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 the 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.Doctors experienced 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 shoulder blade, or on both sides at once.
Pain paroxysm provokers.
If we summarize the causes of pain in the shoulder blades in one group, it will seem more than impressive.
Pain that appears on the left side under the shoulder blade is a fairly common symptom that can occur in men, women, and even children.At first glance, these 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 appearance of this pain syndrome, and usually they are not associated with problems in the shoulder blades at all.
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 shooting pain.A “lumbago” forms near the spine, in the area where the nerve is affected.It faces the left or right shoulder blade, the projection zone of the stomach, the heart.During attacks, any movement and breathing increase the severity of painful paroxysms.Between attacks, tender paresthesia is observed in the intercostal space.
Myofascial pain syndrome.Trigger points or compaction zones form in the 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 mimic heart, epigastric, and liver attacks.
musculoskeletal system
Humeroscapular periarthrosis and periarthritis.The disease manifests itself with pain that radiates to the scapula from the affected joint, neck and distal parts of the arm.The discomfort manifests itself when trying to perform an action with a wide range of motion.As the pain syndrome progresses, it fades into the background and intensifies at night.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Initially, a dull pain in the neck and occipital part of the head predominates.The more significant the degenerative changes in the 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 crackling, 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 side, with ulceration of the pyloric part, on the right side.Pain sensations radiate below the shoulder blade, towards the lower back and spine.Worse after eating.Night pains 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 hit, 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 breathe deeply, it hurts under my shoulder blades on both sides.
Acute bronchitis.It begins with the symptoms of a common cold, which is accompanied by pain in the muscles of the back and upper extremities.
Pain on the left side
When pain occurs in the back of the left shoulder blade, the most common cause is cardiovascular disease.
Myocardial infarction.The source of the pain is located in the chest.It projects to the left scapula and interscapular space, neck, shoulder, ear, and 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 when it simply pulls under the left shoulder blade, or it may be burning and squeezing.The 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 shortness of breath;
- 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 side pain syndrome
Pain under the shoulder blade in the right back of the back is considered a hidden symptom of inflammatory damage to the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
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 of a classic attack.A dull pain, originating on the right side of the intercostal space, radiates upward under the shoulder blade, towards the lower back and shoulder.
Common symptoms include:
- nausea;
- weakness;
- perspiration;
- bitter taste;
- increase in temperature indicators.
Hepatic colic.Clinical sign of cholelithiasis.The most intense painful sensations begin at rest.They are located in the projection of the gallbladder, just below the right hypochondrium, and radiate to the area of the scapula, neck and shoulder.A painful attack tears from the inside and causes the patient unbearable suffering.Abdominal bloating and sometimes uncontrollable vomiting with bile is 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 ringed 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 an enviable constancy.It does not worsen with inhalation or exertion, and does not disappear with changes in body position.
Biliary dyskinesia.Acute undulating 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;
- crying;
- sleep problems.
Outside periods of exacerbation, a feeling of heaviness and dull pain in the hypochondrium is occasionally detected.
Without a detailed diagnosis, it is difficult to differentiate the cause of pain under the scapula, even for an experienced medical professional.
You don't need to diagnose the disease yourself or drink a handful 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 refer you to a specialized specialist for appropriately selected treatment.