Pain under the left shoulder blade from behind is a clinical symptom of many diseases.The type of pain syndrome helps the doctor 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, stabbing, cutting and cramp-like.There is a visceral pain syndrome associated with organ pathology in pain projection.In the area of the left shoulder blade, the upper parts of the stomach, the cervical and thoracic spine, the scapular muscles, the left lung and pleura as well as the muscular structure of the back are projected.
Sometimes referred pain occurs, spreading from a distant organ, such as the heart and autonomic ganglia.Discomfort under the left shoulder blade requires conservative therapy or emergency medical care.
Stomach ulcer
The formation of an ulcer in the upper part of the stomach leads to aching or cramping pain in the epigastric region and under the left shoulder blade.Discomfort while eating.Increased pain is noted on an empty stomach and at night (“hunger pain”).The pain subsides after eating.Eating spicy, fatty, and starchy foods causes vomiting, which brings relief.The onset of pain syndrome is characterized by seasonality - an 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) leads to acute stabbing pain under the left shoulder blade due to irritation of the peritoneum by the acidic stomach contents.There is tension in the abdominal muscles, repeated vomiting, pale skin, cold sweat, reduced blood pressure and increased heart rate.The pain is progressive in nature and can lead to impaired 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 left shoulder blade area.Osteochondrosis, spondylosis and herniated discs lead to pinching of the nerve roots that innervate the left half of the chest.
The pain syndrome is painful, constant or periodic, intensifying with intense physical activity or prolonged static position (sitting, standing).Characterized by a crunch in the neck and thoracic spine when moving, tension in the muscular corset of the back and the feeling of a “driven stake” in the spine.
In intercostal neuralgia, burning pain is noted in the area of the intercostal spaces, which spreads towards the left shoulder blade.The symptoms increase with movement and palpation of the breast 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.When bending the neck and moving the upper shoulder girdle, pain syndrome occurs under the left shoulder blade.The pain has a constant pain character, the intensity increases when lifting the arms, carrying heavy objects or lying or standing for long periods.After physical exertion and hypothermia, an exacerbation of the disease is observed.
Pleuropneumonia and pleurisy
Pneumonia, involving the pleura in the pathological process, causes a dull point pain under the left scapula.The pain syndrome intensifies at the peak of inspiration, when coughing, sneezing and subsides in the lying position on the affected side.Characterized by an increase in body temperature to 39-40 degrees, a dry, tingling cough or the release of mucous-purulent sputum.Dry left-sided pleurisy is characterized by stabbing pain at the level of inspiration, which subsides with restricted movement of the left half of the chest.When listening to the lungs, a pleural friction murmur is detected.
Myositis
Inflammation of the back muscles – myositis – leads to local cutting pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome increases when the body is tilted in the opposite direction and subsides after thermal procedures and at rest.Upper back discomfort occurs after awkward movements, hypothermia or drafts.
Angina pectoris and myocardial infarction
Coronary artery disease (CHD) includes angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, which often cause pain behind the breastbone and under the left shoulder blade.Angina pectoris causes acute pressing pain.The triggering factor is emotional stress or physical activity.The symptoms last no longer than 15 minutes and decrease at rest or after taking a nitroglycerin tablet.
A myocardial infarction occurs due to the blockage of a coronary artery by a thrombus or atherosclerotic plaque.As a result, myocardial ischemia occurs.The disease is characterized by acute tenderness behind the breastbone that 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 occurs, an ambulance must be called and the patient must be admitted to a cardiology hospital.
Vegetative crises
Cardiac type NCD (neurocirculatory dystonia) causes clinical conditions similar to angina pectoris or myocardial infarction.The pain syndrome occurs under the left shoulder blade and behind the sternum and spreads along the left arm, into the left half of the jaw and into the interscapular region.The disease is characterized by a feeling of trembling in the body, difficulty breathing, a feeling of heaviness in the chest, panic fear of death, a feeling of lack of air and a lump in the throat.The pain syndrome is not permanently localized and can occur in the abdomen, neck or head.Taking sedatives and sedatives normalizes the general condition.
If pain occurs under the left shoulder blade, you should consult a specialist to determine the cause and treat the condition.Timely seeking medical help prevents the risk of progression of pathology and complications.