Pain under the left shoulder blade in 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 a diagnostic examination.The intensity of pain can be acute and chronic, and the sensations can be dull, aching, throbbing, cutting, cramping.There is a visceral pain syndrome associated with an organic pathology during the projection of pain.In the area of the left scapula, the upper parts of the stomach, the cervical and thoracic spine, the muscles of the scapula, the left lung and pleura, as well as the muscular framework of the back are projected.
Sometimes referred pain spreads from a distant organ, such as the heart and autonomic ganglia.Discomfort under the left shoulder blade requires conservative treatment or emergency medical attention.
Gastric ulcer
Ulcer formation in the upper parts of the stomach causes aching pain or cramping in the epigastric region and under the left shoulder blade.Discomfort associated with diet.Increased pain is noted on an empty stomach and at night (“hunger” pain).After eating, the pain subsides.Eating spicy, fatty and starchy foods causes vomiting, which brings relief.The onset of pain syndrome is characterized by seasonality - the exacerbation of the disease occurs in spring and autumn.
Ulcer perforation (formation of a through hole in the stomach with the abdominal cavity) causes sharp, dagger-like pain under the left scapula due to irritation of the peritoneum by the acidic contents of the stomach.Tension in the abdominal muscles, repeated vomiting, pale skin, cold sweats, decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate occur.The pain is increasing in 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 localized pain in the left scapula.Osteochondrosis, spondylosis, herniated intervertebral discs cause pinching of the nerve roots that innervate the left half of the chest.
The pain syndrome is painful, constant or periodic, intensifies with intense physical activity or prolonged static position (sitting, standing).Characterized by a cracking of the neck and thoracic spine during movement, tension in the muscular corset of the back, and a “stake driven” sensation in the spine.
In the case of intercostal neuralgia, there is burning pain in the intercostal spaces, which spreads to the left shoulder blade.When moving, discomfort increases, palpation of the chest is painful.
Scapular-costal syndrome
The disease is associated with inflammation or damage to the levator scapula 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 flexing the neck and moving the upper shoulder girdle.The pain has a constant aching character, the intensity increases when raising the 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 dull, pinpoint pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome intensifies at the height of inspiration, when coughing, sneezing and decreases when lying down on the affected side.Characterized by an increase in body temperature up to 39-40 degrees, dry dry cough or 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.Listening to the lungs, a pleural friction sound is determined.
Myositis
Inflammation of the back muscles - myositis causes a cutting pain located 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 draft.
Angina and myocardial infarction
Coronary heart disease (CHD) includes angina and myocardial infarction, which often lead to pain behind the breastbone and under the left shoulder blade.Angina causes acute compressive pain.The provoking factor is emotional stress or physical activity.The discomfort lasts no more than 15 minutes and subsides with rest or after taking a nitroglycerin tablet.
Myocardial infarction develops due to blockage of a coronary artery by a thrombus or atherosclerotic plaque.This results in myocardial ischemia.The disease is characterized by sharp compressive pain behind the sternum, which spreads under the left shoulder blade, to the lower jaw and left arm.
The pain syndrome worsens, lasts more than 15 minutes and is not relieved by nitroglycerin.A decrease in blood pressure, tachycardia, numbness of the fingers of the left hand and fear of death are noted.If a clinical picture of the disease appears, it is necessary to call an ambulance and hospitalize the patient in a cardiology hospital.
Vegetative crises
NCDs (neurocirculatory dystonia) of the cardiac type cause clinical conditions that resemble angina or myocardial infarction.Pain syndrome occurs under the left shoulder blade and behind the sternum, spreads along the left arm, in the left half of the jaw, in the interscapular zone.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.Pain syndrome does not have a permanent localization and can occur in the abdomen, neck or head.Taking sedatives 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.Seeking timely medical help prevents the risk of progression of pathology and complications.