If only we had a dollar for every time someone came in complaining of pain in the back of their shoulder—right in that spot between the spine and shoulder blade. You might have even tried using a ball or someone’s thumb to press directly on it. Sure, it may have felt better temporarily, but ask yourself—for how long?
The truth is, the site of pain is not always the source of the problem. As one of our university lecturers famously said, “A trap for young players.”
How to Tell If Your Pain Isn’t Coming from Your Shoulder
So, how can you be certain that the pain, pins and needles in your fingers, or shoulder discomfort isn’t originating from your shoulder? Let’s dig deeper.
1. Do You Experience Referral Pain to the Arm or Shoulder?
If your discomfort travels down the side of your arm or into your shoulder, chances are high that your neck is the actual culprit.
2. Do You Experience Pins and Needles in Your Fingers, Especially at Night?
Do your symptoms become more noticeable in the evening? Do you occasionally experience pins and needles in your fingers? Do you feel the need to bring your arm overhead to relieve those sensations?
If you answered yes to any of these, your pain is likely originating from your neck, not your shoulder blade. We say potentially because other factors need to be ruled out, but the neck is a common cause of these symptoms.
Why Is Your Neck Compensating?
Now, this is where it gets interesting. The bigger question is: Why is your neck compensating?
What other areas of your body might not be functioning optimally, forcing your neck to take on extra strain? Simply treating the site of pain won’t provide long-term relief—we need to address the underlying cause.
What’s the Next Step?
If you’re struggling with neck pain, shoulder discomfort, or pins and needles in your fingers, you need to see a therapist who:
Takes a thorough history
Conducts a detailed examination
Understands human movement patterns
At Kinetic Healthcare, we tick all three boxes. We don’t just assess movement—we obsess over it.
Think of us as Sherlock Holmes for your body’s pain.
Get Help Today!
Don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Book an appointment now and take the first step toward relief.
📞 Call us at (02) 4666 2796
🌐 Visit us at www.kinetichealthcare.com.au