Sharp pain under the left shoulder blade

Posted on by admin

Pain under the left shoulder blade from the back: causes

You have to deal with such a symptom as pain under the left shoulder blade from behind from the back quite often. This signal from your body may indicate the presence of serious problems in it and, therefore, should never be drowned out by painkillers.

Table of contents:

Among the many pathological conditions accompanied by such a symptom are serious cardiac, gastrointestinal and neurological diseases. Let's take a closer look at the possible reasons for this phenomenon.

Peptic ulcer

It is generally accepted that the main cause of pain under the shoulder blade on the left side of the back is a heart attack. This is not at all true and, in fact, most often such a symptom occurs due to stomach ulcers.

Features of the manifestation of pain in this case are as follows:

  • growing character;
  • seasonality of pain;
  • weakness after vomiting;
  • connection with meals.

The presence of heartburn or belching also indicates a peptic ulcer. About 75% of patients experience relief after vomiting, which occurs at the top of pain without preliminary nausea. Sometimes patients with ulcers for this reason try to induce it artificially. Such pain can be felt not only in the area of ​​the left shoulder blade, but also be present in the epigastric region, radiating to the left nipple and behind the sternum. There is almost always some connection with meals: the pain can be hungry, early, late, or at night. If such a connection is found, peptic ulcer disease can be considered confirmed.

Severe pain, radiating to the collarbone and under the shoulder blade, occurs when the ulcer is perforated. In this case, the following are observed:

  • cold sweat;
  • characteristic pose with knees pulled up to the stomach;
  • decreased blood pressure;
  • decrease in heart rate.

Much less often, pain caused by acute pancreatitis occurs on the left side of the back. It is more characterized by girdling and cramping pain. Most often they are sudden in nature and occur in the epigastrium with a reflection on the left side of the body - in the chest, heart area, under the left shoulder blade.

Vegetative crises

In this case, the patient describes his pain sensations quite colorfully. In addition to them, he is worried about the following accompanying symptoms:

  • a feeling of tightness and heaviness in the chest;
  • heat in the chest;
  • lack of a specific location of pain;
  • pain in the heart area;
  • feeling of trembling and fear;
  • lack of air;
  • anxiety.

It cannot be said that the pain is only in the area of ​​the left shoulder blade. The pain then moves to the left arm, then goes to the collarbone area, then falls to the lower abdomen. Patients experience a feeling of lack of air, a feeling of cardiac arrest and throat constriction. At this time, the chest seems to them to be compressed or overcome by a feeling of heat.

Myocardial infarction

Only in third place among the causes of pain under the left shoulder blade is myocardial infarction. This life-threatening condition manifests itself as paroxysmal pain in the chest, radiating to the left jaw, left arm and left shoulder blade. Painful sensations with a predominance of burning initially appear in the retrosternal region and spread along the left side. The localization and irradiation of pain are the same as with angina pectoris. Distinctive features of pain during a heart attack are:

  • extreme intensity of pain;
  • lack of a positive reaction to nitroglycerin;
  • duration over 15 minutes.

The pain experienced during a heart attack is intense and causes some patients to scream. Some patients complain of severe numbness of the wrists combined with prolonged chest pain. It occurs more often at night or in the early morning hours and lasts, as a rule, more than half an hour, and sometimes several hours.

Angina pectoris

Another cardiac disease can manifest itself as acute pain under the left shoulder blade - this is angina pectoris. With it, pain primarily occurs in the chest area, then seems to “spread” to the left side. By the nature of their manifestation, they are sharp and compressive, disappear at rest and after taking nitroglycerin. To a lesser extent, validol helps patients.

In most cases, the disease is caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. Angina attacks most often occur during physical and emotional stress, after sudden hypothermia or overheating of the body, drinking alcohol, as well as spicy and heavy foods.

Diseases of the bronchopulmonary system

Constant pain under the left shoulder blade may indicate developing left-sided pneumonia, as well as dry pleurisy. Confirmation of the presence of these diseases is increased pain when coughing, sneezing, or simply taking a deep breath. If the pain is really caused by pneumonia, then it may subside somewhat in a horizontal position and when turning the body in a healthy direction. Typically, this disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • dry or, much less frequently, wet cough;
  • the presence of pus or blood in the sputum;
  • low-grade body temperature;
  • shortness of breath, feeling of lack of air.

Painful sensations are always directed towards the affected lung, they are of medium intensity and aching in nature, and are localized under the left shoulder blade to one painful point.

Painful symptoms in pulmonary diseases almost always indicate the presence of pleurisy. In this case, the pain can sometimes manifest itself as a slight tingling under the shoulder blade, intensifying with a deep breath to a cutting and piercing sensation. In most cases, with pleurisy, a sharp pain symptom of a stabbing nature is observed, the intensity of which is proportional to the depth of breathing.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system

Some diseases of the musculoskeletal system may also be accompanied by pain in the area of ​​the left shoulder blade. Most often this is how cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself. He is bothered by unilateral aching pains at the bottom of the occipital bone, which intensify with head movements and constantly radiate to the arm and under the shoulder blade. In addition to pain, this pathology causes the following symptoms:

At the beginning of the disease, pain sensations are unclear and radiate towards the pinched roots. Nagging and spontaneously subsiding pain often goes away after warming up or bathing in a warm bath. Over time, they become more and more habitual, occurring after sleep or long sedentary work requiring static tension. They spread down from the back of the head - along the arm, along the back, including the shoulder blade.

Another disease, a typical symptom of which is pain under the left shoulder blade, is intercostal neuralgia. It is a common consequence of osteochondrosis and is manifested by lumbago and intense pain of a girdle nature, radiating to the right or left, including under the shoulder blade. Pain caused by intercostal neuralgia spreads along the intercostal muscles and intensifies with coughing, deep breathing, and bending. The most sharp and severe episodic pain in the area of ​​the left shoulder blade is caused by this disease. They, however, subside when the pain area is warmed and relaxed.

The presence of pain on palpation speaks in favor of intercostal neuralgia. The deep-rooted nature of the disease and the protracted deforming process in the spine are indicated by the presence of a characteristic burning sensation under the scapula. In this case, it is important not to confuse these sensations with manifestations of angina pectoris.

