Back pain under the left or right shoulder blade does not mean that a problem has arisen in this specific area of the body.The unpleasant discomfort is transmitted along the nerve branches to the spinal cord and is likewise reflected at a remote distance from the true source of the inflammation.Radiating pain syndrome makes diagnosis difficult.Experienced doctors in such a situation rely on the general clinical picture.The main and secondary symptoms will tell you that there may be pain under the left shoulder blade, under the right, or on both sides at once.
Pain paroxysm provocateurs
If we summarize the causes of pain in the shoulder blades into one group, it will seem more than impressive.
Pain that appears on the left, under the shoulder blade, is a very common symptom that can occur in men, women and even children.At first glance, these symptoms seem frivolous, but in fact, back pain under the left shoulder blade can be a harbinger of a number of dangerous diseases.
There are many reasons why this pain syndrome occurs, and they are usually not associated with problems with the shoulder blades themselves.
First, about the negative factors that can cause pain anywhere.
Muscles and nerve fibers
Intercostal neuralgia.A striking symptom is spontaneous piercing pain.A “lumbago” forms near the spine, in the area where the nerve is affected.It gives to the left or right shoulder blade, the projection area of the stomach, the heart.During attacks, any movements and breathing increase the severity of painful paroxysms.Between attacks, sensitive paresthesia is observed in the intercostal space.
Myofascial pain syndrome.Trigger points or zones of compression form in muscle tissue.At the initial stage, the pain symptom manifests itself when the affected muscles are loaded.Over time, pain becomes a constant escort.Deep myofascial pain under the shoulder blades does not go away with rest and can mimic heart, epigastric, and liver attacks.
Musculoskeletal system
Humeroscapular periarthrosis and periarthritis.The disease manifests with intense pain that radiates to the scapula from the affected joint, neck and distal parts of the arm.Discomfort manifests itself when trying to perform an action with a large range of movement.As the pain syndrome progresses, it becomes secondary and intensifies at night.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Initially, silent pain predominates in the neck and occipital part of the head.The more significant the degenerative changes in cartilage and bone tissue, the more the nerve endings are compressed, along which the pain symptom spreads to the shoulder girdle and shoulder blades.The movements are accompanied by crunching sounds, dizziness, spots in the eyes, and tinnitus.
Visceral organs
Gastric ulcer.During exacerbations, a characteristic feature of the pathology is the occurrence of pain in the epigastric region and behind the sternum.If the body of the stomach is affected, discomfort appears on the left, with ulceration of the pyloric part - on the right.Pain sensations radiate under the shoulder blade, into the lower back, and into the spine.Worse after eating.Nighttime and hunger pains may occur.
Pyelonephritis.The pain syndrome is located on the side of the inflamed kidney, in the lower part of the thoracic region.When hitting, it radiates to the lower back and under the shoulder blade.
General signs:
- urinary disorder;
- increased body temperature;
- weakness;
- increased sweating.
Bilateral pneumonia.The first signs are chills, a significant increase in temperature, rapid and shallow breathing.When I try to take a deep breath, my shoulder blades hurt on both sides.
Acute bronchitis.It begins with the symptoms of a common cold, which is accompanied by pain in the muscles of the back and upper limbs.
Pain on the left side
When pain occurs in the back of the left shoulder blade, most of the time the causes are cardiovascular diseases.
Myocardial infarction.The source of the pain is located in the chest.It is projected onto the left scapula and interscapular space, neck, shoulder, ear, jaw.The intensity of pain depends on the degree of myocardial damage.Patients, when describing an attack, use the epithet “dagger”.
Angina pectoris.The pain may be tolerable when it just passes under the left shoulder blade, or it may be burning and pressing.Unpleasant sensations are distributed mainly behind the sternum, under the shoulder blade, in the arm and shoulder on the left side.
Pronounced signs include:
- feeling of shortness of breath;
- suffocation;
- pale skin;
- perspiration.
Similar symptoms occur with coronary heart disease and cardiac syndrome.A false clinical picture of myocardial infarction increases the feeling of fear and anxiety in patients, which in turn increases the intensity of painful abnormalities.
Right-sided pain syndrome
Pain under the shoulder blade on the right behind the back is considered a veiled symptom of inflammatory damage to the liver, pancreas and gallbladder.
Cholecystitis.A striking representative of referred pain in the right shoulder blade.Patients suffering from a chronic form of the disease quickly recognize the initial stage of exacerbation by a classic attack.A dull pain, originating on the right side of the intercostal space, radiates upward, under the shoulder blade, into the lower back, and into the shoulder.
Common symptoms include:
- nausea;
- weakness;
- sweating;
- bitter taste;
- increase in temperature indicators.
Hepatic colic.Clinical sign of cholelithiasis.Painful sensations of greater intensity begin at rest.They are located in the projection of the gallbladder, just below the right hypochondrium, radiating to the scapula, neck and shoulder region.A painful attack tears from the inside, causing unbearable suffering to the patient.Abdominal swelling and sometimes uncontrollable vomiting with bile are observed.The duration of the painful attack varies from 15-20 minutes to 6-7 hours.
Pancreatitis.The exacerbation phase is characterized by a syndrome of girdle pain in the region of both shoulder blades.If the head of the pancreas is inflamed, the pain will be felt mainly on the right side.Painful discomfort is characterized by enviable constancy.It does not worsen with inhalation or straining and does not disappear with changes in body position.
Biliary dyskinesia.Acute wave-like pain, similar to colic, manifests itself after non-compliance with the diet, excessive physical overload and psycho-emotional stress.Painful foci are identified in the hypochondrium, scapula and shoulder on the right side.On palpation, the area where the gallbladder is located is most painful.
There are symptoms of dyspeptic disorders and neurosis-like conditions:
- nausea;
- burp;
- flatulence;
- loose stools;
- diarrhea;
- irritability;
- increased fatigue;
- crying;
- sleep problems.
Outside of periods of exacerbation, a feeling of heaviness and dull pain in the hypochondrium are occasionally detected.
Without a detailed diagnosis, it is difficult to differentiate the cause of pain under the shoulder blade, even for an experienced medical professional.
There is no need to diagnose the disease yourself or drink a handful of painkillers in the hope that everything will work out.It would be more reasonable to consult a local therapist, who will collect the necessary anamnestic information and refer to a specialized specialist for appropriately selected treatment.