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 unpleasant sensations are transmitted along nerve branches to the spinal cord and, in the same way, are reflected at a distance from the real source of inflammation.Diffuse 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 shoulder blade, or on both sides at the same time.
Paroxysmal pain provocateurs
If we summarize the causes of pain in the shoulder blades into one group, it will look more impressive.
Pain appearing 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, such symptoms may seem frivolous, but in fact, pain under the left shoulder blade from behind can be a harbinger of some dangerous disease.
There are many reasons for the appearance of such pain syndrome, and they often have nothing to do with problems in the shoulder blades.
First, about the negative factors that can cause pain for any party.
Muscles and nerve fibers
Intercostal neuralgia.A prominent symptom is spontaneous piercing pain.“Lumbago” forms near the spine, in the area where the nerves are affected.Provides the left or right shoulder blade, projection area of the stomach, heart.During attacks, any movement and breathing increases the severity of paroxysmal pain.Between attacks, sensitive paresthesias are noted in the intercostal spaces.
Myofascial pain syndrome.Trigger points or compression zones form in muscle tissue.In the early stages, pain symptoms appear when the affected muscles are strained.Over time, pain becomes a constant escort.Myofascial pain deep under the shoulder blade does not go away with rest and can mimic heart, epigastric and liver attacks.
Musculoskeletal system
Shoulder periarthritis and periarthritis.The disease is manifested by pain radiating to the shoulder blade from the 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 more severe and intensifies at night.
Osteonecrosis of the cervical spine.Initially, dull pain prevails in the neck and occipital part of the head.The more significant the degeneration of cartilage and bone tissue, the more nerve endings are compressed, from which pain symptoms spread to the shoulder blades and shoulder blades.Movement is accompanied by crunching sounds, dizziness, spots in the eyes and tinnitus.
Internal organs
Stomach ulcers.During exacerbations, a characteristic feature of the pathology is the appearance of pain in the epigastric area and behind the sternum.If the stomach body is affected, discomfort appears on the left side, ulceration of the pyloric part - on the right side.The pain spreads under the shoulder blades, down to the lower back and spine.Worse after eating.It is possible that night pain and hunger may develop.
Pyelonephritis.Localized pain syndrome on the side of the inflamed kidney, in the lower part of the chest area.When tapped, it radiates to the lower back and below the shoulder blades.
General signs:
- urinary disorders;
- increased body temperature;
- weakness;
- increased sweating.
Bilateral pneumonia.The first signs are chills, a significant increase in temperature, and rapid and shallow breathing.When I tried to take a deep breath, it hurt below my shoulder blades on both sides.
Acute bronchitis.It begins with symptoms of the common cold, accompanied by pain in the back muscles and upper limbs.
Pain in left side
When pain occurs behind the left shoulder blade, the cause often lies in cardiovascular diseases.
Myocardial infarction.The source of the pain lies in the chest.It is projected onto the left scapula and interscapular space, neck, shoulders, ears, jaw.The intensity of the pain depends on the degree of damage to the heart muscle.Patients, when describing an attack, use the "dagger" symbol.
Angina.The pain may be tolerable as it extends just below the left shoulder blade, or it may be burning and pressing.The discomfort mainly spreads behind the sternum, under the shoulder blade, into the left arm and shoulder.
Pronounced signs include:
- feeling of lack of air;
- suffocation;
- pale skin;
- sweat.
Similar symptoms occur with coronary heart disease and cardiac syndrome.The misleading clinical picture of myocardial infarction increases the patient's feelings of fear and anxiety, thereby increasing the intensity of abnormal pain.
Right side pain syndrome
Pain under the right shoulder blade behind the back is considered a potential symptom of inflammatory damage to the liver, pancreas and gallbladder.
Cholecystitis.A prominent representation of referred pain in the right shoulder blade.Patients with chronic diseases quickly recognize the initial exacerbation of a classic attack.Dull pain, originating from the right intercostal space, spreading up under the shoulder blade, into the lumbar and shoulder areas.
Common symptoms include:
- nausea;
- weakness;
- sweating;
- bitter;
- increase in temperature indicators.
Abdominal and liver pain.Clinical signs of gallstone disease.Pain with increasing intensity begins at rest.They are localized in the projection of the gallbladder, just below the right lower quadrant, radiating to the scapula, neck and shoulder area.A pain that tears from within, causing the patient unbearable pain.Abdominal bloating and sometimes uncontrollable vomiting with bile may be observed.The duration of the pain varies from 15 - 20 minutes to 6 - 7 hours.
Pancreatitis.The severe stage is characterized by low back pain syndrome in the shoulder blades area.If the head of the pancreas is inflamed, the pain is felt mainly on the right side.Painful discomfort is characterized by enviable constancy.It does not get worse with inhalation or exertion and does not go away with changes in body position.
Biliary dyskinesia.Acute pain resembles colic, manifesting after non-compliance with the diet, physical overload and psycho-emotional stress.Pain points were identified in the lower ribs, scapula and shoulder on the right side.When palpated, the area where the gallbladder is located is the most painful.
Symptoms of dyspepsia and neurological-like conditions include:
- nausea;
- belching;
- bloating;
- loose stools;
- diarrhea;
- uncomfortable;
- increased fatigue;
- tear;
- sleep problems.
In addition to severe periods, there is occasionally a feeling of heaviness and dull pain in the hypochondrium.
Without a detailed diagnosis, it is difficult to distinguish the cause of pain under the shoulder blade, even for an experienced medical professional.
There is no need to self-diagnose or take some painkillers in the hope that everything will be okay.It would be more reasonable to visit a local therapist who will collect the necessary anamnesis and refer to a specialist to choose the appropriate treatment.