Pain under the left shoulder blade from the back is a clinical symptom of many diseases.The nature of the pain syndrome helps the doctor make a preliminary diagnosis and determine the tactics of a diagnostic examination.The intensity of the pain can be acute and chronic, and the sensations can be dull, aching, stabbing, cutting, cramping.There is a visceral pain syndrome associated with organ pathology in the projection of pain.In the area of the left scapula, the upper parts of the stomach, the cervical and thoracic spine, the scapular muscles, the left lung and pleura, and the muscular frame of the back are projected.
Sometimes referred pain occurs that spreads from a distant organ, such as the heart and autonomic ganglia.Discomfort under the left shoulder blade requires conservative therapy or emergency medical care.
Gastric ulcer
The formation of an ulcer in the upper parts of the stomach causes aching or cramping pain in the epigastric region and under the left shoulder blade.Discomfort associated with eating.Increased pain is noted on an empty stomach and at night (“hunger” pain).After eating, the pain subsides.Eating spicy, fatty, starchy foods causes vomiting, which brings relief.The onset of pain syndrome is characterized by seasonality - exacerbation of the disease occurs in spring and autumn.
Perforation of the ulcer (formation of a through hole in the stomach with the abdominal cavity) causes acute dagger pain under the left shoulder blade due to irritation of the peritoneum by the acidic contents of the stomach.Tension of the abdominal muscles, repeated vomiting, pale skin, cold sweat, decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate occur.The pain is of an increasing nature and can cause depression of consciousness.A perforated ulcer is an acute condition that requires emergency surgical care.
Degenerative diseases of the spine
Degenerative changes in the cervical and upper thoracic spine lead to pain localized in the area of the left shoulder blade.Osteochondrosis, spondylosis, herniated intervertebral discs cause pinching of the nerve roots that innervate the left half of the chest.
The pain syndrome is aching, constant or periodic, intensifies with intense physical activity or prolonged static position (sitting, standing).Characterized by a crunch in the neck and thoracic spine during movements, tension in the muscular corset of the back, and a feeling of a “driven stake” in the spine.
In the case of intercostal neuralgia, burning pain is noted in the area of the intercostal spaces, which spreads towards the left scapula.When moving, discomfort increases, palpation of the chest is painful.
Scapular-costal syndrome
The disease is associated with inflammation or injury to the levator scapulae 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 girdle.The pain has a constant aching character, the intensity increases when raising arms, carrying heavy objects, or lying down or standing for a long time.An exacerbation of the disease is observed after physical exertion and hypothermia.
Pleuropneumonia and pleurisy
Inflammation of the lungs involving the pleura in the pathological process causes a dull point pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome intensifies at the height of inspiration, when coughing, sneezing and decreases in the lying position on the affected side.Characterized by an increase in body temperature to 39-40 degrees, a dry hacking cough or with the release of mucopurulent sputum.Dry left-sided pleurisy is characterized by stabbing pain at the height of inspiration, which decreases with limited movement of the left half of the chest.When listening to the lungs, a pleural friction noise is determined.
Myositis
Inflammation of the back muscles - myositis leads to localized cutting pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome intensifies when the body is tilted in the opposite direction, decreases after thermal procedures and at rest.Discomfort in the upper back appears after awkward movements, hypothermia, or being in a draft.
Angina and myocardial infarction
Coronary heart disease (CHD) includes angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, which often lead to pain behind the sternum and under the left shoulder blade.Angina pectoris causes acute squeezing pain.The provoking factor is emotional stress or physical activity.Discomfort lasts no more than 15 minutes and decreases with rest or after taking a nitroglycerin tablet.
Myocardial infarction develops due to blockage of a coronary artery by a thrombus or atherosclerotic plaque.As a result, ischemia of the myocardium occurs.The disease is characterized by acute compressive pain behind the sternum, which spreads under 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 nitroglycerin.A decrease in blood pressure, tachycardia, numbness in the fingers of the left hand, and fear of death are noted.If a clinical picture of the disease occurs, it is necessary to call an ambulance and hospitalize the patient in a cardiology hospital.
Vegetative crises
NCD (neurocirculatory dystonia) of the cardiac type causes clinical conditions that resemble angina pectoris or myocardial infarction.Pain syndrome occurs under the left shoulder blade and behind the sternum, spreads along the left arm, into the left half of the jaw, into the interscapular area.The disease is characterized by a feeling of trembling in the body, difficulty in breathing, heaviness in the chest, panic fear of death, a feeling of lack of air, a lump in the throat.The pain syndrome does not have a permanent localization and can occur in the abdomen, neck, or head.Taking sedative medications and tranquilizers normalizes the general condition.
If pain appears under the left shoulder blade, you should consult a specialist to identify the cause and treat the disease.Timely seeking medical help prevents the risk of pathology progression and complications.