Spine, Back & Neck
Periscapular & Shoulder-Blade Pain
Aching around the shoulder blade that is often referred from the neck or mid-back.
Also called: Shoulder blade pain, Pain between the shoulder blades.
Pain felt at the shoulder blade frequently originates in the cervical or thoracic spine, or in how the shoulder blade is moving on the rib cage, rather than in the tissue that hurts.
It can also relate to how the shoulder itself is functioning, since the muscles around the shoulder blade connect both the arm and the spine.
Why this matters
It is one of the most persistent desk-work complaints, and massaging the sore spot alone rarely changes it for long.
Because the actual source is often elsewhere, people can spend a long time treating the area that hurts without addressing what is driving it.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Shoulder-blade control depends on timing between several muscle groups, which is a coordination question as much as a strength question.
The exam looks at how well those muscle groups are working together, along with neck and thoracic movement, to identify where the underlying issue is located.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
- Ankle Sprain — Ligament injury from rolling or twisting the ankle.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.