Pain under the left or right shoulder blade from the back does not mean that a problem has arisen in this particular area of the body.The unpleasant discomfort is transmitted along the nerve branches to the spinal cord and is likewise reflected at a distance from the actual source of the inflammation.Radiating pain syndrome makes diagnosis difficult.Experienced doctors in such a situation rely on the general clinical picture.The main and secondary symptoms will tell you that there may be pain under the left shoulder blade, under the right one or on both sides at the same time.
Provocators of the paroxysm of pain
If we summarize the causes of shoulder blade pain in one group, it will look more than impressive.
Pain appearing on the left under the shoulder blade is a fairly common symptom that can occur in men, women and even children.At first glance, such symptoms seem frivolous, but in fact pain under the left shoulder blade from the back can be a harbinger of a number of dangerous diseases.
There are many reasons for the occurrence of such pain syndrome, and usually they are not at all associated with problems with the shoulder blades themselves.
First, about the negative factors that can provoke pain anywhere.
Muscles and nerve fibers
Intercostal neuralgia.A striking symptom is spontaneous piercing pain.Near the spine, in the area affected by the nerve, "low back pain" forms.It gives to the left or right shoulder blade, the projection area of the stomach, the heart.During attacks, any movement and breathing increases the severity of painful paroxysms.Between attacks, sensitive paresthesia is noted in the intercostal space.
Myofascial pain syndrome.Trigger points or areas of compaction form in the muscle tissue.In the initial stage, the symptom of pain occurs when the affected muscles are loaded.Over time, the pain becomes a constant supply.Deep myofascial pain under the shoulder blades does not disappear with rest and can mimic heart, epigastric, and liver attacks.
Musculoskeletal system
Periarthrosis and humeroscapular periarthritis.The disease is manifested by aching pain radiating to the scapula from the affected joint, neck and distal parts of the arm.Discomfort occurs when trying to perform an action with a wide range of motion.As the pain syndrome progresses, it becomes background and intensifies at night.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Initially, dull pain predominates in the neck and occipital part of the head.The more significant the degenerative changes in cartilage and bone tissue, the more the nerve endings are compressed, along which the painful symptom spreads to the shoulder girdle and shoulder blades.The movements are accompanied by creaking sounds, dizziness, spots in the eyes and tinnitus.
Visceral organs
Gastric ulcer.During exacerbations, a characteristic feature of the pathology is the appearance of pain in the epigastric region and behind the sternum.If the body of the stomach is affected, discomfort appears on the left, with ulceration of the pyloric part on the right.Pain sensations radiate under the shoulder blade, lower back and spine.Worse after eating.You may develop night pains and hunger pains.
Pyelonephritis.The pain syndrome is localized on the side of the inflamed kidney, in the lower part of the thoracic region.When touched, it radiates into the lower back and under the shoulder blade.
General signs:
- urinary disorder;
- increased body temperature;
- weakness;
- increased sweating.
Bilateral pneumonia.The first signs are chills, significant increase in temperature, rapid and shallow breathing.When I try to take a deep breath, it hurts under my shoulder blades on both sides.
Acute bronchitis.It begins with the symptoms of a common cold, accompanied by pain in the muscles of the back and upper extremities.
Pain on left side
When pain occurs in the back of the left scapula, most often the causes lie in cardiovascular diseases.
Myocardial infarction.The source of the pain is located in the chest.It is projected into the left scapula and interscapular space, neck, shoulder, ear, jaw.The intensity of the pain depends on the degree of myocardial damage.Patients when describing an attack use the epithet "dagger".
Angina pectoris.The pain may be tolerable as it simply pulls under the left shoulder blade, or it may burn and press.The unpleasant sensations spread mainly behind the sternum, under the shoulder blade, in the arm and shoulder on the left side.
Pronounced signs include:
- sensation of lack of air;
- suffocation;
- pale skin;
- sweat.
Similar symptoms occur with coronary heart disease and cardiac syndrome.A false clinical picture of myocardial infarction increases the feeling of fear and anxiety in patients, which in turn increases the intensity of painful abnormalities.
Right side pain syndrome
Pain under the shoulder blade on the right behind the back is considered a veiled symptom of inflammatory damage to the liver, pancreas and gallbladder.
Cholecystitis.A striking representative of referred pain in the right scapula.Patients suffering from a chronic form of the disease quickly recognize the initial stage of exacerbation with a classic attack.A dull, aching pain, originating on the right side of the intercostal space, radiates upward under the shoulder blade, into the lower back, and into the shoulder.
Common symptoms include:
- nausea;
- weakness;
- sweating;
- bitter taste;
- increase in temperature indicators.
Hepatic colic.Clinical sign of cholelithiasis.Painful sensations of greater intensity begin in a state of rest.They are localized in the projection of the gallbladder, just below the right hypochondrium, radiating into the area of the scapula, neck and shoulder.A painful attack tears the inside, causing unbearable suffering to the patient.Abdominal swelling and sometimes uncontrollable vomiting with bile are observed.The duration of the painful attack varies from 15 – 20 minutes to 6 – 7 hours.
Pancreatitis.The exacerbation phase is characterized by a girdling pain syndrome in the area of both shoulder blades.If the head of the pancreas is inflamed, the pain is felt mainly on the right side.The painful discomfort is characterized by enviable constancy.It does not worsen with inhalation or exertion and does not disappear with changes in body position.
Biliary dyskinesia.Acute undulatory pain, similar to colic, occurs after non-compliance with the diet, excessive physical overload and psycho-emotional stress.Painful foci are identified in the hypochondrium, scapula and right shoulder.Upon palpation, the area where the gallbladder is located is most painful.
There are symptoms of dyspeptic disorders and neurosis-like conditions:
- nausea;
- belching;
- flatulence;
- loose stools;
- diarrhea;
- irritability;
- increased fatigue;
- crying;
- sleep problems.
Outside periods of exacerbation, a feeling of heaviness and dull pain is occasionally felt in the hypochondrium.
Without a detailed diagnosis, it is difficult to differentiate the cause of pain under the shoulder blade, even for an experienced doctor.
There is no need to self-diagnose the disease or drink handfuls of painkillers in the hope that everything will work out.It would be more reasonable to visit a local therapist, who will collect the necessary anamnestic information and redirect to a specialized specialist for properly selected treatment.