Pain under the left shoulder blade in the back from the back is a symptom that occurs in both older people and young people. Muscle tension after physical exertion or chronic curvature can cause discomfort. The concentration of pain from the back from behind indicates not only diseases of the musculoskeletal system: problems with the organs of the chest and abdominal cavity are possible. If the discomfort under the shoulder blade on the left side increases, it is necessary to consult a specialist.
Anatomical features
The scapula is closely connected with the clavicle, forming the clavicle-scapular joint. On several sides, the costal arches and the vertebral axis are attached to the shoulder blades. The listed bone formations maintain the shape of the chest and back.
The lungs and heart are at the level of the thoracic segment of the spine. Problems with these organs can cause pain. Also, discomfort occurs due to pinching of the nerve roots of the spinal cord, located in the spinal canal (near the shoulder blades).
Causes of discomfort in the shoulder blade area
There are 5 main groups of causes of pain that occur:
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system: variants of intercostal neuralgia, arthritis of the shoulder joint, neoplasms. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebral axis - osteochondrosis, hernias, protrusions, myositis - can also become a provoking factor.
- Cardiovascular diseases: angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, infections of the heart layers (myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis).
- Bronchopulmonary system disorders: bronchitis, inflammation of the lungs or pleura, tuberculosis.
- Gastrointestinal problems: chronic pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, damage to the spleen.
- Damage to the scapula of various origins: trauma, inflammation, tuberculosis.
How to get rid of pain on the left side of the back under the shoulder blade
If the diagnosis has already been confirmed by a doctor (osteochondrosis or chronic pancreatitis), the recommendations given above should be followed.
Musculoskeletal disorders in the acute phase require the use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Be careful when using warming ointments: apply the medicine strictly on the scapular region, without affecting the projection of the heart. Otherwise, you can cause a rapid heartbeat attack and disruption of the rhythm.
In chronic pancreatitis or peptic ulcer, a special diet is required, taking enzymes or anti-ulcer drugs according to the scheme.
Any discomfort forces you to reduce physical activity - the patient is shown rest. For sleeping, it is recommended to choose an orthopedic pillow and mattress.
Important! If the pain under the left shoulder blade persists with a change in the position of the body and does not subside at rest, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor to rule out acute myocardial infarction.
Possible diseases
The list of diseases accompanied by pain symptoms:
- bursitis- inflammation of the periarticular shoulder strap. Due to injury or excessive loads, soft tissues swell, pressure occurs on nearby muscles, ligaments, tendons. Unpleasant sensations when raising your hand gradually turn into a sharp pain syndrome, which also manifests itself in a dream. Bacterial (septic) bursitis is a consequence of mucosal infection. It is characterized by an increase in temperature, redness of the skin of the shoulder, severe pain.
- Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.Degenerative changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs provoke muscle spasms, pinching of nerve roots, vascular bundles. The clinical picture begins with a slight tingling sensation in the chest or back. Increasing discomfort is accompanied by loss of sensation in the fingers and shoulder girdle.
- Intervertebral hernia.The destruction of the cartilage capsule of the intervertebral nucleus has more pronounced clinical manifestations. There are paresis and paralysis of the upper limbs. Growing disc herniation is often complicated by mild to moderate neuropathic pain. The peculiarity of such pains is the lack of effect against the background of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- myositis.Inflammatory process of the skeletal muscles resulting from infections or trauma. The most severe form of the disease is ossification of the subscapular muscles (ossification of muscle tissue).
- Angina pectoris- a pathological condition accompanied by a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. Angina pectoris is characterized by back pain under the left shoulder blade, sharp spasmodic pain behind the breastbone. Severe stress, smoking, alcohol abuse provoke an attack.
Diagnostics
Western medicine uses the help of hardware diagnostics to rule out problems with the musculoskeletal system. To make a definitive diagnosis, the patient must undergo:
- X-ray of the cervical and thoracic spine.
- Ultrasound for bursitis shows excess fluid in the synovial joint capsule.
- Computed tomography.
- Magnetic resonance.
If a patient is suspected of myositis, a detailed blood test is required to confirm the inflammatory process.
If cardiac pathology is suspected, allopaths perform the following methods of examination:
- Electrocardiogram.
- A blood test that determines myocyte necrosis factors.
- Ultrasound of the heart.
Disease treatment and prevention
Therapies and dosages differ according to the form of the disease and the severity.
- Pathology of the musculoskeletal system requires the appointment of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (to relieve pain), muscle relaxants, vitamin complexes. In difficult clinical cases, Western doctors recommend eliminating the pain syndrome with hormonal agents. Minimally invasive shoulder surgery is often used to treat bursitis.
- Myositis is treated with warming gels and ointments, anti-inflammatory drugs. Physiotherapy is recommended in remission. With severe pain, allopaths make novocaine blocks.
- Attacks of angina are stopped by compounds similar to nitrates. According to medical protocols, patients need injections of blood thinning medications to prevent blood clots. With high blood pressure, patients take antihypertensive pills. To normalize the rhythm, doctors prescribe antiarrhythmics. They also recommend taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, metabolic therapy.