Pain under the left or right shoulder blade from the back does not mean that a problem has arisen in this particular area of the body.Unpleasant discomfort is spread along nerve branches to the spinal cord and in the same way is reflected at a distance from the actual source of inflammation.A radiating pain syndrome makes diagnosis difficult.Experienced doctors in such situations depend on the overall clinical picture.Primary and secondary symptoms will tell you that there may be pain under the left shoulder blade, under the right, or on both sides at once.
Provocateur of paroxysm pain
If we summarize the causes of pain in the shoulder blade into one group, then it will look more impressive.
Pain that appears on the left side under the shoulder blade is a fairly common symptom that can occur in men, women, and even children.At first glance, such symptoms seem trivial, but in fact, pain under the left shoulder blade from the back can be a passenger of some dangerous diseases.
There are many reasons for the occurrence of such a pain syndrome, and they are usually not related to problems in the shoulder blade itself.
First, about the negative factors that can cause pain anywhere.
Muscles and nerve fibers
Intercostal Neuralgia.An interesting symptom is spontaneous piercing pain.A "lumbago" forms close to the spine, in the area where the nerves are affected.Gives the left or right shoulder blade, the projection area of the stomach, the heart.During an attack, any movement and breathing increase the severity of painful paroxysms.Between attacks, sensitive paresthesia is noted in the intercostal space.
Myofascial pain syndrome.Trigger points or compression zones form in muscle tissue.In the early stages, pain symptoms manifest themselves when the affected muscles are loaded.Over time, pain becomes a constant companion.Myofascial pain deep below the shoulder blade does not go away with rest and can mimic heart, epigastric, and liver attacks.
Musculoskeletal system
Periarthrosis and humeroscapular periarthritis.This disease manifests itself with pain that radiates to the scapula from the affected joint, neck, and distal part.Discomfort manifests itself when trying to perform actions with various movements.As the pain syndrome progresses, it becomes the background and increases at night.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.At first, muted pain predominates in the neck and scalp.More important are the degenerative changes in cartilage and bone tissue, the more nerve endings are compressed, where the pain symptoms spread to the shoulder blades and shoulder blades.Movement is accompanied by noise, dizziness, spots in the eyes, and tinnitus.
Organ of suffering
Gastric ulcer.During suppression, a characteristic feature of the pathology is the occurrence of pain in the epigastric region and behind the sternum.If the body of the stomach is affected, discomfort appears on the left side, with an ulcer of the pyloric part - on the right side.Painful sensations radiate below the shoulder blades, into the lower back, and spine.Worse after eating.There is a possibility that night sickness and hunger may develop.
Pyelonephritis.The pain syndrome is localized on the side of the inflamed kidney, in the lower part of the thoracic region.When tapping, it radiates down and under the shoulder blades.
Common Signs:
- urinary disorders;
- increased body temperature;
- weaknesses;
- Increased sweating.
Bilateral pneumonia.The first signs are chills, a significant increase in temperature, quick and shallow.When I try to take a deep breath, it hurts under the shoulder blades on both sides.
Acute bronchitis.It starts with the usual cold symptoms, which are accompanied by pain in the muscles of the back and upper body.
Pain in the left side
When pain occurs in the back of the left shoulder blade, often the cause lies in cardiovascular disease.
Myocardial infarction.The source of the pain is in the chest.It projects into the left scapula and interscapular space, neck, shoulder, ear, jaw.The intensity of the pain depends on the degree of myocardial damage.Patients, when describing the attack, use the epithet "knife".
Angina pectoris.The pain can be tolerated when it just pulls under the left shoulder blade, or it can burn and press.Unpleasant sensations mainly spread behind the sternum, under the shoulder blade, into the arm and shoulder on the left side.
Spoken signs include:
- feeling of lack of air;
- drowning;
- pale skin;
- sweat
The same symptoms occur with coronary heart disease and heart syndrome.The false clinical picture of myocardial infarction increases the feeling of fear and anxiety in the patient, which in turn increases the intensity of the painful abnormality.
Right sided pain syndrome
Pain under the shoulder blade on the right side from the back is considered to be a symptom of inflammatory damage to the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Cholecystitis.A representative of referred pain in the right shoulder blade.Patients suffering from chronic diseases quickly recognize the initial stages of severity by classic attacks.Dull aching pain, originating from the right side of the intercostal space, radiates upward under the shoulder blade, to the lumbar region, and the shoulder.
Common symptoms include:
- nausea;
- weaknesses;
- sweating;
- bitter taste;
- Increased temperature indicator.
Hepatic Colic.Clinical signs of cholelithiasis.Painful sensations of increasing intensity begin in a state of rest.They are localized in the projection of the gallbladder, just below the right hypochondria, radiating to the scapula, neck, and shoulder region.A painful attack tears apart from the inside, causing the patient unbearable suffering.Abdominal and sometimes uncontrollable vomiting with bile is observed.The duration of painful attacks varies from 15 - 20 minutes to 6 - 7 hours.
Pancreatitis.The exacerbation phase is characterized by a girdling pain syndrome in the area of both shoulder blades.If the head of the pancreas is inflamed, the pain is felt mainly on the right side.Painful discomfort is characterized by enviable tenacity.It does not worsen with inhalation or inhalation, and does not disappear with a change in body position.
Biliary dyskinesia.Acute wave-like pain, similar to colic, manifests itself after non-compliance with the diet, excessive physical load, and psycho-emotional stress.Painful foci are identified in the hypochondrium, scapula, and shoulder on the right side.On palpation, the area where the gallbladder is located is the most painful.
There are symptoms of dyspeptic disorders and neurosis-like conditions:
- nausea;
- belching;
- bloating;
- loose stools;
- diarrhea;
- irritation;
- increased fatigue;
- tears;
- sleep problems
Outside the period of severity, a feeling of pain and dull pain is sometimes detected in the hypochondrium.
Without a detailed diagnosis, it is difficult to distinguish the cause of pain under the scapula, even for experienced medical professionals.
There is no need to self-diagnose the disease or drink a handful of analgesics in the hope that everything will work.It is more reasonable to visit a local therapist, who will collect the necessary anamnestic information and refer to a specialist for an adequately selected treatment.