If intercostal neuralgia is combined with pleurisy, the pain becomes girdling.

Pain under the left shoulder blade can also be caused by scapular-costal syndrome, which means a disease of the muscle that lifts the scapula. It is attached to the transverse processes of the upper cervical vertebrae. If this muscle is injured, overcooled, or simply overloaded, it is unable to properly perform its function of bending the neck and raising the scapula.

Scapular-costal syndrome manifests itself as aching, quite intense pain in the shoulder girdle, areas above and below the shoulder blade. A characteristic sign of this pathology is the presence of a crunching sound when moving the shoulders and arms. Prolonged static stress and constant dynamic loads create a situation where the pain becomes constant, intensifying under the influence of cold or draft.

Source: http://bezboleznej.ru/bol-pod-levoj-lopatkoj-szadi-so-spiny

Pain under the left shoulder blade from the back: why and what to do

Pain in certain parts of the body does not always indicate that this particular area or organ is affected by the disease. Often these are radiating pains (referred), and their cause lies elsewhere. Pain under the shoulder blade is one of these cases, and the provoking factor is not always easy to detect. But according to the observations of doctors, this symptom is inherent in some serious disorders and pathologies, so it is imperative to find out why it hurts under the left shoulder blade from the back.

Causes

Pain in the left shoulder blade is a signal of a disease, but not necessarily of the organ that is directly nearby.

  • dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. The first places are occupied by osteochondrosis, neuralgia, myafascial syndrome;
  • injuries and defects in skeletal structure. Among them are scapula fractures, Sprengel’s disease and others;
  • diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: intestinal and stomach ulcers, problems with the esophagus;
  • Cardiological problems – heart attack, ischemia, angina, mitral valve prolapse;
  • respiratory diseases - inflammation or abscesses of the lungs, pleurisy, bronchitis.

Some of the listed diseases (heart attack, pneumonia and others) are life-threatening for the patient if treatment is not started on time. But such conditions are accompanied not only by discomfort of the scapula, but also have other, specific symptoms.

What does the nature of the pain indicate?

Any pain can be characterized by: exactly what sensations the patient experiences (pulling, aching, shooting, burning, etc.) when discomfort appears (after sleep or hard work, while moving or at rest, at night or constantly). This helps the doctor draw up a preliminary picture, and an examination will show an accurate diagnosis.

Important! If such an unpleasant symptom as pain suddenly appears, the patient’s task is not to use painkillers, but to call a doctor.

Dumb

Such sensations can bother a person for a long time, periodically subsiding and resuming after a long stay in one position, awkward movement or lifting something heavy. These are manifestations of osteochondrosis of the thoracic or cervical spine. Patients experience tingling, numbness in the limbs, dizziness, and headache.

This type of discomfort may also indicate unilateral pneumonia. In this case, mild pain seems to be concentrated at one point and intensifies with inhalation or with certain movements. This disease is accompanied by increased body temperature.

Sharp, sharp

Sudden sharp, acute, severe pain under the left shoulder blade is a sign of intercostal neuralgia. Such attacks are accompanied by a feeling of shortness of breath, it is impossible to take a full breath, and upon palpation there is pain in the inflamed area.

It is worth knowing that pain of this nature in the scapular region on the left, which is caused by neuralgia, is the most favorable option.

This symptom is also characteristic of health and even life-threatening conditions - heart attack and stomach ulcers. If the patient suffers from angina and has severe pain under the left shoulder blade, call a doctor. Perhaps this disease has provoked a pre-infarction condition, and immediate help is required.

Gastrointestinal ulcers can cause attacks of severe pain that radiates to the upper back. In this case, an urgent visit to a doctor is the only way out, since advanced ulcerations become perforated, which is life-threatening.

Stabbing

This symptom raises suspicions of osteochondrosis; it is popularly called lumbago. Neuralgia is also the cause of this symptom. If such sensations are accompanied by a cough, then we are talking about a disease of the respiratory system - left-sided pneumonia or pleurisy.

Pulling, aching

If a similar pain appears in the back of the left shoulder blade, its causes may be as follows:

  • osteochondrosis;
  • pyelonephritis;
  • tuberculosis;
  • tumor process in the scapula area;
  • injury.

At first, such sensations appear periodically, are easily relieved with painkillers or go away on their own, then they become more frequent and, as the disease develops, accompany the patient constantly in any position of the body, at rest or in motion.

Pressing, pulsating

Pressing and throbbing pain under the left shoulder blade is a sign of a condition that requires medical attention. A feeling of squeezing in this area of ​​the body appears during a hypertensive crisis or coronary heart disease. It is also a harbinger of a heart attack, especially if this symptom is accompanied by a feeling of squeezing in the left arm.

A strong painful pulsation, felt under the shoulder blade on the left, is characteristic of a dangerous disease - an aortic aneurysm. At the first such manifestations, you should consult a doctor, as this anomaly puts your life in danger.

Diagnostics

The doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis for such patient complaints based on:

  • interviewing the patient;
  • visual inspection, listening, palpating the painful area;
  • x-rays or MRI;
  • electrocardiogram result;
  • fibrogastroduodenoscopy;
  • blood tests.

Specific studies (swallowing probe, ultrasound of the heart and the like) are prescribed if a disease of a particular organ is suspected.

Treatment

Pain under the left shoulder blade - aching, dull, stabbing or sharp, requires a thorough examination of the patient, since different types of such sensations indicate different diseases. And diseases are not always treated equally simply.

Neuralgia is treated with medications - painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs. Ibuprofen and Diclofenac are suitable for this. To relax the muscles and release pinched nerves, muscle relaxants (Mydocalm and the like), exercise therapy, and massage are prescribed.

For osteochondrosis, the same methods are suitable, but exercises aimed at improving the mobility of the vertebrae are used. Manual therapy is also an effective method for this disease.

If a disease of the kidneys, lungs, bronchi, or digestive tract is diagnosed without complications, then a course of conservative treatment with medications is prescribed - antibiotics, antiulcer drugs, vitamins. Such treatment can be carried out at home or in a hospital, if there is a need to administer drugs by drip and injection.

Hospitalization and treatment in a hospital is necessary for a heart attack or hypertensive crisis.

Aneurysm and severe gastrointestinal ulcer require surgical intervention.

