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 a preliminary diagnosis and determine the tactics of the diagnostic examination.The intensity of pain can be acute and chronic, and the sensations can be dull, aching, stabbing, cutting, cramping.In the projection of pain, there is a visceral pain syndrome associated with organ pathology.The upper parts of the stomach, neck and thoracic spine, scapular muscles, left lung and pleura, and the muscular framework of the back are projected on the left back.
Sometimes there is pain that radiates from a distant organ, such as the heart and autonomic ganglia.Discomfort under the left shoulder blade requires conservative therapy or emergency medical attention.
Stomach ulcer
Ulceration in the upper part of the stomach causes aching or cramping pains in the epigastric region and under the left shoulder blade.Eating disorder.Increased pain is noted on an empty stomach and at night ("hunger" pain).Pain decreases after eating.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.
Perforation of the ulcer (the formation of a hole in the stomach through the abdominal cavity) causes a sharp stabbing pain under the left shoulder blade due to irritation of the peritoneum with the acidic contents of the stomach.Abdominal muscle tension, repeated vomiting, pale skin, cold sweat, decreased blood pressure, and increased heart rate occur.Pain is increasing in nature and can cause depression of consciousness.A perforated ulcer is an acute condition that requires immediate surgical intervention.
Degenerative diseases of the spine
Degenerative changes in the cervical and upper thoracic spine region cause localized pain in the region of the left shoulder blade.Osteochondrosis, spondylosis, ruptured intervertebral discs cause compression of the nerve roots innervating the left half of the chest.
The pain syndrome is painful, constant or periodic in nature, aggravated by intense physical activity or long-term static position (sitting, standing).During movements, it is characterized by compression in the neck and thoracic lumbar region, tension in the back muscle corset, and a feeling of "driving share" in the spine.
In the case of intercostal neuralgia, a burning pain is noted in the area of the intercostal spaces, radiating towards the left back.Anxiety increases when moving, chest palpation is painful.
Scapular-costal syndrome
The disease is associated with inflammation or damage to the levator scapulae muscle.The tendons of the muscle are attached to the transverse processes of the cervical vertebra.When bending the neck and moving the upper shoulder girdle, a pain syndrome occurs under the left shoulder blade.The pain has a constant painful character, the intensity increases when lifting the arms, carrying heavy objects or lying down or standing for a long time.Aggravation of the disease is observed after physical exertion and hypothermia.
Pleuropneumonia and pleurisy
In the pathological process, inflammation of the lungs surrounding the pleura causes a dull point pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome intensifies at the height of inspiration, when coughing, sneezing, and decreases when lying on the affected side.It is characterized by an increase in body temperature up to 39-40 degrees, a dry cough or the release 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 noise is determined.
Myositis
Inflammation of the back muscles - myositis, causes localized cutting pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome intensifies when the body is bent in the opposite direction, decreases after thermal procedures and at rest.Discomfort in the upper back appears after awkward movements, hypothermia or being in a draft.
Angina and myocardial infarction
Ischemic heart disease (CHD), which often causes pain behind the sternum and under the left shoulder blade, includes angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.Angina pectoris causes sharp squeezing pains.The triggering factor is emotional stress or physical activity.The discomfort does not last more than 15 minutes and subsides with rest or after taking a nitroglycerin tablet.
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 sharp pressing pain behind the sternum, under the left shoulder blade, spreading to the lower jaw and left arm.
The pain syndrome increases, lasts more than 15 minutes and is not relieved by nitroglycerin.Decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, numbness in the fingers of the left hand, fear of death are noted.If the clinical picture of the disease occurs, it is necessary to call an ambulance and place the patient in a cardiology hospital.
Vegetative crises
Cardiac NCD (neurocirculatory dystonia) causes clinical conditions similar to 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 chin, to the scapular region.The disease is characterized by a feeling of trembling in the body, difficulty breathing, heaviness in the chest, panic, fear of death, a feeling of lack of air, a lump in the throat.The pain syndrome does not have a constant localization and can occur in the abdomen, neck or head.Taking sedative drugs and tranquilizers normalizes the general condition.
If pain appears under the left shoulder blade, you should consult a specialist to determine the cause and treat the disease.Seeking medical help in time prevents the development of pathology and the risk of complications.