Burning pain between the shoulder blades: possible causes of burning in the back

Burning between the shoulder blades is rarely a disease in itself. More often it is a signal of strain on muscles and ligaments, an irritated nerve, or referred pain from internal organs. Burning differs from dull aching pain.

Why burning pain occurs between the shoulder blades

The back works as a system of levers: vertebrae, discs, and facet joints bear the load, while muscles and ligaments distribute it. When an intervertebral disc or joint changes due to degeneration or injury, secondary pain arises in muscles and nerves. Compression or irritation of a nerve root causes radicular symptoms. Referred pain is another mechanism: in diseases of the gallbladder, pancreas, aorta, and kidneys, burning is felt not where the organ is located but in the back. Pain in the middle part of the back (thoracic) is distinguished separately from lumbar and cervical pain.

Burning under the left shoulder blade: possible causes

Burning under the left shoulder blade may be musculoskeletal: muscle or ligament strain, nerve root irritation due to disc changes. Referred pain from abdominal organs is also possible. The cause is determined by a doctor after examination and, if necessary, tests.

Burning pain under the right shoulder blade: possible causes

Burning under the right shoulder blade may be associated with the same mechanisms: muscle strain, degenerative changes of the disc and joints, nerve compression. Referred pain from internal organs, including the gallbladder, is also possible. Burning by itself does not point to a specific organ; a doctor's assessment and, if necessary, tests are needed.

Burning in the back from nerves: what is meant

Neuropathic pain occurs with compression or irritation of a spinal nerve. The cause is a disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis, and less commonly infections and tumors. About 90 percent of back pain cases are nonspecific, and examination finds no clear abnormalities: then the issue is muscle or ligament strain.

Burning in the lower back and along the spine

In the lower back, burning is more often associated with the L4–L5 or L5–S1 disc — this is the most common area of disc involvement. Spondylosis and spondylolisthesis with age narrow the space between vertebrae and irritate nerves. Spinal canal stenosis usually manifests after age 60. Vertebral compression fractures occur in four percent of patients with lower back pain; risk factors are age, female sex, osteoporosis, and glucocorticoid use.

How the cause of burning is determined and when a doctor is needed

The doctor evaluates the complaints and orders tests. If necessary, imaging is ordered — X-ray, MRI, discography, myelography. A doctor should be consulted if the pain does not resolve after several weeks of home care, interferes with daily activities, worsens at night or with coughing, sneezing, defecation, or if weight loss, swelling, or a change in the shape of the back appears. Pain from the upper part of the back, between the shoulders, is distinguished separately.

• The pain persists for several weeks and does not ease.
• Burning interferes with work and sleep.
• Swelling or a change in the shape of the back has appeared.
• The pain worsens with coughing, sneezing, or on the toilet.
• The pain radiates from the upper part of the back between the shoulders.

Burning between the shoulder blades by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if numbness or weakness in both legs, loss of sensation around the genitals and anus, problems with urination or defecation, chest pain, or pain that began after a serious accident is added to the back pain.

This material is for reference: it explains the mechanisms but does not replace a doctor's consultation, which will assess your specific situation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer