Think Neck for Your Shoulder Blade Pain, Until Proved Otherwise
Unveiling the Intricate Connection Between the Cervical Spine and the Shoulder Complex
By
Pat Stanziano, MPT, Hons BSc Kin
Registered Physiotherapist
Certified McKenzie MDT Provider (MICanada)
Diploma Sport Physiotherapy (Canada)
Registered Int’l Sport Physical Therapist (IFSPT)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA)
Have you ever found yourself frustrated by that persistent shoulder blade pain that just won’t seem to go away? Our team of therapists at Leaps and Bounds Performance Rehabilitation – physiotherapists, chiropractors, athletic therapists, and massage therapists – in Oakville are dedicated to helping you discover the source of your pain, and then overcome it, so you can focus on the more important things in life. Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our practitioners!
Before you reach for the lacrosse ball to smash those rhomboids and trapezius muscles, let’s dive into a groundbreaking exploration that suggests the source of your discomfort might be closer to your neck than you think.
- Clowered’s Revelation in 1958:
- Back in 1958, Clowered conducted a groundbreaking discography study that revealed a fascinating connection between scapular (shoulder blade) pain and the neck. By pressurizing a specific disc in the neck with a saline solution, they were able to reproduce the patient’s scapular pain. This discovery hinted at a previously unnoticed relationship between neck and shoulder blade discomfort.
- Dwyer’s Distinct Patterns in 1990:
- In 1990, Dwyer and his colleagues took a step further by distending the joint capsules of various Z-joints in the neck through injection. This unique approach led to the identification of distinct and recognizable patterns of pain, enabling the creation of diagnostic charts. These charts have since become valuable tools for diagnosing specific joints that contribute to neck and shoulder blade pain.
- Grubb and Kelly’s SPINE Study (2000):
- Grubb and Kelly, drawing on 12 years of experience in cervical discography, published a comprehensive study in SPINE in 2000. Their findings emphasized the clinical implications of disc pathology in the neck, highlighting a strong correlation between cervical disc abnormalities and scapular pain. This study paved the way for a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between the neck and shoulder blades.
- Tanaka’s Nerve Root Decompression (2006):
- Tanaka and his colleagues, in a 2006 SPINE publication, explored the outcomes of nerve root decompression in patients with longstanding scapular pain. Out of 50 consecutive patients who had tried more conservative management, a remarkable 90% experienced pain relief following decompression of the cervical spine. This study underscored the effectiveness of addressing neck-related issues to alleviate shoulder blade discomfort.
Understanding the Connection:
The intricate relationship between the neck and shoulder blades revealed by these groundbreaking studies opens a new chapter in our understanding of chronic scapular pain. The studies suggest that scapular pain is not merely a localized issue. Instead, it intricately connects with the health of the neck. The neck’s structural elements, such as discs and joints, play a crucial role in influencing the patterns and intensity of shoulder blade discomfort.
Understanding the neck-shoulder blade connection has profound implications for diagnosing and treating scapular pain:
- Targeted Interventions:
- Armed with the knowledge of specific patterns identified by Dwyer and the insights from Grubb and Kelly’s study, healthcare professionals can tailor interventions to target the precise areas of concern. This ensures a more effective and efficient treatment strategy.
- Patient-Centered Care:
- Recognizing the neck’s role in scapular pain allows for a patient-centered approach. Healthcare providers can work collaboratively with individuals, incorporating their unique experiences and symptoms into the diagnostic and treatment process for more personalized care.
Learn More About How You Can Find Relief
So, before you embark on another round of self-massage for your shoulder blades, consider exploring the intricate connections between your neck and scapular pain. This understanding opens the door to more precise and tailored approaches to managing scapular discomfort, ultimately leading to better results in your journey to pain relief.
At Leaps and Bounds, there are clinicians specialized and others who utilize principles of the Mckenzie MDT Method. Renowned for its precision and effectiveness, the MDT method stands out in its ability to unveil the intricate relationship between the neck and shoulder blades.
Through systematic assessments and targeted movements, MDT practitioners engage in a thorough evaluation process to identify specific mechanical issues in the spine. This approach proves invaluable in uncovering hidden connections between the neck and shoulder blades, shedding light on the root causes of discomfort.
The MDT method’s emphasis on patient empowerment further distinguishes it, as individuals actively participate in self-assessment and tailored exercises. By fostering a deeper understanding of their own musculoskeletal health, patients become integral partners in the journey toward relief.
Call Us Today
Call Leaps and Bounds Performance Rehabilitation in Oakville today to learn more about how we can get you back on the road to recovery and get you back to doing the things you love.