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.Unpleasant discomfort is transmitted along nerve branches to the spinal cord and in the same way is reflected at a remote 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.Leading and secondary symptoms will tell you that there may be pain under the left shoulder blade, under the right, or on both sides at once.
Provocateurs of pain paroxysm
If we summarize the causes of pain in the shoulder blades into one group, then 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 they are usually not at all associated with problems in the shoulder blades themselves.
First, about the negative factors that can provoke pain on any side.
Muscles and nerve fibers
Intercostal neuralgia.A striking symptom is spontaneous piercing pain.A “lumbago” forms close to the spine, in the area where the nerve is affected.Gives to the left or right shoulder blade, the area of projection of the stomach, the heart.During attacks, any movements and breathing increase the severity of painful paroxysms.Between attacks, sensitive paresthesia is noted in the intercostal space.
Myofascial pain syndrome.Trigger points or compaction zones form in muscle tissue.At the initial stage, the pain symptom manifests itself when the affected muscles are loaded.Over time, pain becomes a constant escort.Deep myofascial pain under the shoulder blades does not go away with rest and can imitate cardiac, epigastric, and liver attacks.
Musculoskeletal system
Humeroscapular periarthrosis and periarthritis.The disease manifests itself with aching pain radiating to the scapula from the affected joint, neck, and distal parts of the arm.Discomfort manifests itself when trying to perform an action with a large range of motion.As the pain syndrome progresses, it becomes background and intensifies at night.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Initially, muted 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 pain symptom spreads to the shoulder girdle and shoulder blades.Movements are accompanied by crunching sounds, dizziness, spots in the eyes, and tinnitus.
Visceral organs
Gastric ulcer.During exacerbations, a characteristic feature of the pathology is the occurrence 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, into the lower back, and spine.Worse after eating.It is possible that night pain and hunger pain 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 disturbance;
- 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 take a deep breath, it hurts under the shoulder blades on both sides.
Acute bronchitis.It starts with the symptoms of a common cold, which is accompanied by pain in the muscles of the back and upper limbs.
Soreness on the left side
When pain occurs in the back of the left shoulder blade, most often the causes lie in cardiovascular diseases.
Myocardial infarction.The source of pain is located 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 can be tolerable when it just pulls under the left shoulder blade, or it can be burning and pressing.Unpleasant sensations mainly spread behind the sternum, under the shoulder blade, into the arm and shoulder on the left side.
Pronounced signs include:
- feeling of lack of air;
- suffocation;
- pale skin;
- perspiration.
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-sided pain syndrome
Pain under the shoulder blade on the right behind from the back is considered as a veiled symptom of inflammatory damage to the liver, pancreas, and gall bladder.
Cholecystitis.A striking representative of referred pain in the right shoulder blade.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 on the right side of the intercostal space, radiates upward under the shoulder blade, into the lumbar area, and 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 in a state of rest.They are localized in the projection of the gallbladder, just below the right hypochondrium, radiating to the area of the scapula, neck, and shoulder.A painful attack tears apart from the inside, causing the patient unbearable suffering.Abdominal bloating 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, pain is felt mainly on the right side.The painful discomfort is characterized by enviable constancy.It does not get worse with inhalation or straining, 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 most painful.
There are symptoms of dyspeptic disorders and neurosis-like conditions:
- nausea;
- belching;
- flatulence;
- loose stools;
- diarrhea;
- irritability;
- increased fatigue;
- tearfulness;
- sleep problems.
Outside of periods of exacerbation, a feeling of heaviness and dull pain are occasionally detected in the hypochondrium.
Without a detailed diagnosis, it is difficult to differentiate the cause of pain under the scapula, even for an experienced medical professional.
There is no need to diagnose the disease yourself or drink handfuls of analgesics 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 adequately selected treatment.