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 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 muscles of the scapula, the 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 below the left shoulder blade requires conservative treatment or emergency medical attention.
Stomach ulcer
Ulcer formation in the upper parts of the stomach causes pain or cramping pain in the epigastric region and below the left shoulder blade.Discomfort related to 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 appearance of the pain syndrome is characterized by seasonality - the 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 a sharp 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, decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate occur.The pain is increasing and can cause depression of consciousness.Perforated ulcer is an acute condition that requires urgent surgical care.
Degenerative diseases of the spine
Degenerative changes in the cervical and upper thoracic spine lead to pain located in the area of the left shoulder blade.Osteochondrosis, spondylosis, herniated intervertebral discs cause pinching of the nerve roots innervating the left half of the chest.
Pain syndrome is pain, constant or periodic, intensifies with intense physical activity or prolonged static posture (sitting, standing).It is characterized by a cramping of the neck and thoracic spine during movements, tension in the muscular corset of the back, and the feeling of a "driving stake" in the spine.
In the case of intercostal neuralgia, there is a burning pain in the area of the intercostal spaces, which spreads towards the left shoulder blade.During movement, discomfort increases, palpation of the chest is painful.
Scapula syndrome
The disease is associated with inflammation or injury of the levator scapula muscle.The tendons of the muscle are attached to the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae.The pain syndrome occurs under the left shoulder blade when the neck is flexed and the upper shoulder girdle is moved.The pain has constant pain, the intensity increases when you raise your arms, carry heavy objects, or lie down or stand for a long time.Aggravation 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 of pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome intensifies at the height of inhalation, when you cough, sneeze 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 with the release of purulent 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 tilts in the opposite direction, decreases after thermal interventions and in a state of rest.Discomfort in the upper back occurs after uncomfortable movements, hypothermia or immersion.
Angina and myocardial infarction
Coronary heart disease (CHD) includes angina and myocardial infarction, which often lead to pain behind the sternum and under the left shoulder blade.Angina causes sharp squeezing pain.The precipitating factor is emotional stress or physical activity.The discomfort lasts no longer than 15 minutes and is relieved by rest or after taking a nitroglycerin tablet.
Myocardial infarction develops due to blockage of a coronary artery by a thrombus or atheromatous plaque.As a result, myocardial ischemia occurs.The disease is characterized by sharp compressive pain behind the sternum, which spreads under the left shoulder blade, to the lower jaw and to the 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 appears, it is necessary to call an ambulance and treat the patient in a cardiac hospital.
Plant crises
Cardiac-type NCD (neurocirculatory dystonia) causes clinical conditions resembling angina pectoris or myocardial infarction.The 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 region.The disease is characterized by a feeling of trembling in the body, difficulty in breathing, heaviness in the chest, panic fear of death, feeling of lack of air, lump in the throat.The pain syndrome has no permanent location and can appear in the abdomen, neck or head.Taking sedatives and tranquilizers normalizes the general condition.
If pain occurs under the left shoulder blade, you should consult a specialist to identify the cause and treat the disease.Seeking medical help in time prevents the risk of progression of the pathology and complications.