I am 49 years old I ride an 012 ultra classic. 2 weeks ago I rode over 500 miles in one day. No problem with saddle soreness, but right between my shoulder blades I have a stinger that will not go away. Those of you that played football know what a stinger is. Anticipating a ride of over 2000 miles next year. I don't know if I can ride 300-500 miles a a day with this pain between my shoulder blades. It's right at the cervical vertebrae. Questions: 1. Would a riders backrest help this. Or 2. Would some moderately high ape hangers help this? Or is this something I'm going to have live with?

 

Can't tell you what will work for you. On road trips I use my HD Adjustable BackRest. IMO, the non-adj is a waste of money. Good luck

 

I think getting rid of the stock handlebars would be a good place to start.
Many of us on here are running the Khrome Works +2 Sweepers.

 

had the exact same thing I decided with the yaffe 10 in bars and the pain disappeared on long rides

 

Going from stock bars to the HD reduced reach bars on my '10 Street Glide eliminated that pain between the shoulder blades for me.

 

Looks like it is time to start researching and pricing new handlebars.

 

You might want to visit a real doctor and have your issue diagnosed. That said, I carried around a "stinger" for a few years and eventually got a deep tissue massage which eliminated it. First choice would be to make sure there isn't anything physical causing your symptoms.

Beyond that - bars, backrest and highway pegs can make a difference in overall comfort.

 

I've found for me higher bars give me shoulder pain. I have heritage bars with a back rest on my RK and they work for me.

 

I have done 800+ mile days with this setup and could’a kept going but I don't like riding at night and I am not a youngster.

11” apes (should’a gone with 14” though) — Pain between the should blades gone
Corbin (real leather) seat with backrest — no monkey butt and no lower back pain

 

Your cervical spine position is too forward...need some handlebars that put you back in the seat. I.
This type of pain can be cervical or dorsal in provenance, but is probably your cervical. Home cervical traction halters can be purchased on ebay for 20$..I use one. After I installed my 12" apes most cervical/dorsal pain resolved.