Video

What else needs to be done in such a situation, see the following video:

Prevention

It is possible to get rid of unpleasant sensations in this area, but it is much easier to prevent it. Since diseases associated with this symptom are mainly provoked by external factors, prevention comes down to the following:

  • maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
  • proper, nutritious nutrition;
  • uniform distribution of loads and rest;
  • treatment of infectious diseases immediately after their detection;
  • playing sports.

Important! If there are congenital problems with any organs, then it is necessary to follow all the doctor’s recommendations for treatment and do everything to prevent the disease from progressing.

Conclusion

Pain under the left shoulder blade is an alarming symptom, so it should not be ignored. There is no need to take any independent measures to get rid of discomfort; it is better to visit a doctor. This will help preserve health and even life.

Source: http://spinainfo.com/boli-i-simptomy/drugie-boli/bolit-pod-levoj-lopatkoj-so-spiny-pochemu-i-chto-delat

Why does pain occur under the left shoulder blade?

Pain under the left shoulder blade is a symptom that can be accompanied by a variety of diseases: from damage to the shoulder blade itself to pathology of internal organs that, at first glance, are completely unrelated to the shoulder blade (heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach).

The variety of causes that cause pain under the left shoulder blade makes diagnosis and timely treatment difficult; patients are often referred from one doctor to another, and unnecessary examinations are performed.

Meanwhile, most diseases have a number of their own rather specific symptoms, knowing which you can significantly shorten the diagnostic process and avoid unnecessary procedures.

Main reasons ↑

Pain under the left shoulder blade is observed with lesions of the following organs and systems:

  • Bones and joints (actually the shoulder blade, ribs, collarbone, spine, shoulder and shoulder joint, glenohumeral joint);
  • Muscles;
  • Nerve fibers;
  • Central nervous system (psychosomatic disorders, neuroses);
  • Heart and aorta;
  • Respiratory organs;
  • Left kidney;
  • Spleen;
  • Gastrointestinal tract (most often the stomach and pancreas);
  • Lymph nodes.

Based on the localization and irradiation of pain, the characteristics of the onset, subsidence and intensification of the pain syndrome, and accompanying symptoms, assumptions can be made regarding the causes.

It should be borne in mind that sometimes pain under the left shoulder blade is a sign of a serious condition that threatens the patient’s life.

In such a situation, it is necessary to provide qualified treatment as quickly as possible and provide first aid at the prehospital stage.

Most often, patients present the following complaints:

Pain when breathing, when inhaling

The breathing process involves not only the lungs, but also the chest and back muscles, diaphragm, and ribs.

When you inhale, the lungs increase in size, the layers of the pleura move apart, the chest expands due to contractions of the diaphragm and the divergence of the ribs, and the internal organs shift slightly.

If the tissues and organs that “move” during breathing are affected, then inhalation is accompanied by pain, which is localized, including under the left shoulder blade.

The occurrence and intensification of pain under the left shoulder blade during breathing and at the height of inspiration is noted against the background of pathological processes in:

  • pleura (pleurisy);
  • ribs (bruises and fractures);
  • shoulder blade (trauma, tuberculosis, tumor);
  • back muscles (bruises and inflammation - myositis);
  • intercostal nerves (neuralgia);
  • diaphragm (subphrenic abscess);
  • spine (scoliosis, osteochondrosis, herniated disc), when there are complications in the form of pinched spinal nerve roots;
  • pericardial sac (pericarditis).

With a deep breath

Deep breathing leads to even more active work of the lungs, diaphragm and costal muscle frame, and even minor damage to them, which does not manifest itself at rest, is accompanied by pain.

Under the shoulder blade and in the heart area

Pain under the left shoulder blade and in the heart area most often indicates:

  • heart problems (angina, heart attack);
  • neurosis;
  • vegetative-vascular dystonia;
  • intercostal neuralgia;
  • osteochondrosis of the spine.

Angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction are characterized by irradiation of pain to the left half of the body, including under the shoulder blade.

With neuroses and vegetative-vascular dystonia, patients experience a variety of pain sensations:

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine with damage to the spinal roots very often manifests itself as pain along the nerves - under the scapula, in the region of the heart.

Under the shoulder blade and armpit

Pain under the shoulder blade and in the armpit is possible with:

  • neuralgia;
  • osteochondrosis;
  • malignant neoplasms with metastases to the axillary lymph nodes;
  • tuberculosis of the scapula.

Gives to left hand

Pain can radiate to the left arm due to angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, osteochondrosis of the thoracic or cervical spine.

When you sigh

Intermittent or “picture-like” sighs, designed for others, with complaints of pain in the chest, heart, under the left shoulder blade are characteristic of neurasthenia, vegetative-vascular dystonia.

When driving and when turning

Pain under the left shoulder blade during movements and turns of the body is most often noted against the background of pathology of the musculoskeletal system:

  • for injuries to the ribs or scapula;
  • myositis;
  • neuralgia;
  • osteochondrosis;
  • other degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine.

In persons whose professional activities are associated with a constant load on the left shoulder joint and back (office workers, seamstresses), the so-called scapular-costal syndrome may develop.

One of its specific symptoms is pain under the left shoulder blade, which intensifies with movements and turns, and movements are accompanied by a characteristic crunching sound.

Pleurisy, especially dry pleurisy, is also accompanied by increased pain when moving; at the same time, patients note a decrease in discomfort when lying on the affected side.

During pregnancy

The causes of pain during pregnancy are essentially the same as in other cases.

But it should be borne in mind that pregnant women have a higher risk of developing or exacerbating certain diseases:

  • osteochondrosis - due to increased load on the spinal column;
  • pyelonephritis - due to displacement of the kidneys, disruption of blood flow in them and activation of their work;
  • overstrain of the back muscles.

It is these conditions that will be the most likely cause of the manifestation or intensification of pain under the left shoulder blade during pregnancy.

And in this material you will find information about exacerbation of osteochondrosis in expectant mothers.

Neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia is one of the main causes of pain under the scapula.

Neuralgia occurs due to compression of the intercostal nerves due to osteochondrosis of the spine, inflamed or injured muscles, during awkward movements, after hypothermia.

