Pain under the left shoulder blade from behind is a clinical symptom of many diseases.The nature of the pain syndrome helps the doctor make a preliminary diagnosis and determine the strategy of diagnostic examination.The intensity of the pain can be acute and chronic, the feeling can be dull, aching, stabbing, cutting, or cramping.There is a visceral pain syndrome that involves organ pathology in predicting pain.In the area of the left scapula, the upper part of the stomach, the cervical and thoracic spine, the scapular muscles, the left lung and pleura, and the muscular framework of the back are projected.
Sometimes referred pain occurs and radiates from a distant organ, such as the heart and autonomic ganglia.Discomfort under the left shoulder blade requires conservative treatment or emergency medical attention.
Stomach ulcers
The formation of an ulcer in the upper part of the stomach causes pain or cramping in the epigastric area and under the left shoulder blade.Discomfort related to eating.Increased pain is noted on an empty stomach and at night, pain (“hunger”).After eating, the pain gradually subsides.Eating spicy, fatty, starchy foods causes vomiting, which helps relieve pain.The onset of pain syndrome is characterized by seasonality - exacerbations of the disease occur in spring and autumn.
Perforation of the ulcer (creating a hole through the stomach to the abdominal cavity) causes acute dagger pain under the left shoulder blade due to irritation of the peritoneum by the acid in the stomach.Abdominal muscle tension, repeated vomiting, pale skin, cold sweat, decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate.The pain is progressive in nature and can cause impaired consciousness.Perforated ulcers are an acute condition that requires urgent surgical care.
Degenerative diseases of the spine
Degenerative changes in the cervical and upper thoracic spine lead to localized pain in the left scapula region.Osteoarthritis, spondylosis, and disc herniation cause compression of the nerve roots that supply the left half of the chest.
Pain syndrome, continuous or periodic, aggravated by intense physical activity or prolonged static positions (sitting, standing).Characterized by a feeling of brittleness in the neck and thoracic spine when moving, tension in the muscles of the back, and a feeling of "piles" in the spine.
In the case of intercostal neuralgia, a burning pain is noted in the intercostal space, gradually spreading towards the left shoulder blade.When moving, the feeling of discomfort increases, touching the chest feels painful.
Shoulder blade syndrome
The disease is related to inflammation or damage to the shoulder levator muscle.The tendons of the muscle are attached to the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae.Pain syndrome occurs under the left shoulder blade when bending the neck and moving the upper shoulder muscles.The pain is constant and increases in intensity when raising arms, carrying heavy objects, or lying or standing for long periods of time.Exacerbation of the disease is observed after exertion and hypothermia.
Pneumonia and pleurisy
Pneumonia involving the pleura during the pathological process causes a dull pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome increases when inhaling, coughing, sneezing and decreases when lying on the affected side.Characterized by an increase in body temperature to 39-40 degrees, dry cough or mucus secretion.Left-sided dry pleurisy is characterized by stabbing pain when inhaling, which subsides with limited movement of the left side of the chest.When listening to the lungs, it is determined that there is a sound of pleural friction.
Myositis
Back myositis - inflammation of the muscles leading to localized pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome increases when the body leans in the opposite direction, gradually decreasing after hot compress procedures and at rest.Discomfort in the upper back appears after awkward movements, hypothermia or being in a drafty situation.
Angina and myocardial infarction
Coronary heart disease (CHD) includes angina and myocardial infarction, often leading to pain behind the sternum and under the left shoulder blade.Angina causes acute angina.The trigger is emotional stress or physical activity.The discomfort lasts no more than 15 minutes and gradually subsides with rest or after taking nitroglycerin tablets.
Myocardial infarction develops due to blockage of the coronary arteries by thrombosis or atherosclerotic plaques.As a result, myocardial ischemia occurs.The disease is characterized by acute compressive pain behind the sternum, radiating below the left shoulder blade, into the lower jaw and left arm.
The pain syndrome increases, lasts more than 15 minutes and is not relieved by the use of nitroglycerin.A decrease in blood pressure, tachycardia, numbness of the fingers of the left hand and fear of death are noted.If there is a clinical picture of the disease, it is necessary to call an ambulance and take the patient to a cardiovascular hospital.
Vegetation crisis
NCD (neurotonic dystonia) is of the cardiac type causing clinical conditions resembling angina or myocardial infarction.The pain syndrome occurs under the left shoulder blade and behind the sternum, spreading along the left arm, into the left half of the jaw, and into the interscapular area.The disease is manifested as a feeling of trembling all over the body, difficulty breathing, chest heaviness, fear of death, feeling of lack of air, and throat congestion.The pain syndrome is not permanently localized and can occur in the abdomen, neck or head.Taking sedatives and tranquilizers will normalize the general condition.
If pain occurs under the left shoulder blade, you should consult a specialist to determine the cause and treatment of the disease.Seeking prompt medical help will prevent the risk of disease progression and complications.