Rhomboid muscle pain can be caused by a variety of factors, such as injury, strain, or overuse. Poor posture, especially when sitting in front of a computer for extended periods of time, can lead to injury of the rhomboid muscles. Additionally, excessive tension in the pectoralis major muscle and inhibition of the serrata anterior can cause pain in the rhomboids by overloading them. Pulling movements are also known to cause rhomboid pain.
The pain associated with rhomboid muscle strain is usually dull and sore, but can be acute in some cases. The rhomboids are responsible for shoulder lift and downward rotation during muscular actions.
Rhomboid muscle pain can cause pain in the upper middle of the back, in the back of the shoulders, or between the spine and the shoulder blade.
Resting and avoiding activities that cause pain in the rhomboid muscle is essential for recovery. Rhomboid pain is also known as interscapular pain, which can reach from the shoulder blade to the spine and even to the base of the neck or middle of the back.The amount of time it takes to recover from rhomboid muscle pain depends on its severity. The first step in treating a rhomboid muscle injury is to stop any activity that caused it. Overloading your back, shoulders, and arms during any activity can strain or injure your rhomboids. If your muscles are sore from a recent workout, allow them to rest and focus on a different set of muscles.
If you have taken steps to relieve rhomboid muscle pain but have not seen any improvement, it may be beneficial to consult a physical therapist or personal trainer. Pain along the medial shoulder edge is more commonly associated with cervical spine issues than with anything related to the rhomboids. If you experience regular rhomboid muscle pain, working with a personal trainer can help you correct imbalances in your body.