The development of intercostal neuralgia is facilitated by degenerative changes in nerve fibers against the background of infections, general diseases with metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus), and hypovitaminosis.

The main symptom of intercostal neuralgia is pain in the chest, back, in the heart area, under the shoulder blades, often encircling, sometimes one-sided.

The pain is usually extremely intense, accompanied by weakness and sweating.

Due to severe pain, the possibility of active and passive movements is limited, even calm breathing causes suffering.

When pain is localized in the heart area, neuralgia must be differentiated from a heart attack.

Under the shoulder blade and in the hand

Radiation of pain behind the sternum under the left shoulder blade, into the left arm is a typical sign of an attack of angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction.

During a hypertensive crisis, when the load on the heart sharply increases, pain behind the sternum is also possible, radiating to the arm and under the shoulder blade.

In addition, this symptom is characteristic of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine, which can complicate the correct diagnosis.

Under the shoulder blade and in the left hypochondrium

In the area of ​​the left hypochondrium, pain occurs due to pathology of the ventricle and pancreas - gastritis, stomach ulcer, pancreatitis.

With ulcers and gastritis, pain is often associated with eating - “hungry” or fasting pains that occur during long breaks between meals and subside after eating.

The pain syndrome is accompanied by signs of dyspepsia:

A dangerous complication of peptic ulcer disease is perforation (perforation), when the ulcer “eats” the wall of the stomach and its contents exit into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis.

Perforation is accompanied by sudden severe pain in the epigastrium or left hypochondrium with irradiation under the scapula, which patients describe as a “dagger blow.”

Blood pressure drops, severe weakness develops, followed by loss of consciousness.

Pancreatitis is characterized by pain under the left hypochondrium, spreading to the back, encircling.

When the disease attacks, the pain is intense and is accompanied by repeated uncontrollable vomiting, nausea, and dizziness.

In chronic pancreatitis, pain occurs after errors in the diet (eating fried, fatty, spicy foods, alcohol).

Under the shoulder blade and left breast

The main causes of pain under the shoulder blade and left chest are pathologies of the heart and spine, injuries to the upper ribs on the left.

In women, breast cancer may be a likely cause.

Gives to the shoulder

Pain from under the left shoulder blade radiates to the shoulder with:

  • osteochondrosis of the thoracic and cervical spine;
  • damage to the shoulder joint and glenohumeral joint (arthritis, arthrosis).

Gives to the sternum

As already mentioned, chest pain is a typical symptom of coronary heart disease (angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction).

The child has

In children, the most likely causes of pain are:

Less commonly, pericarditis, gastritis or pancreatitis are the causes.

After load

Increased pain after physical activity is observed with:

  • osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine;
  • intercostal neuralgia;
  • joint pathology.

Prolonged static loads (staying in a fixed, uncomfortable position) lead to the formation of scapular-costal syndrome with the appearance of stiffness, pain and crunching.

Pain behind the sternum with irradiation under the left shoulder blade after physical activity is characteristic of angina pectoris.

After training

Sports training carried out excessively intensely, with sudden movements, can cause damage to the back muscles or provoke pinching of the spinal nerves.

When you turn your head

It is noted for injuries of the collarbone, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

After meal

After eating, pain may begin or intensify due to diseases of the digestive system:

When sneezing

A sharp contraction of the diaphragm when sneezing causes increased pain in injuries and diseases of bones, muscles, joints, pleurisy, and neuralgia.

When swallowing

Pain when swallowing is possible:

  • for diseases of the esophagus (erosions, gastroesophageal reflux disease, tumors);
  • against the background of psychosomatic disorders.

Possible nature of pain ↑

Pain under the shoulder blade can have different characteristics (intensity, duration), which can be used to suspect a specific disease

Aching

Constant low-intensity pain is observed with:

  • osteochondrosis;
  • pyelonephritis;
  • gastritis;
  • tuberculosis;
  • tumors of the scapula;
  • scapular-costal syndrome.

Dumb

Muffled constant dull pain occurs with:

Strong

Severe pain is typical for:

  • intercostal neuralgia;
  • osteochondrosis with pinching of the spinal nerves;
  • coronary heart disease;
  • pancreatitis;
  • subphrenic abscess.

Sharp

The sudden onset of pain is observed when nerve fibers are pinched, muscles, bones and joints are injured.

Stabbing

Stitching pain is noted against the background of:

Sharp and burning

Acute occurrence of burning pain under the left shoulder blade is observed with:

Constant

Constant pain accompanies osteochondrosis, scapular-costal syndrome, pyelonephritis, tuberculosis, and tumors of the scapula.

Pressing

Pressing pain is observed against the background of:

  • hypertensive crisis;
  • coronary heart disease;
  • pericarditis.

Pulsating

Pulsating intense pain is characteristic of an aortic aneurysm.

Shooting

Shooting accompanies pinching of the spinal and intercostal nerves.

Periodic

Periodic occurrence of pain is typical for:

  • stomach ulcer (at night);
  • coronary heart disease (angina at rest);
  • hypertension.

What do the signs that may accompany pain mean?

Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath

Dyspnea (difficulty breathing with a feeling of lack of air) often accompanies cardiac pathology: heart attack, angina pectoris, pericarditis.

An increase in respiratory rate is always observed with pleurisy.

Painful sensations during breathing, leading to difficulty, are characteristic of intercostal neuralgia, osteochondrosis, and pleurisy.

Cough

Cough is a symptom of respiratory damage.

Pain under the left shoulder blade, accompanied by a cough, confirms the presence of pleurisy.

Uncomplicated pneumonia rarely causes pain, and with bronchitis or bronchial asthma, pain may appear after a paroxysmal unproductive cough.

A sore throat, dry cough and coughing can occur with stomach ulcers and coronary heart disease.

Temperature

Temperature indicates an infectious-inflammatory process.

Purulent pleurisy, pericarditis, subphrenic abscess are accompanied by severe fever.

With myositis, neuralgia, arthritis, pancreatitis, the temperature is slightly increased.

Numbness of the left hand

The feeling of numbness appears:

  • during an attack of angina pectoris;
  • in acute myocardial infarction;
  • against the background of exacerbation of osteochondrosis.

Nausea and belching

Dyspeptic symptoms, such as nausea and belching, accompany pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis).

