Pain under the left or right shoulder blade from the back does not mean that a problem has arisen in that particular area of the body.The 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 actual source of inflammation.Radiated 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, or on both sides at the same time.
Triggers of pain paroxysm
If we summarize the causes of pain in the shoulder blades in one group, then it will look more than impressive.
Pain that occurs 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 trivial, 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 such a pain syndrome, and usually they are not at all related to problems with the shoulder blades themselves.
First, 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.It gives to the left or right shoulder blade, the projection area of the stomach, the heart.During attacks, any movements and breathing increase the severity of painful paroxysms.Between attacks, there is sensitive paresthesia in the intercostal space.
Myofascial pain syndrome.Trigger points or compression zones form in the muscle tissue.In the initial stage, the symptom of pain manifests itself when the affected muscles are loaded.Over time, pain becomes a constant companion.Deep myofascial pain below the shoulder blades is unrelieved by rest and can mimic cardiac, epigastric, and hepatic involvement.
Musculoskeletal system
Periarthritis and periarthritis of the humeral vertebra.The disease is manifested by pain that radiates to the shoulder blade from the affected joint, the neck and the distal parts of the arm.Discomfort occurs when you try to perform an action with a large range of motion.As the pain syndrome progresses, it becomes a background and intensifies at night.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Initially, the silent pain dominates the neck and the occipital part of the head.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.The movements are accompanied by cracking sounds, dizziness, eye spots and tinnitus.
Visceral organs
Stomach 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 below the shoulder blade, lower back and spine.Worse after eating.Night pain and hunger pangs are likely to develop.
Pyelonephritis.The pain syndrome is located on the side of the inflamed kidney, in the lower part of the chest area.When you hit, it radiates to the lower back and below the shoulder blade.
General signs:
- urinary disorder;
- 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, I get pain under the 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 limbs.
Pain in 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 the pain is located in the chest.It projects on the left scapula and in the mediolateral space, on the neck, on the shoulder, on the ear, on the jaw.The intensity of the pain depends on the degree of myocardial damage.Patients, when describing an attack, use the adjective "dagger".
Angina pectoris.The pain can be bearable when it just pulls under the left shoulder blade or it can be burning and pressing.Unpleasant sensations spread mainly behind the sternum, under the shoulder blade, in the arm and shoulder on the left side.
Strong signs include:
- feeling short of breath;
- suffocation;
- pale skin;
- sweat.
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 sided pain syndrome
Pain under the shoulder blade right behind the back is considered a masked symptom of inflammatory damage to the liver, pancreas and gall bladder.
Cholecystitis.An impressive 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 with a classic episode.A dull pain, originating in the right side of the intercostal space, radiates upwards under the scapula, to the lumbar region and to the shoulder.
Common symptoms include:
- nausea?
- weakness;
- sweating;
- bitter taste;
- increase in temperature indicators.
Hepatic colic.Clinical sign of cholelithiasis.Painful sensations of increased tension begin in a state of rest.They are located in the projection of the gallbladder, just below the right hypochondrium, radiating to the shoulder blade, neck and shoulder area.A painful attack tears from the inside, causing the patient unbearable suffering.Abdominal bloating and sometimes uncontrollable vomiting of bile are seen.The duration of the painful attack ranges from 15 – 20 minutes to 6 – 7 hours.
Pancreatitis.The exacerbation phase is characterized by a pain syndrome in the region 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 stability.It is not aggravated by inhalation or exertion and is not relieved by changes in body position.
Biliary dyskinesia.Acute wave pain, similar to colic, occurs after non-compliance with the diet, excessive physical overload and psycho-emotional stress.Painful lesions are located 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;
- inflation;
- loose stools;
- diarrhea;
- irritable?
- increased fatigue;
- lacrimation;
- sleep problems.
Outside periods of exacerbation, a feeling of heaviness and dull pain are occasionally located in the hypochondrium.
Without a detailed diagnosis, it is difficult to differentiate the cause of pain under the shoulder blade, even for an experienced physician.
You don't need to self-diagnose the disease or drink handfuls of painkillers in the hope that everything will be fine.It would make more sense to visit a local healer, who will collect the necessary reminiscence information and redirect to a qualified specialist for adequately selected treatment.