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 to make a preliminary diagnosis and determine the tactics of the 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 the pathology of pain projection organs.In the area of the left scapula, the upper parts of the stomach, cervical and thoracic spine, muscles of the scapula, left lung and pleura, and the muscular framework of the back are projected.
Sometimes there is referred pain 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 attention.
Stomach ulcer
The formation of ulcers in the upper parts of the stomach causes aching or cramping pains 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 decreases.Eating spicy, fatty, starchy foods induces vomiting, which brings relief.The onset of pain syndrome is characterized by a seasonal phenomenon - worsening of the disease occurs in spring and autumn.
Perforation of the ulcer (formation of a passing hole in the stomach with the abdominal cavity) causes an acute stabbing pain under the left shoulder blade due to irritation of the peritoneum by the acidic contents of the stomach.Abdominal muscle tension, repeated vomiting, pale skin, cold sweat, low blood pressure and rapid heart rate occur.The pain is of an increasingly strong nature and can cause depression of consciousness.A perforated ulcer is an acute condition that requires immediate surgical attention.
Degenerative diseases of the spinal column
Degenerative changes in the cervical and upper thoracic spine lead to pain localized in the area of the left shoulder blade.Osteochondrosis, spondylosis, herniation of intervertebral discs cause pinching of the roots of the nerves that innervate the left half of the chest.
The pain syndrome is painful, constant or periodic, aggravated by intense physical activity or prolonged static position (sitting, standing).It is characterized by crunching in the neck and thoracic part of the spine during movement, tension in the muscular corset of the back and the feeling of a "stake being driven in" in the spine.
In the case of intercostal neuralgia, a burning pain is observed in the area of the intercostal spaces, which spreads towards the left shoulder blade.When moving, discomfort increases, chest palpation is painful.
Scapular-costal syndrome
The disease is associated with inflammation or injury of the levator scapulae muscle.The tendons of the muscles are attached to the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae.The pain syndrome occurs under the left shoulder blade when bending the neck and moving the upper shoulder girdle.The pain has a constant painful character, the intensity increases when raising the arms, carrying heavy objects or lying down or standing for a long time.Aggravation of the disease is observed after physical exertion and hypothermia.
Pleuropneumonia and pleurisy
Pneumonia involving the pleura in the pathological process causes a dull wheel under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome intensifies when inhaling, coughing, sneezing, and decreases when lying down on the affected side.It is characterized by an increase in body temperature to 39-40 degrees, a dry cough or the release of mucopurulent sputum.Dry left-sided pleurisy is characterized by stabbing pain at the height of inhalation, which is reduced by limited movement of the left half of the chest.When auscultating 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 occurs after unpleasant 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 pain when squeezing.The provoking factor is emotional stress or physical activity.The discomfort does not last longer than 15 minutes and decreases with rest or after taking a nitroglycerin tablet.
Myocardial infarction occurs due to blockage of the coronary artery by a thrombus or atherosclerotic plaque.As a result, myocardial ischemia occurs.The disease is characterized by acute compressive pain behind the sternum, which spreads under the left shoulder blade, into the lower jaw and the left arm.
The pain syndrome intensifies, lasts more than 15 minutes, and nitroglycerin does not relieve it.A decrease in blood pressure, tachycardia, numbness of the fingers of the left hand and fear of death are observed.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
Cardiac-type NCD (neurocirculatory dystonia) causes clinical conditions resembling angina pectoris or myocardial infarction.The pain syndrome occurs under the left scapula and behind the sternum, spreading along the left arm, in the left half of the jaw, in the interscapular area.The disease is characterized by a feeling of trembling in the body, difficulty 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 drugs and tranquilizers normalizes the general condition.
If the 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 progression of pathology and complications.