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 an early diagnosis and determine the diagnostic examination tactics.The intensity of the pain can be acute and chronic, and the sensation can be dull, aching, stabbing, cutting, cramping.There are visceral pain syndromes associated with organ pathology in the projection of pain.In the area of the left scapula, the upper part of the abdomen, the cervical and thoracic spine, the scapular muscles, the left lung and pleura, and the back muscle skeleton are projected.
Sometimes referred pain occurs that spreads from distant organs, such as the heart and autonomic ganglia.Discomfort below the left shoulder blade requires conservative therapy or emergency medical treatment.
Gastric ulcer
The formation of an ulcer in the upper part of the stomach causes pain or cramping in the epigastric area and under the left shoulder blade.Discomfort related to eating.Increased pain is noted on an empty stomach and at night ("hungry" pain).After eating, the pain subsides.Eating spicy, fatty, starchy foods causes vomiting, which brings relief.The onset of pain syndrome is characterized by seasonality - exacerbation of the disease occurs in spring and autumn.
Perforated ulcer (formation of a hole through the stomach with the abdominal cavity) causes an acute stabbing pain under the left shoulder blade due to irritation of the peritoneum by the contents of the stomach.Abdominal muscle tension, repeated vomiting, pale skin, cold sweat, decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate occur.Pain is a growing trait and can cause depression of 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 localized pain 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 a pain, constant or periodic, intensifies with intense physical activity or prolonged static position (sitting, standing).Characterized by stiffness in the neck and thoracic spine during movement, tension in the corset of the back muscles, and a feeling of "spikes driven" in the spine.
In the case of intercostal neuralgia, burning pain is noted in the area of the intercostal space, which spreads towards the left scapula.When moving, discomfort increases, palpation of the chest is painful.
Scapular-costal syndrome
This disease is associated with inflammation or injury to the levator scapula muscle.The tendon of the muscle is attached to the transverse process of the cervical vertebrae.Pain syndrome occurs under the left shoulder blade when bending the neck and moving the upper shoulder girdle.The pain has a constant aching character, the intensity increases when lifting the hand, carrying a heavy object, or lying down or standing for a long time.The severity of the disease is observed after physical exercise and hypothermia.
Pleuropneumonia and pleurisy
Lung inflammation involving the pleura in the pathological process causes a dull point pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome increases at the height of inspiration, when coughing, sneezing and decreases in a lying position on the affected side.Characterized by an increase in body temperature to 39-40 degrees, dry cough or with the discharge of mucopurulent 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, pleural friction sounds are determined.
Myositis
Inflammation of the back muscles - myositis leads to localized cutting pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome increases when the body is tilted in the opposite direction, decreases after thermal procedures and rest.Discomfort in the upper back appears after awkward movements, hypothermia, or being in a draft.
Angina and myocardial infarction
Coronary heart disease (CHD) includes angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, which often causes pain behind the sternum and under the left shoulder blade.Angina pectoris causes acute squeezing pain.The provoking factor is emotional stress or physical activity.Discomfort lasts no more than 15 minutes and decreases with rest or after taking nitroglycerin tablets.
Myocardial infarction develops due to blockage of the coronary artery by a thrombus or atherosclerotic plaque.As a result, myocardial ischemia occurs.The disease is characterized by acute compressive pain behind the sternum, which spreads under the left shoulder blade, to the lower jaw and left arm.
The pain syndrome increases, lasts more than 15 minutes, and is not relieved by nitroglycerin.A drop in blood pressure, tachycardia, numbness in the fingers of the left hand, and fear of death were noted.If the clinical picture of the disease occurs, it is necessary to call an ambulance and admit the patient to the hospital in a cardiology hospital.
Vegetative crisis
Cardiac-type NCD (neurocirculatory dystonia) causes a clinical condition that resembles angina pectoris or myocardial infarction.The pain syndrome occurs under the left shoulder blade and behind the sternum, spreads along the left arm, to the left half of the jaw, to the interscapular area.This disease is characterized by trembling in the body, difficulty breathing, heaviness in the chest, panic fear of death, lack of air, lump in the throat.The pain syndrome has no permanent localization and can occur in the abdomen, neck, or head.Taking sedatives and tranquilizers normalizes the general condition.
If pain appears under the left shoulder blade, you should see a specialist to identify the cause and treat the disease.Getting medical help in time prevents the risk of developing pathologies and complications.