Symptoms
Mid-back pain
Aching between the shoulder blades commonly referring from rotator cuff, scalenes and rhomboid trigger points.
Overview
Interscapular pain is rarely from the spine itself in the absence of clear pathology. Infraspinatus and scalenes are common referral sources, along with rhomboids and serratus posterior superior.
Clinical notes
Screen for cervical contribution. Palpate the infraspinous fossa for reproducible interscapular pain.
Red flags — when to refer
Chest pain, dyspnea, unexplained weight loss, fever — refer.
Muscles often involved
References
- • Travell & Simons, Vol. 1