skin. If you prefer heat therapy, use a heating pad or hot water bottle. Just be cautious with heat if there’s swelling, as it could exacerbate the issue. Try alternating between ice and heat for 4-5 sessions a day for optimal relief.
Massage
Gently massaging the area around your left shoulder blade can help release muscle tightness and alleviate discomfort. Focus on the muscles just below your left armpit, as they tend to be the most affected by shoulder blade pain.
You can use your right hand to apply pressure or try a massage tool like a massage ball to reach the sore areas. By kneading the muscles, you can promote blood flow, which aids in muscle recovery and pain relief. Self-massage is particularly helpful if you don’t have immediate access to a professional massage therapist.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching the muscles around your upper back and shoulders can significantly relieve left shoulder blade pain. A simple and effective stretch is the doorway stretch.
Stand in a doorway with your left arm bent at a 90-degree angle and your forearm pressed against the doorframe. Gently push your forearm into the doorframe and hold for 15 seconds. Then, raise your arm to a 45-degree angle and repeat the stretch for another 15 seconds. This helps to release tightness in the chest and shoulders, promoting better posture and reducing pain.
You should feel a gentle stretch across your chest and shoulder, helping to improve flexibility and mobility in the affected area. By performing this regularly, you’ll not only relieve current pain but also increase range of motion and prevent future stiffness. Incorporating these stretches into your daily routine can help prevent shoulder blade pain from recurring, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting or engaging in repetitive arm movements.
If the pain persists or stretching doesn’t provide enough relief, it might be time to try a professional massage. A deep tissue massage can target those stubborn knots and provide long-lasting relief. Don’t let discomfort hold you back—book a mobile massage with us today and we’ll bring the treatment to your doorstep for ultimate convenience and comfort.
