Muscles that may contribute to pain in the back of the shoulder

Pain in the back of the shoulder can have several possible causes. In some cases, muscular tension and trigger points may contribute to discomfort felt in the back of the shoulder.

What makes trigger points particularly interesting is that the area where you feel the pain is not always where the problem originates.

13 Muscles That May Refer Pain to the Back of the Shoulder.

Compare the referred-pain patterns below with the area where you feel discomfort. Select a muscle to learn more.

Scalenes referred pain pattern

Scalene Muscles

Trigger points in the scalenes may refer discomfort toward the front of the shoulder, the back of your shoulder and down the arm.

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Supraspinatus referred pain pattern

Supraspinatus

Trigger points in the Supraspinatus may refer pain to the back and top of the shoulder.

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Teres Minor referred pain pattern

Teres Minor

Trigger points in the Teres Minor may refer pain to the back and side of th shoulder.

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Teres Major referred pain pattern

Teres Major

Trigger points in the Teres Major may contribute to pain in the back of the shoulder.

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Levator scapula referred pain pattern

Levator Scapula

Trigger points in the levator scapula may refer pain on the back of the shoulder and radiates to the neck.

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Trapezius referred pain pattern

Trapezius

Trigger points in the trapezius may refer pain in the back and the top of your shoulder.

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Coraco-Brachialis referred pain pattern

Latissimus Dorsi

Trigger points in the Latissimus Dorsi may refer pain in the back of your shoulder and down the arm.

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Rhomboids referred pain pattern

Rhomboids

Trigger points in the Rhomboids are a major source of back shoulder and back pain.

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thoracic iliocostalis referred pain pattern

thoracic iliocostalis

Trigger points in the thoracic iliocostalis may refer pain along the mid-thoracic spine, shoulder blades and ribs.

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Serratus Anterior referred pain pattern

Serratus Anterior

Trigger points in the Serratus Anterior may refer pain toward the back, shoulder blade , arm and hand.

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Serratus posterior superior referred pain pattern

Serratus posterior superior

Trigger points in Serratus posterior superior may produce referred pain down the back of the shoulder, posterior arm, and elbow toward the ulnar side of the forearm, wrist, and hand.

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Posterior deltoid muscle referred pain pattern

Posterior Deloid

Trigger points in the posterior deltoid muscle may refer pain to the back of the shoulder and also the back.

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Triceps referred pain pattern

Triceps

Trigger points in the Triceps may refer pain to the back of the shoulder, upper arm, and elbow joint.

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