Tongue goes numb

Numbness in the tongue is observed when:

  • angina pectoris;
  • heart attack;
  • osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Dizziness

Dizziness during a painful attack is a serious sign that may indicate life-threatening conditions:

Find out why your back hurts between your shoulder blades in this article.

Does your back hurt? Find out the causes of crunching in the spine here.

How to get rid of it? ↑

To get rid of pain under the shoulder blade, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the cause of its occurrence.

It is almost impossible to do this on your own - without the help of a specialist, you will only delay the treatment process, which can lead to aggravation of the disease.

Which doctor should I contact?

Depending on how the pain occurs, what its characteristics are and what they are associated with, you should choose the doctor you will see:

  • Emergency doctor - emergency assistance will be required in case of sudden intense pain, shortness of breath, burning sensation behind the sternum radiating to the left arm; if a painful attack is accompanied by dizziness, severe weakness or loss of consciousness.
  • Neurologist – for pain associated with movements and stress.
  • Traumatologist - when indicating an injury that precedes the onset of pain.
  • Cardiologist - for a burning sensation behind the sternum with irradiation under the shoulder blade, into the tongue, and left arm.
  • Gastroenterologist – for pain associated with eating, the presence of dyspepsia.
  • A therapist or pulmonologist – for pain that intensifies with breathing, accompanied by shortness of breath, cough, and fever.
  • Surgeon - if a tumor is suspected (pain under the scapula, in the armpit, deformation), subdiaphragmatic abscess (sharp pain against the background of sepsis - high temperature, confusion), perforation of a stomach ulcer.
  • Psychologist and psychiatrist - for pain for which no cause was found based on the results of a detailed examination, especially if there are other signs of psychosomatic disorders and neuroses (irritability, symptoms occurring only “in public,” unusual symptoms).

If you find it difficult to decide on your own, contact a therapist who will tell you which specialist’s consultation is required in your particular case.

How can you help yourself before visiting a doctor?

Help before a doctor appears depends on the suspected cause.

The presence of typical signs of myocardial infarction or angina pectoris (burning pain behind the sternum radiating under the shoulder blade, into the left arm, not associated with breathing and movements) requires rest; if possible, the patient is given a nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue.

For injuries, pinching, pain after training, you can take a pain reliever (ketorol, analgin, nurofen).

Other dangerous diseases (pleurisy, perforation of an ulcer, pancreatitis, subphrenic abscess, pericarditis) require immediate hospitalization.

Prevention measures ↑

Prevention of recurrence and intensification of pain syndrome consists of carrying out full treatment and maximally eliminating the causes that caused pain under the scapula.

Video: causes of back pain

Did you like the article? Subscribe to site updates via RSS, or follow updates on VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, Facebook, Google Plus, My World or Twitter.

Tell your friends! Share this article with your friends on your favorite social network using the buttons in the panel on the left. Thank you!

Source: http://ruback.ru/simptomy/boli/v-spine-sleva-pod-lopatkoj.html

Causes and methods of treating pain under the left shoulder blade

Pain under the left shoulder blade is a common occurrence that can occur after a sudden movement or due to an uncomfortable body position.

They usually go away quickly and don't bother you anymore.

Constant discomfort under the shoulder blade can be a symptom of a serious illness that requires immediate treatment.

Causes

There are many causes of pain under the left shoulder blade; they can be associated both with problems with the shoulder blade itself and with diseases of the internal organs.

Problems with the shoulder blade

Inflammation of the subscapular bursa is characterized by pain under the scapula and a specific crunch.

Another cause of pain is the acquisition of pterygoid scapula, a rare disease that paralyzes the muscles connecting the ribs and the scapula. Pain can occur with myofascial syndrome and hip fracture.

Stomach ulcer

Psychosomatic ulcer

Cardiac diseases, including myocardial infarction

Cervical osteochondrosis

Intercostal neuralgia

Diseases of the bronchi and lungs

Professional reason

Oncological disease

Symptoms

  • Constant pain does not leave a person during physical activity, walking and at rest. It may subside or increase, accompanied by a burning sensation.
  • Acute pain appears sharply and unexpectedly during significant physical activity and gradually disappears at rest.
  • A dull pain occurs below the left shoulder blade, radiates to the lower back, and disappears when changing body position.
  • Sharp pain under the shoulder blade, which subsides after vomiting or nausea.
  • Pain under the left shoulder blade when coughing and taking a deep breath. You can get rid of unpleasant sensations by lying down and raising your head a little.
  • Cutting and pulling pains that do not go away during rest and after taking painkillers.

Depending on the nature of the pain, the doctor can identify its cause. More often they are associated not with problems in the shoulder blade itself, but with dangerous diseases of the internal organs.

Relationship between pain under the left shoulder blade and diseases

In medicine, depending on the nature of pain, their connection with diseases is established.

Cardiac diseases

Initially, pain appears in the chest and retrosternal space, there is a feeling of lack of air, the inability to take a breath, then the pain quickly spreads to the left arm and shoulder blade, back. With myocardial infarction, a feeling of constriction occurs in the area of ​​the heart, and squeezing pain appears.

If such symptoms appear, you need to urgently call an ambulance; every second of delay can lead to death.

Aortic aneurysm

Osteochondrosis

Pleurisy

Left-sided pneumonia

Stomach and intestinal ulcers, gastrointestinal diseases

Myofascial syndrome and vegetative-vascular dystonia

Intercostal neuralgia

Clinical manifestations

Based on the nature of the pain, the doctor can guess the causes and make a diagnosis even before the examination.

