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 diagnostic research.The intensity of the pain can be acute and chronic, and the sensations can be dull, aching, piercing, cutting, spasms.There is a visceral pain syndrome associated with organ pathology in the pain projection.In the region of the left scapula project the upper parts of the stomach, the cervical and thoracic spine, the scapular muscles, the left lung and pleura, and the muscular framework of the back.
Sometimes there is pain that spreads 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
Ulcer formation in the upper part of the stomach causes pain or spasms in the epigastric region and under the left shoulder blade.Discomfort associated with eating.Increased pain is noted on an empty stomach and at night ("hungry" pain).After eating, the pain subsides.Eating spicy, fatty, starchy foods induces vomiting, which brings relief.The appearance of the pain syndrome is characterized by seasonality - exacerbation of the disease occurs in spring and autumn.
Perforation of the ulcer (formation of a through hole in the stomach with the abdominal cavity) causes a sharp stabbing pain under the left shoulder blade due to irritation of the peritoneum by the acidic contents of the stomach.Abdominal muscle tension, repeated vomiting, pale skin, cold sweat, low blood pressure and rapid heart rate occur.The pain has an increasing character and can cause depression of consciousness.A perforated ulcer is an acute condition that requires urgent surgical care.
Degenerative diseases of the spine
Degenerative changes in the cervical and upper thoracic spine lead to pain localized in the area of the left scapula.Osteochondrosis, spondylosis, herniation of the intervertebral discs cause pinching of the nerve roots that innervate the left half of the chest.
The pain syndrome is painful, constant or intermittent, intensifies during intense physical exertion or prolonged static position (sitting, standing).It is characterized by a crunch in the neck and chest area during movements, tension in the muscular corset of the back and a feeling of a "stake driven" in the spine.
In intercostal neuralgia, a burning pain is noted in the area of the intercostal spaces, which spreads to the left scapula.Discomfort increases with movement, palpation of the chest is painful.
Scapular-costal syndrome
The disease is associated with inflammation or injury of the levator scapula muscle.The tendons of the muscle are attached to the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae.The pain syndrome occurs under the left shoulder blade when bending the neck and moving the upper shoulder girdle.The pain has a constant painful character, the intensity increases when raising hands, carrying heavy objects, lying down for a long time or standing up.Aggravation of the disease is observed after physical exertion and hypothermia.
Pleuropneumonia and pleurisy
Inflammation of the lungs with the participation of the pleura in the pathological process causes a dull point pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome intensifies at the height of inhalation, when coughing, sneezing and decreases when lying down on the affected side.It is characterized by an increase in body temperature to 39-40 degrees, a dry cough or discharge of mucopurulent sputum.Dry left-sided pleurisy is characterized by piercing pain at the height of inspiration, which decreases with limited movement of the left half of the chest.When listening to the lungs, a pleural friction noise is determined.
myositis
Inflammation of the muscles of the back - myositis leads to a localized cutting pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome intensifies when tilting the body in the opposite direction, decreases after thermal procedures and at rest.Discomfort in the upper back occurs after uncomfortable movements, hypothermia or drafts.
Angina and myocardial infarction
Coronary heart disease (CHD) includes angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, which often lead to pain behind the sternum and under the left shoulder blade.Angina pectoris causes sharp, pressing pain.The provoking factor is emotional stress or physical activity.The discomfort lasts no more than 15 minutes and decreases with rest or after taking a nitroglycerin tablet.
Myocardial infarction develops due to blockage of a coronary artery by a thrombus or atherosclerotic plaque.As a result, myocardial ischemia occurs.The disease is characterized by a sharp pressing pain behind the sternum, which spreads under the left shoulder blade, in the lower jaw and the left arm.
The pain syndrome increases, lasts more than 15 minutes and is not relieved by nitroglycerin.A decrease in blood pressure, tachycardia, numbness in the fingers of the left hand and fear of death are noted.If a clinical picture of the disease occurs, it is necessary to call an ambulance and hospitalize the patient in a cardiology hospital.
Vegetative crises
Cardiac-type NCD (neurocirculatory dystonia) causes clinical conditions that resemble angina pectoris or myocardial infarction.The pain syndrome appears under the left shoulder blade and behind the sternum, spreads along the left arm, in the left half of the jaw, in the interscapular 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 appear 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.Timely seeking medical help prevents the risk of pathology progression and complications.