Muscles cramps are commonly associated with running, but typically they are associated with leg muscles. The source of the shoulder blade, or scapula, pain might not be in the area of the shoulder. A licensed professional who has training in diagnosing shoulder pain, such as a physician or physical therapist, should be consulted to address persistent symptoms. Once a diagnosis has been made, your path to recovery can begin.
Cramping During Your Run
Pain during running might be related to posture and a lack of flexibility. Evaluate your form while running. Are your shoulders shrugged up? If so, work on relaxing them. The muscles that shrug the shoulders are connected to the shoulder blade. Your shoulder movement during running should be relaxed, not tensed. Your cramping might stem from a lack of shoulder flexibility related to other activities throughout your day, or it might be a warning sign of another serious medical issue.
Cramping Related to Poor Flexibility
Some of the inflexibility and weakness can be related to postures taken during the work week or other daily activities. Some examples of these include slouching to watch television, craning the head forward to read off the computer, holding a telephone between the ear and shoulder, and repetitive overhead activities. Work on the flexibility of your neck and shoulders by stretching your neck. Move the head slowly by slowly nodding forward and backward, looking over each shoulder, and moving the ear down to each shoulder. Hold the end position of each movement briefly, about 10 seconds, to allow for a stretch.
Cramping Related to Medical Issues
Pain in your shoulder blade while running might not always be related to the activity of running itself. Sometimes the pain in the shoulder blades might actually be referred there from organs in the chest and abdomen. If working on stretching and posture does not completely resolve your symptoms in a short period, seek medical consultation to rule out various medical diagnoses. Pain around the shoulder blade can be related to issues such as heart attack, gall bladder disease, liver cancer, throat cancer and lung conditions.
Cramping Late in or After Your Run
According to Ohio Health, cramps can be caused by muscle overuse, strain, maintaining a position for an extended length of time, or dehydration. Because repetitive arm movement is common during running, it is highly possible that your symptoms are related to one of these factors, if your symptoms appear closer to the end of your run. Stretching the neck and shoulders is one way to attempt to relieve some cramping. You can also try an ice pack or massage. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are often suggested when the injury is caused by muscle swelling.
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