Pain under the left or right shoulder blade from the back does not mean that there is a problem in this area of the body.Unpleasant discomfort is transmitted along the nerve branches to the spinal cord and is reflected in the same way at a long distance from the real source of inflammation.Radiating pain syndrome makes diagnosis difficult.In such a situation, experienced doctors rely on the general clinical picture.Leading and secondary symptoms indicate that pain can occur under the left shoulder blade, on the right side, or on both sides at the same time.
Provocateurs of paroxysms of pain
If we summarize the causes of pain in the shoulder blades into one group, it looks more than impressive.
Pain under the shoulder blade on the left side is a fairly common symptom that can occur in men, women and even children.At first glance, such symptoms seem frivolous, but in fact, pain under the left shoulder blade from the back can be a sign of many dangerous diseases.
There are many reasons for the occurrence of such a pain syndrome, and usually they are not at all related to problems with the shoulder blades themselves.
First, about the negative factors that can cause pain on any side.
Muscles and nerve fibers
Intercostal neuralgia.A striking symptom is spontaneous stabbing pain."Lumbago" forms near the spine, in the area where the nerve is affected.It specifies the left or right scapula, the projection area of the stomach, the heart.During attacks, any movement and breathing increases the severity of painful paroxysms.Between attacks, sensitive paresthesia is observed in the intercostal space.
Myofascial pain syndrome.Trigger points or compression zones develop in muscle tissue.In the initial stage, the symptom of pain appears when the affected muscles are strained.Over time, pain becomes a constant companion.Deep myofascial pain below the shoulder blades does not go away with rest and can mimic heart, epigastric, and hepatic attacks.
Locomotor system
Humeroscapular periarthrosis and periarthritis.The disease manifests itself in aching pain radiating from the affected joint, the neck and the distal part of the arm towards the shoulder blade.The discomfort manifests itself when we try to perform an operation with a large range of motion.As the pain syndrome progresses, it recedes into the background and intensifies at night.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Initially, dull pain dominates in the neck and occipital part of the head.The more significant the degenerative changes in the cartilage and bone tissue, the more the nerve endings are compressed, along which the pain symptom spreads to the shoulder girdle and shoulder blades.Movements are accompanied by screeching sounds, dizziness, spots in the eyes and tinnitus.
Visceral organs
Stomach ulcer.During exacerbations, a 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 ulceration of the pyloric part - on the right side.The feeling of pain radiates under the shoulder blade, in the lower back and in the spine.Worse after eating.Night pain and hunger pangs may develop.
Pyelonephritis.The pain syndrome is localized on the side of the inflamed kidney, in the lower part of the chest region.When tapped, it radiates to the lower back and under the shoulder blade.
General signs:
- urination disorder;
- increased body temperature;
- weakness;
- increased sweating.
Bilateral pneumonia.The first signs are chills, a significant increase in temperature, rapid and shallow breathing.When I try to take a deep breath, it hurts on both sides under the shoulder blades.
Acute bronchitis.It begins with symptoms of a cold, accompanied by pain in the muscles of the back and upper limbs.
Pain in the left side
When pain occurs in the back of the left shoulder blade, the causes most often lie in diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Heart attack.The source of the pain is in the chest.It projects into the left scapula and interscapular space, neck, shoulder, ear, and jaw.The intensity of the pain depends on the degree of damage to the heart muscle.Patients use the adjective "dagger" when describing a seizure.
Angina pectoris.The pain can be tolerable if it extends just below the left shoulder blade, or it can be burning and pressing.The discomfort spreads mainly behind the sternum, under the shoulder blade, to the arm and shoulder on the left side.
Expressed signs are:
- feeling of lack of air;
- suffocation;
- pale skin;
- sweat.
Similar symptoms occur in coronary heart disease and heart syndrome.A false clinical picture of a heart attack increases the feeling of fear and anxiety in patients, which in turn increases the intensity of painful disorders.
Right sided pain syndrome
Pain on the right side, behind the shoulder blade, can be considered a hidden symptom of inflammatory damage to the liver, pancreas and gall bladder.
Cholecystitis.It is a striking representative of the pain involved in the right scapula.Patients with the chronic form of the disease quickly recognize the initial stage of exacerbation through a classic attack.Dull, aching pain starting on the right side of the intercostal space radiates up under the shoulder blade, to the lumbar region and to the shoulder.
Common symptoms include:
- nausea;
- weakness;
- sweating;
- bitter taste;
- increase in temperature indicators.
Liver colic.Clinical symptom of cholelithiasis.Painful sensations of increased intensity begin in a state of rest.They are located in the projection of the gallbladder, just below the right hypochondrium, and radiate to the scapula, neck and shoulder.A painful attack tears apart from the inside, causing unbearable suffering to the patient.Abdominal bloating and sometimes uncontrollable vomiting with bile is observed.The duration of a painful attack varies between 15-20 minutes and 6-7 hours.
Pancreatitis.The exacerbation phase is characterized by a pain syndrome surrounding both shoulder blades.If the head of the pancreas is inflamed, the pain is mainly felt on the right side.Painful discomfort is characterized by enviable constancy.It does not get worse with inhalation or exertion, nor does it go away 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 overload and psycho-emotional stress.Painful foci are identified on the right side in the hypochondrium, scapula and shoulder.The area where the gallbladder is located is the most painful to the touch.
There are symptoms of dyspeptic disorders and neurosis-like conditions:
- nausea;
- burping;
- bloating;
- loose stools;
- diarrhea;
- irritability;
- increased fatigue;
- tearfulness;
- sleep problems.
In addition to periods of exacerbation, heaviness and dull pain in the hypochondrium can sometimes be noticed.
Without a detailed diagnosis, it is difficult even for an experienced medical professional to distinguish the cause of pain under the shoulder blade.
It is not necessary to self-diagnose the disease or drink a handful of painkillers in the hope that everything will work out.It would be more reasonable to visit a local therapist who will collect the necessary anamnestic information and refer you to a specialist for the right treatment.