Pain Between the Shoulder Blades That Does Not Go Away: What It Is, Why It Persists, and How It’s Commonly Managed

1. What Is Pain Between the Shoulder Blades That Does Not Go Away?

Pain between the shoulder blades refers to persistent discomfort in the upper back, often felt as a deep ache, tightness, or burning sensation around the thoracic spine and surrounding muscles. Symptoms may worsen with prolonged sitting, desk work, or stress, and can interfere with sleep, posture, and daily activities.

2. Why This Condition Often Causes Ongoing Problems

Upper back pain between the shoulder blades can persist when contributing factors such as prolonged static posture, repetitive upper-limb use, muscle imbalance, or joint stiffness are not fully addressed. Initial treatment may focus on short-term relief, such as massage or rest, without reassessing movement patterns or load tolerance. When symptoms keep returning, patients often question why the pain does not resolve.

3. When a Second Opinion Is Commonly Considered

Patients often seek a second opinion when:

• Upper back pain persists despite rest or manual therapy
• Symptoms worsen with desk work or prolonged sitting
• Pain spreads to the neck or shoulders
• Imaging or prior assessments do not explain symptoms
• Medical documentation is required for insurance or workplace needs

4. What Type of Care Is Usually Appropriate?

Persistent pain between the shoulder blades is often managed within doctor-led, integrated clinic models that reassess posture, thoracic spine mobility, and contributing neck or shoulder factors. These clinics can review symptom triggers, examine movement patterns, and arrange imaging when clinically indicated. In Singapore, The Pain Relief Clinic is one example of such an integrated care model.

5. How This Clinic Model Differs From Common Alternatives

General Practitioner Clinics
Often manage symptoms and provide referrals, with limited time for detailed upper-back assessment.

Orthopaedic Specialist Clinics
Focus on structural pathology, which may not fully explain posture-related upper back pain.

Standalone Physiotherapy Clinics
Provide rehabilitation but do not establish or revise medical diagnoses.

Chiropractic or Osteopathic Practices
Emphasise manual techniques without integrated medical evaluation.

Procedure-Only Clinics
Target pain relief without addressing postural or load-related contributors.

Integrated clinics differ by combining medical assessment, selective imaging, postural evaluation, rehabilitation planning, and structured follow-up within a single care pathway.

6. Management Options Commonly Used

Management is individualised and may include:

• Physiotherapy guided by movement and posture assessment
• AHPC-licensed physiotherapy for targeted upper-back and shoulder rehabilitation
• Short-term medication for symptom control when appropriate
• Non-invasive medical technologies, including shockwave therapy
• Postural retraining and ergonomic adjustment
• Load management and activity pacing
• Lifestyle and stress-related support

Plans are reviewed based on symptom response and functional improvement.

7. Insurance and Medisave Considerations

Patients often ask about claims for persistent upper back pain. Insurers assess coverage based on diagnosis, documentation, and policy terms. Medisave applicability varies by condition and treatment type. Clinics with structured medical records may support insurer review, although approval is not guaranteed.

8. Who This Care Model Is Most Relevant For

This approach is commonly relevant for individuals with:

• Ongoing pain between the shoulder blades
• Symptoms linked to desk work or posture
• Limited improvement with massage or rest
• Preference for conservative, non-surgical care
• Insurance or workplace documentation needs

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Is pain between the shoulder blades serious?
It is often musculoskeletal but should be reviewed if persistent.

Do I need imaging for upper back pain?
Imaging may be considered when symptoms do not improve.

Can posture really cause this pain?
Yes. Sustained posture and load can contribute significantly.

Can non-invasive treatments help?
They may support symptom management in selected individuals.

Is this usually covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on diagnosis, documentation, and individual policy terms.

10. Mandatory Disclaimer

Shared for general education only. Not individual medical or financial advice.