Pain under the left or right shoulder blade of the back does not mean that a problem has occurred in that particular area of the body.Unpleasant discomfort is transmitted along the nerve branches to the spinal cord and is similarly reflected at a distance from the true source of inflammation.Radiating pain syndrome makes diagnosis difficult.Experienced doctors in such a situation rely on the overall clinical picture.The primary and secondary symptoms will tell you that there may be pain under the left shoulder blade, under the right shoulder blade, or on both sides at once.
Provocateurs of painful paroxysm
If we summarize the causes of pain in the shoulder blades into one group, it will seem 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 in the back can be a harbinger of a number of dangerous diseases.
There are many reasons for the appearance of such pain syndrome, and they are usually not at all associated with problems in the shoulder blades themselves.
First of all, about the negative factors that can cause pain on any side.
Muscles and nerve fibers
Intercostal neuralgia.A striking symptom is spontaneous piercing pain.A “lumbago” forms near the spine, in the area where the nerve is affected.Gives to the left or right scapula, the projection area of the stomach, the heart.During attacks, any movement and breathing increase the severity of the painful paroxysms.Between attacks, sensitive paresthesias are noted in the intercostal space.
Myofascial pain syndrome.Trigger points or areas of compaction form in the muscle tissue.In the initial stage, the painful symptom manifests itself when the affected muscles are strained.Over time, pain becomes a constant escort.Deep myofascial pain under the shoulder blades does not disappear with rest and can simulate heart, epigastric and hepatic attacks.
Musculoskeletal system
Humeroscapular periarthrosis and periarthritis.The disease manifests itself as aching pain radiating to the shoulder blade from the affected joint, neck and distal parts of the arm.Discomfort occurs when attempting to perform an action with a large range of motion.As the pain syndrome progresses, it fades into the background and intensifies at night.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Initially, dull pain predominates in the neck and occipital part of the head.The greater 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 crunching, 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.The painful sensations radiate under the shoulder blade, into the lower back and into the spine.Worse after eating.Nighttime pain and hunger pains may develop.
Pyelonephritis.The pain syndrome is localized on the side of the inflamed kidney, in the lower part of the thoracic region.When tapping, it radiates to the lower back and under the shoulder blade.
General signs:
- urinary disorders;
- increased body temperature;
- weakness;
- increased sweating.
Bilateral pneumonia.The first signs are chills, a significant increase in temperature, rapid and shallow breathing.When I try to breathe deeply, I have pain under my shoulder blades on both sides.
Acute bronchitis.It begins with the symptoms of a cold, which are accompanied by pain in the muscles of the back and upper extremities.
Left side pain
When pain occurs at the back of the left shoulder blade, the causes most often lie in cardiovascular diseases.
Myocardial infarction.The source of the pain is in the chest.It is projected into the left scapula and interscapular space, neck, shoulder, ear, jaw.The intensity of pain depends on the degree of myocardial damage.Patients, when describing an attack, use the epithet “dagger”.
Angina pectoris.The pain may be tolerable when it simply shoots under the left shoulder blade, or it may be burning and pressing.Unpleasant sensations spread mainly behind the sternum, under the shoulder blade, in the arm and shoulder on the left side.
Pronounced signs include:
- feeling of lack of air;
- suffocation;
- pale skin;
- sweating.
Similar symptoms occur with coronary heart disease and heart 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 lesions of 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 by a classic attack.A dull, aching pain, originating from the right side of the intercostal space, radiates upward under the shoulder blade, into the lumbar region and onto the shoulder.
Common symptoms include:
- nausea;
- weakness;
- sweating;
- bitter taste;
- increase in temperature indicators.
Hepatic colic.Clinical sign of cholelithiasis.Painful sensations of increased intensity begin at rest.They are located in the projection of the gallbladder, just below the right hypochondrium, radiating towards the area of the scapula, neck and shoulder.A painful crisis tears from the inside, causing the patient unbearable suffering.Abdominal bloating and sometimes uncontrollable vomiting accompanied by bile are observed.The duration of the painful attack varies from 15 to 20 minutes to 6 to 7 hours.
Pancreatitis.The exacerbation phase is characterized by a surrounding pain syndrome at the level of both shoulder blades.If the head of the pancreas is inflamed, the pain is felt mainly on the right side.Painful discomfort is characterized by enviable constancy.It does not get worse with inhalation or exertion, and does not go away with changes in body position.
Biliary dyskinesia.Acute wave-like pain, similar to colic, manifests itself after non-compliance with the diet, excessive physical overload and psycho-emotional stress.Painful foci are identified in the hypochondrium, scapula and shoulder on the right side.On palpation, the area where the gallbladder is located is the most painful.
There are symptoms of dyspeptic disorders and neurosis-like conditions:
- nausea;
- belching;
- flatulence;
- loose stools;
- diarrhea;
- irritability;
- increased fatigue;
- tears;
- sleep problems.
Outside of periods of exacerbation, a feeling of heaviness and dull pain are sometimes detected in the hypochondrium.
Without a detailed diagnosis, it is difficult to differentiate the cause of pain under the shoulder blade, even for an experienced healthcare professional.
There is no need to diagnose the disease yourself or drink handfuls of painkillers in the hope that everything will work out.It would be more reasonable to consult a local therapist, who will collect the necessary anamnestic information and redirect them to a specialized specialist for adequately selected treatment.