Rhomboid Pain

Upper Back Pain | Shoulder Blade Pain | Rhomboid Muscle Tension

Rhomboid pain refers to the tightness and pain that occurs on the inner side of the shoulder blades in the upper back. This pain is often particularly noticeable in improper sitting positions and is accompanied by stiffness and tension in the chest and back. The rhomboid muscle, located near the inner side of the shoulder blades, can become tight and stiff due to poor posture, such as hunching, resulting in pain.

Causes of Rhomboid Pain

Muscle Tension: Prolonged poor posture or overexertion can lead to tension in the back muscles, resulting in pain.
Spinal Issues: Conditions such as herniated discs or scoliosis can compress nerves, causing pain in the Rhomboid area.
Visceral Diseases: Certain internal organ diseases (such as stomach or kidney issues) can cause referred pain, where pain is felt in other areas.
Rheumatic Diseases: Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to back pain.
High levels of life stress and other psychological factors

Symptoms of Rhomboid Pain

Localized Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in the Rhomboid area.
Radiating Pain: Pain may radiate to the shoulders, arms, or lower back.
Tightness: Local muscles may feel tight or stiff.
Limited Mobility: Pain may affect daily activities, such as bending or turning.
Other Symptoms: Depending on the underlying cause, other symptoms may include chest tightness or nausea.

Physiotherapy for Rhomboid Pain

The most important aspect of treating Rhomboid pain is to conduct examinations and assessments to identify the causes of poor posture and the source of pain, such as issues with the ribs, thoracic spine, or rhomboid muscle. Both should be addressed simultaneously for effective treatment.

Common physical therapy methods include:

TCM Treatment for Rhomboid Pain

From a TCM perspective, back pain is often related to kidney deficiency or stagnation of qi and blood.

Common TCM treatments include:

Internal medicine: Physicians will prescribe suitable herbal formulas based on the patient’s symptoms and constitution, employing differential diagnosis.
Acupuncture: Inserting needles into the Rhomboid area and related meridians to promote qi and blood circulation.
Orthopedic Reduction: Massage techniques to relieve muscle tension and improve local blood circulation.

FAQ

When is Rhomboid Pain Related to Internal Organs?

Generally, skeletal pain is related to specific postures and movements, and it often disappears when lying flat. If the issue originates from internal organs, persistent pain will occur regardless of posture or movement.

When do I need to get an MRI scan?

Before undergoing imaging examinations, consider whether you have the following issues:

Has the pain severely affected your daily habits and work life?
Are there sensations of referred pain or numbness in your hands?

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor early and determine whether an MRI is necessary based on the comprehensive situation.

MANA Core Values

Integration of Eastern and Western Medicine, Multidimensional Therapy
Reshaping Structural Integrity to Achieve Inner and Outer Balance
Guiding Body Perception to Think & Foster a Healthy Lifestyle
Conducted by Registered TCM Practitioners and Physiotherapists for Examination and Treatment

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