What muscles could cause back of shoulder pain?

Muscles that may contribute to back of shoulder pain include deltoid, infraspinatus muscle, teres minor, teres major, rhomboid major, rhomboid minor. Trigger points, strains, or weakness in these muscles can refer pain to this area.

Shoulder

Back of Shoulder

Q: What causes pain in the back of shoulder?

Common causes of back of shoulder pain include infraspinatus strain or trigger points, posterior deltoid overuse from rowing or pulling, rotator cuff tendinopathy, teres minor strain from external rotation activities, referred pain from thoracic spine issues. The specific cause depends on the nature of the pain, how it started, and which movements aggravate it.

Pain at the back of the shoulder typically involves the posterior deltoid, infraspinatus, or teres minor muscles. This area is prone to strain from pulling movements, poor posture, and repetitive reaching behind the body.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of any pain or medical condition.

Common Causes

Infraspinatus strain or trigger points

Posterior deltoid overuse from rowing or pulling

Rotator cuff tendinopathy

Teres minor strain from external rotation activities

Referred pain from thoracic spine issues

Muscles in This Area

Shoulder

deltoid

The deltoid is the rounded shoulder cap muscle with anterior, middle, and posterior fibers covering the shoulder joint. It abducts, flexes, and extends the arm for raises and presses. Builds the V-taper and protects the rotator cuff.

Deltoid strainSubacromial impingementRotator cuff tendinopathy

Shoulder

infraspinatus muscle

Infraspinatus caps the back of the shoulder blade, externally rotating the arm for throwing and serving. Key rotator cuff muscle for shoulder stability in presses and pulls.

Infraspinatus tendinopathyRotator cuff tearSuprascapular neuropathy

Shoulder

teres minor

The teres minor is a narrow rotator cuff muscle on scapula's lateral border, externally rotating and stabilizing the shoulder. Key for throwing and pressing without winging.

Teres minor tearRotator cuff tendinopathyQuadrilateral space syndrome

Shoulder

teres major

The teres major is a thick muscle from lower scapula to humerus, adducting and internally rotating the arm. 'Lat's little helper' for pulling exercises like rows and pull-ups.

Teres major strainPosterior shoulder impingementScapular dyskinesis

Upper Back

rhomboid major

The rhomboid major is a diamond-shaped muscle between your shoulder blades, retracting the scapula for better posture. It stabilizes during rows, pull-ups, and presses, countering slouched shoulders in gym-goers. Weak rhomboids lead to rounded posture and shoulder issues.

Rhomboid strainScapular dyskinesisMyofascial pain syndrome

Upper Back

rhomboid minor

The rhomboid minor, above the major, connects upper thoracic spine to the shoulder blade's inner border. It retracts and stabilizes the scapula during upper body pulls. Essential for posture correction in lifters with desk jobs.

Rhomboid minor strainTrapezius-rhomboid myofascial painPostural syndrome

Stretches That May Help

Cross-body delt stretch

Overhead triceps stretch (anterior)

Rear delt doorway stretch

Sleeper stretch

Cross-body shoulder stretch

External rotation doorway stretch

Sleeper stretch variation

Hornblower stretch

External rotation release

Swimmer's stretch

Prayer stretch

Across-body pull

Doorway scapular stretch

Wall slide

Child's pose with retraction

Scapular wall slide

Pec doorway stretch

Thread the needle

Recommended Exercises

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you have weakness reaching behind your back, sharp pain with any arm movement, or pain that wakes you at night and does not respond to rest and ice.