  • The pain radiates under the left shoulder blade - this means that its source is far from the place of discomfort. Often the cause of pain radiating to the left shoulder blade is heart or stomach disease.
  • Aching pain is a symptom of a long chronic process in the body. For example, such sensations under the left shoulder blade occur with osteochondrosis and heart disease (pericarditis or myocarditis). If this is a symptom of myocarditis, then the pain is intermittent and is accompanied by rapid fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, weakness, and pale skin. With pericarditis, the pain is constant, radiating to the left shoulder blade, arm and back. With osteochondrosis, the pain is tolerable, dull, and may intensify, but remain tolerable.
  • Blunt pain. If the pain is inconsistent, weak, sometimes disappearing, and not obvious, it means that thoracic or cervical osteochondrosis is developing. Pain at the initial stage of the disease does not cause discomfort to a person; it goes away after a massage, warm bath or warming up. But over time, they intensify, especially in the morning, after sleep, being in one position for a long time or during repetition of the same movements. Initially, pain is localized in the lower part of the back of the head, then spreads to the back, left shoulder blade and arm, often accompanied by numbness of the limbs, nausea and dizziness.
  • Severe pain. If such pain occurs, you should urgently seek medical help. Often unbearable pain appears with a stomach ulcer and before a heart attack. Painful sensations are accompanied by a burning sensation, which quickly spreads to new areas of the body.
  • Sharp pain is one of the symptoms of intercostal neuralgia; the discomfort intensifies after palpation of the painful area and when inhaling. This is due to irritation of the nerve roots. Sharp pains can torment a person regularly, but more often they are episodic. You can get rid of unpleasant sensations by warming up and relaxing your back.
  • Acute pain is a symptom of three dangerous diseases: angina pectoris, left-sided protrusion of the intervertebral disc of the spine, perforation of an ulcer. With angina pectoris, acute pain is characterized as squeezing, sharp, squeezing. In order for it to subside, it is necessary to take a drug that stimulates coronary circulation, for example, Nitroglycerin or Validol. With protrusion, pain intensifies during movements and changes in the position of the spine. Peptic ulcer disease provokes severe pain under the shoulder blade, which doctors call “dagger-like.”
  • Nagging pain is a sign of the initial stage of cervical osteochondrosis. The pain in a quiet position subsides, but during physical activity, in a sitting position and when performing monotonous movements, it intensifies.
  • A burning sensation under the left shoulder blade is a symptom of intercostal neuralgia, spinal deformity, angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction. If the burning sensation cannot be eliminated with heart medications, it is accompanied by pallor of the skin, pain in the neck, back and lower jaw, you need to urgently call an ambulance, these are symptoms of myocardial infarction. If the cause of the burning sensation under the left shoulder blade is vegetative-vascular dystonia, then the person is constantly agitated, a feeling of fear does not leave him, tachycardia and hand tremors are observed.
  • Constant pain under the left shoulder blade is a nonspecific symptom that can appear with left-sided pneumonia and pleurisy. Particular attention should be paid to the bronchi and lungs if the pain under the shoulder blade intensifies when sneezing, taking deep breaths and coughing.
  • Stitching pain, or lumbago, is a symptom of osteochondrosis and intercostal neuralgia. Sometimes tingling can occur with pleurisy or pneumonia.
  • Pressing pain occurs with VSD, osteochondrosis, pre-infarction condition. If the pain is burning, quickly intensifies and is relieved by cardiac medications, this is most likely a symptom of myocardial infarction or angina. If the intensity of pain does not change during physical activity and at rest, it means that it is associated with VSD; the condition can be alleviated with the help of tranquilizers and sedatives.
  • Throbbing pain is a sign of left-sided protrusion of the intervertebral disc of the sternum or cervical spine. In addition to pain under the left shoulder blade, the disease is accompanied by headaches, high or low blood pressure, and dizziness.
  • Sudden pain appears when the suprascapular nerve is damaged, radiculopathy. In rare cases, sudden pain indicates a collapsed left lung (pneumothorax). If the pain is accompanied by dizziness and breathing problems, you should urgently call an ambulance.

Diagnostics

When the first pain appears under the left shoulder blade, you should immediately contact your local physician, who will conduct an initial examination and interview the patient, and prescribe an examination. The specialist must find out whether the intensity and nature of the pain is related to food intake, emotional state and physical activity.

To determine the exact cause of pain under the left shoulder blade, the following set of measures is necessary:

  1. Examination by a doctor, palpation of the pain site, measurement of pulse, pressure and temperature.
  2. X-ray to study the condition of the spine of the lungs.
  3. ECG to confirm or rule out heart disease.
  4. CT and MRI to examine the condition of the spine (not always prescribed for pain under the left shoulder blade).
  5. FGS if there are suspicions of problems in the gastrointestinal tract.
  6. Blood tests: general and biochemical.

If the pain is severe, then the doctor prescribes antispasmodics and analgesics, but they only help relieve pain temporarily and do not completely eliminate the cause of the disease.

Treatment

To get rid of pain under the shoulder blade, it is necessary to eliminate the disease that provokes it. Whatever the reason for the pain, each treatment regimen includes recommendations on nutrition and regimen.

In most cases, you can get rid of pain using conservative methods, and if they are ineffective, surgical intervention will be required. It is indicated for intervertebral hernia, perforation of an ulcer, mitral valve prolapse.

Prevention

To prevent pain, you need to monitor your health. A person suffering from angina or having had a myocardial infarction should regularly visit a cardiologist and take medications to stabilize the heart. It is important to exclude heavy physical activity, psychological stress and follow a diet.

To prevent pain under the left shoulder blade from appearing due to spinal deformities, you need to perform a special set of exercises and take anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs.

If pain is associated with gastrointestinal diseases, you must follow a diet and take antacids as prescribed by your doctor.

Diseases and pain are much easier and safer to prevent than to treat. Even if there are no health problems or discomfort, you need to regularly visit a doctor and undergo a medical examination. If pain does appear, you should not self-medicate, you should immediately consult a doctor. By eliminating pain with analgesics and not engaging in comprehensive treatment, you contribute to the development of serious diseases of the heart, gastrointestinal tract and spine. Back pain is an alarming symptom of diseases that can lead to tragic consequences.

Source: http://vashaspina.com/boli_v_spine/pozvonochnik/pod_levuyu_lopatku.html

Pain under the left shoulder blade from the back: causes, treatment, what to do when the left shoulder blade hurts

Pain under the left shoulder blade from the back is a very unpleasant phenomenon that impairs a person’s mobility and impairs his performance. It has been noted that in some pathologies such discomfort can persist even while a person is resting. However, this symptom does not always indicate the presence of a complex back pathology. Sometimes it is provoked by a banal long-term stay in a physiologically incorrect position.

General anatomical information

It is important to know! Doctors are shocked: “An effective and affordable remedy for joint pain exists. " Read more.

