I started doing sumo deadlifts about a months ago and have had a persistent pain in my back from below the shoulder blade to 7" below that. Any deadlift-type move (pulling weeds) causes pain.
The feel is definitely muscular and a foam roller has drastically decreased the pain.
Could this be caused by weak back muscles that aren’t ready to handle the heavy (for me: 280#) deadlift weight? If so, what can I do to strengthen my back?
Maybe the muscles arent firing properly?
I would suggest going lighter and focus on your technique. Take a video of yourself and notice how you pull and how your body is in various phases of the movement.
But, it probably is a muscular imbalance because your back (and some of your shoulders) can’t handle the weight in your hands.
You might want to try some thoracic mobility work:
I’m no Doctor, but I remember getting bursitis when I was younger, and it hurt just below my scapula… you might want to check with an MD if it is indeed giving you an appreciable degree of pain.
S