Let's learn more about the scapula that supports your shoulder.

You've probably heard of the 'scapula', right? This triangular bone on your back, just below your shoulder, is what we medically call the 'scapula'. It may not seem like much to you, but this little hero is an indispensable part of many movements in your arm, shoulder, and back. Think about how important this scapula is when you reach for something on a shelf, throw a cricket ball, or even scratch your back.

What is this scapula?

Simply put, the scapula is a flat, triangular-shaped bone in your upper back that connects to your shoulder. It's not just a piece of bone. Most of the muscles in our arms and back attach to this scapula, like an anchor.

Even though this is just one bone, the shoulder blade has several parts that are very important to the functioning of our body. Let's take a look at what they are.

In addition to these parts, there are several other important places (borders, angles, fossas) where muscles and tendons attach to the shoulder.

Where exactly is the shoulder strap? How does it work?

The shoulder blade is located on your back, behind your shoulder. It is connected mainly by two joints .

1. With the upper arm bone: The glenoid cavity in the shoulder blade connects to the ball-like head of the humerus. This is called the glenohumeral joint. This is a ball-and-socket joint . Just like our hip joint. It is because of these joints that we have maximum range of motion, meaning we can turn our arms in any direction.

2. With the collarbone: The part of the shoulder blade called the ``Acromion'' connects to our collarbone ``(clavicle).`` This joint is called the ``acromioclavicular joint.`` Since this is a ``gliding joint'', only limited movement occurs here.

What are the main functions of the shoulder blade?

The shoulder blade is not just a bone. It is like the center of a bunch of muscles. Many of the major muscles that move the arm, upper back, and shoulder are connected to this shoulder blade. Let's take a look at some of those major muscles and what they do.

Diseases and problems that may occur related to the shoulder blade

As long as the shoulder and the muscles associated with it are working properly, we have no problem. But if for some reason the functioning of this system is disrupted, we have difficulty using our shoulder and arm.

We commonly refer to these abnormalities in shoulder movement as scapular dyskinesis . There are several possible causes for this condition.

• Weakness, tightness, or imbalance of the muscles that control the shoulder blades.
• Damage to the nerves that connect to those muscles.
• Injuries to the bones of the shoulder joint or shoulder blade.

A few examples of this situation

• Shoulder impingement syndrome: This occurs when the rotator cuff muscle in the shoulder becomes inflamed and rubs against the acromion, causing severe pain when raising the shoulder.
• Subacromial bursitis: Our joints have small fluid-filled sacs called bursae that help reduce friction. These can become inflamed and cause shoulder pain and infection.

Do you also have these symptoms?

• Pain around the shoulder blade or stiffness when touched.
• Feeling of weakness in the arm or shoulder on the side of the pain.
• Feeling tired quickly when doing the same activity continuously, especially when doing work with your hands raised.
• Hearing a 'snapping' or 'snapping' sound when moving the shoulder.
• The shoulder on the side with pain appears to hang down.
• Limited range of motion in the arm and shoulder.
• The shoulder blade protrudes from the body, looking like a wing. This is also called ``winged scapula''.

Diagnosis and treatment methods

If you have these symptoms, the best thing to do is see a doctor . The doctor will examine you. They may test your shoulder range of motion and muscle strength.

In some cases, an X-ray or MRI scan may be recommended to pinpoint the cause.

Treatment options depend on the severity of your condition and its cause.

• Medication: Your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ), such as ibuprofen , to reduce swelling and pain.
• Physical therapy: This is a very important treatment. Under the guidance of a physical therapist, you can do exercises to strengthen the muscles that stabilize and move the shoulder and stretch tight muscles.
• Surgery: Most of the time, these conditions can be treated with exercise and medication. However, if there is severe damage to the muscles or tissues, surgery may be necessary, very rarely.

If you think you've had an accident involving your shoulder, or if you have any of the symptoms we've discussed, see your doctor immediately before further damage occurs.