So, if you look at the back from the back, you can see that the left shoulder blade is fixed on the ribs that make up the chest. Between each of them there is a nerve and blood vessels located in the recesses. The ribs are connected to each other by ligaments and muscles.

Closer to the center of the shoulder blade is the spine, inside which the spinal cord is located. All the nerves come from him. The back muscles surrounding the shoulder blade are quite well developed. Its purpose is to protect the left lung, heart, spleen, stomach and pancreas, as well as the thoracic aorta.

What factors provoke pain?

Pain under the left shoulder blade from the back can be caused by the following factors:

  1. Stomach ulcer. Here the nature of the back pain increases, it is associated with meals, but after an attack of vomiting it becomes weaker. An additional sign that it is the ulcer that provokes pain is the presence of belching or heartburn. Discomfort is felt not only in the left shoulder blade, but can also radiate to the sternum and left nipple. In this case, the patient is simply not able to move normally. Strong discomfort prevents him from taking a deep breath, so the person cannot relax completely, which entails other equally serious dysfunctions of the body and nervous system. If the pain on the left side of the back manifests itself too sharply, then you should immediately contact an ambulance.
  1. Acute pancreatitis. It can also cause quite severe pain in the left side of the back under the shoulder blade. The sensations have their own character, in this case overwhelming, sudden.
  2. Vegetative crisis. The manifestation of symptoms here is very clear. In addition to pain in the back left in the back, a person has a feeling of chest compression, heat in the same area, and the inability to establish the exact location of the discomfort. The patient is unable to breathe normally and experiences an increased feeling of anxiety and fear. It cannot be said that in such a state it will be possible to accurately determine the location of pain. It often radiates to other parts of the body, even to the lower abdomen. The patient experiences a feeling of a lump in the throat and suffocation.
  3. Myocardial infarction. It also causes severe pain in the area of ​​the left shoulder blade from the back. This condition is often life-threatening, so it needs to be recognized in time and treatment started. The patient experiences a burning sensation and is unable to take a deep breath. The intensity of pain on the left side of the back is very high, the patient does not respond to nitroglycerin, and the pathological condition itself lasts more than 10 minutes. The disease is characterized by the fact that the patient’s hand often goes numb during an attack.
  1. Angina pectoris. This cardiac pathology is also characterized by the presence of pain under the shoulder blade on the left side of the back. The pain is sharp, squeezing the chest. The cause of this disease is considered to be a narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels. The attack is provoked by physical activity, hypothermia, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Nitroglycerin can weaken it.
  2. Pathologies of the respiratory system. If a person feels constant pain from the back under the left shoulder blade, the cause of this condition is pneumonia or dry pleurisy. At the same time, unpleasant sensations accompany every deep breath, cough, and sneeze. The pain will always be directed towards the affected lung. Its character can vary depending on the severity of the pathology: it can be insignificant or become cutting and piercing.
  1. Dissecting aneurysm of the ascending aorta. Because of it, the load on the valve between the left atrium and the ventricle increases. At the same time, the heart cannot cope with its functions as quickly as necessary. This provokes stagnation of venous blood in the lungs, and their edema develops. At the point where the aneurysm attaches to the vessel, its wall becomes thinner and can rupture at any moment. This will cause serious bleeding into the abdominal cavity.
  2. Biphasic splenic rupture. This reason is considered very rare, but it does occur. When the tissue of the organ is damaged, the patient develops abdominal bleeding, which is almost impossible to stop. This disease requires immediate surgical treatment.

These pathologies must be recognized as quickly as possible. Otherwise, without receiving proper medical care, a person may die.

What diseases of the musculoskeletal system provoke pain?

Damage to the spine or other parts of the skeleton can cause pain under the left shoulder blade from behind. The following reasons for the development of discomfort can be identified:

  • Osteochondrosis of the neck. At the beginning of the development of the disease, the patient’s sensations are difficult to determine, but they are directed towards those nerve roots that are damaged. The pain is spontaneous, nagging, and may go away after taking a warm bath. In the neck area, severe pinching of nerves and blood vessels subsequently occurs, which does not go unnoticed. An additional symptom of the pathology is that the pain radiates to the arm. Osteochondrosis of the neck develops most often in those people who intentionally or forcedly lead a passive, sedentary lifestyle. As for the nature of the pain syndrome, there may be aching or stabbing under the shoulder blade.
  • Damage to the intercostal nerves. The presented condition is considered a common cause of back pain under the shoulder blade on the left. Taking a deep breath, coughing, and bending to the left side increases the pain syndrome. The sensations are very sharp, strong, shooting. If the pathology progresses, then the pain under the shoulder blade from behind becomes burning.
  • Scapular-costal syndrome. The sensation is usually aching, pulling. Discomfort is localized in the area above and below the shoulder blade, below the shoulders. A feature of the pathology is that a crunching sound can be heard while moving the arm and shoulder. The cause of this disease is very strong physical stress, injury to the specified part of the body, and hypothermia.
  • A malignant tumor affecting the skeleton. In this case, the tumor itself or its metastases are localized on the scapula.
  • Scapular crunch. This disease is not observed very often and affects the subscapular bursa. The pain here is not of high intensity. But during movement, a crunching sound is heard in the area of ​​the shoulder blade.
  • Osteomyelitis that occurs as a result of a specific injury, for example: a wound from a weapon.
  • Humeroscapular periarthritis. If it has a simple form of development, then the sensations will not stand out too clearly. Symptoms are usually detected only with some movement. During the acute stage of development, the pathology is characterized by an increase in appearance, especially at night. At the same time, mobility in the shoulder is limited, an increase in basal temperature is observed, and the muscles spasm.

Pain under the left shoulder blade can be a symptom of severe pathology, especially if it is burning, sharp or stabbing in nature. Even pregnancy can provoke a pathological condition. This period is characterized by the fact that the female body experiences enormous stress.

An injury can trigger pain in the back under the left shoulder blade: a fracture, a crack. Here the discomfort is aching in nature, and with movement there is a tendency to intensify it. Psychosomatic reasons for the development of such a pathological condition are quite often noted. The provoking factor here is severe emotional or psychological stress, which the body is not able to adequately cope with. The peculiarity of this reason is that even a negative attitude of the patient towards the symptoms can worsen his well-being even more.

Neurologist, candidate of medical sciences Kabirski Sef Georgievich talks about the disease in this video:

Classification of unpleasant sensations

Even “advanced” joint problems can be cured at home! Just remember to apply this once a day.

Before starting treatment for a pathological condition, it is necessary to determine the cause of their occurrence. The nature of the pain syndrome is also important for diagnosis. He can be:

  1. Shingles. In this case, the discomfort is localized in one place. A person feels it all the time. The patient cannot breathe normally, as this leads to an increase in the syndrome. The slightest movement or cough can provoke a deterioration in the patient’s condition. The nature of the pain is provoked by the passage of a nerve impulse between the ribs.
  2. Burning. The victim may experience numbness in certain areas of the skin and a tingling sensation in the body.
  3. Growing. Here the pain from under the shoulder blade on the side of the back will radiate into the arm. Increased muscle tone in the shoulder and back can provoke these symptoms.
  4. Spicy. Here the intensity of pain behind the left shoulder blade is considered very high. Often the patient cannot breathe, it is difficult for him to lie on his left side, movements become unbearable.
  1. Cutting. It is first localized on the left, and then moves to the center.
  2. Dull, aching pain in the left shoulder blade. It usually occurs when you raise your arm.
  3. Nagging pain syndrome. It often “spreads” from the shoulder blade to the lumbar spine.
  4. Cutting.
  5. Constant pain that prevents you from breathing normally, lying down, or moving.

As you can see, there are quite a lot of different types of discomfort. Therefore, it will not be possible to accurately determine the cause of the development of pathology on your own. That is, if there is pain, the patient needs to see a doctor and undergo a thorough examination.

Features of disease diagnosis

If the patient feels a dull pain and begins to ache in the area of ​​the left shoulder blade, treatment begins with a full examination. Diagnostics involves the following procedures:

  • X-ray of the spine, and it is performed in several projections. The image may also show problems with the lungs.
  • CT scan.
  • MRI.
  • If there are cardiac symptoms, the patient is prescribed an ECG.
  • Ultrasound of internal organs.
  • Instrumental examination of pulse and blood pressure.
  • Biochemical and general blood test

After examination and determination of the cause of the pathological condition, the patient is prescribed treatment. He may also need to consult a cardiologist or gastroenterologist.

How to properly treat the disease?

Naturally, if the patient begins to ache in the back of the left shoulder blade, he cannot take a deep breath, he should begin therapy. Methods for eliminating pain under the left shoulder blade are determined by the factors that triggered the development of the pathological process. It is not enough to simply eliminate the symptoms, as they will quickly reappear.

Any disease is characterized by its own symptoms, therefore the treatment regimen is always different. However, each of them contains important recommendations for maintaining a daily routine and diet. Naturally, dull pain is treated with the use of medications.

Elena Malysheva and her assistants talk about how to relieve pain in their television program:

If conservative therapy does not provide positive dynamics, surgery is indicated for the patient. For example, a hernia of significant size, a rupture of the spleen, or a stomach ulcer accompanied by internal bleeding must be surgically treated.

If pain provokes pregnancy, then you should rest more and consult a gynecologist.

When should you go to the hospital?

So, if discomfort is constantly present, and with deep breathing it becomes stronger and begins to radiate to the arm and other parts of the body, you should immediately consult with specialists. Simply treating symptoms will only make the situation worse as the disease continues to progress.

Even if the patient knows the cause of his condition, he should not immediately run to a specialist. It is better to consult with a therapist, who will direct you where you need to go.

For the treatment and prevention of DISEASES OF THE JOINTS and SPINE, our readers use the method of quick and non-surgical treatment recommended by leading rheumatologists in Russia, who decided to speak out against pharmaceutical lawlessness and presented a medicine that REALLY TREATS! We have become familiar with this technique and decided to bring it to your attention. Read more.

It is impossible to completely insure yourself against all diseases. However, you can try to avoid those factors that will cause deterioration in health. For example, you should eat right, do daily exercise to keep your body toned and train your muscles. If you have sedentary work, warm-up is periodically required. Naturally, it is better to avoid all kinds of injuries.

If you know why it hurts under the left shoulder blade at the back, then you can start effective treatment in time. Naturally, some pathologies, especially degenerative-dystrophic ones, cannot be completely overcome. However, proper therapy will help slow their progression. Be healthy and do not neglect the advice of specialists!

How to forget about joint pain?

  • Joint pain limits your movements and full life...
  • You are worried about discomfort, crunching and systematic pain...
  • You may have tried a bunch of medications, creams and ointments...
  • But judging by the fact that you are reading these lines, they did not help you much...

But orthopedist Valentin Dikul claims that a truly effective remedy for joint pain exists! Read more >>>

If you want to get the same treatment, ask us how?

In general, I do Greco-Roman wrestling, and today, lying on my stomach, I carried my right leg to my left hand, I did it abruptly and an unpleasant crunch occurred, now there is a sharp pain under my left shoulder blade

Good night. Please tell me this is the second time I have felt pain under my left shoulder blade. Two weeks ago it started to hurt and went away, now it hurts again. About 3 years ago this already happened; I went for a massage; they pressed me hard under my shoulder blade and something clicked. And three years passed and it didn’t purr, now the same thing is happening again. I spend most of my time driving in the car. Tell me what to do. How to cure.

Thanks for the question. Even if one wishes, “pain under the shoulder blade” is not a diagnosis. This could be either osteochondrosis or the effect of sitting for a long time. Therefore, it is better to visit a doctor to know for sure.

Good afternoon,. I have this problem, I’m 34 years old and for 4 years I can’t sleep on my back, there’s a pain under my left shoulder blade, and if I still roll over at night, it’s hard to get up in the morning. I tried dictofenac injections, massage, nothing helps. And it hurts in the evening and only when lying on your back, tell me what I can take, what injection

Denis, “aching under the left shoulder blade” is not a diagnosis, it is a symptom. But you need to treat a diagnosis, to establish which I highly recommend that you visit a doctor, if necessary, several.

Source: http://sustavlive.ru/boli/pozvonochnik/bol-pod-levoj-lopatkoj-szadi-so-spiny.html