Pain under the left shoulder blade from the back: causes, treatment, what to do when the 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 this discomfort can persist even during rest.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

So, if you look at the back from behind, you can see that the left shoulder blade is fixed on the ribs that make up the chest.Between each of them 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 scapula is the spinal column, inside which the spinal cord is located.All the nerves come from him.The back muscles surrounding the scapula 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 cause pain?

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

1. Stomach ulcer.Here the nature of back pain increases, it is associated with food, but after an attack of vomiting it becomes weaker.A further sign that the ulcer is causing pain is the presence of belching or heartburn.The 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 fully relax, which leads to other equally serious dysfunctions of the body and nervous system.If the pain on the left side of the back occurs too sharply, you should contact an ambulance immediately.
2. Acute pancreatitis.It can also cause quite intense pain in the left side of the back under the shoulder blade.Sensations have their own character, in this case overwhelming, sudden.
3. Vegetative crisis.The manifestation of symptoms here is very clear.In addition to back pain, a person feels 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 increased feelings of anxiety and fear.It cannot be said that in such a state it will be possible to accurately determine the location of the pain.It often radiates to other parts of the body, including the lower abdomen.The patient feels a sensation of lump in the throat and suffocation.
4. Myocardial infarction.It also causes severe pain in the left shoulder blade area from the back.This condition is often life-threatening, so it must be recognized early and treatment initiated.The patient feels a burning sensation and is unable to take a deep breath.The intensity of pain in the left side of the back is very high, the patient does not respond to glycerol trinitrate, and the pathological condition itself lasts more than 10 minutes.The disease is characterized by the fact that the patient's hand often becomes numb during an attack.
5. 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, tightens the chest.The cause of this disease is considered to be a narrowing of the lumen of the blood vessels.The attack is provoked by physical activity, hypothermia and the consumption of alcoholic beverages.Glycerol trinitrate can weaken it.
6. Respiratory system disorders.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 sharp and penetrating.
7. Dissecting aneurysm of the ascending aorta.For this reason, 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 causes stagnation of venous blood in the lungs and their edema develops.Where the aneurysm attaches to the vessel, its wall becomes thinner and can rupture at any time.This will cause severe bleeding into the abdominal cavity.
8. Biphasic splenic rupture.This reason is considered very rare, but it does occur.When the organ tissue 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 adequate medical care, a person may die.

What diseases of the musculoskeletal system cause 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:

• Neck osteochondrosis.At the beginning of the development of the disease, the patient's sensations are difficult to determine, but they are directed towards the damaged nerve roots.The pain is spontaneous, annoying and may disappear after taking a warm bath.In the neck area, a strong pinching of the nerves and blood vessels subsequently occurs, which does not go unnoticed.A further symptom of the pathology is that the pain radiates to the arm.Osteochondrosis of the neck most often develops in those people who intentionally or forcibly lead a passive and sedentary lifestyle.As for the nature of the pain syndrome, there may be pain or twinges under the shoulder blade.
• Intercostal nerve damage.The presented condition is considered a common cause of back pain under the scapula on the left.Taking a deep breath, coughing and leaning to the left side increases the pain syndrome.The sensations are very sharp, strong, shooting.If the pathology progresses, the pain under the shoulder blade from behind becomes burning.
• Scapulocostal syndrome.The sensation is usually aching, pulling.The discomfort is localized in the area above and below the shoulder blade, below the shoulders.A characteristic feature of the condition is that a creaking sound can be heard when moving the arm and shoulder.The cause of this disease is very strong physical stress, injury to the specific part of the body and hypothermia.
• A malignant tumor that affects 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 the movement a crunch is heard in the shoulder blade area.
• Osteomyelitis, resulting from a specific injury, for example: injury from a weapon.
• Humeroscapular periarthritis.If it has a simple form of development, the sensations will not stand out too clearly.Symptoms are usually detected with only some movement.During the acute phase of development, the pathology is characterized by increased appearance, especially at night.At the same time, shoulder mobility is limited, an increase in basal temperature and muscle spasm is observed.

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

An injury can trigger back pain under the left shoulder blade: a fracture, a crack.Here the discomfort is of a painful nature and with movement it tends to intensify.Psychosomatic reasons for the development of such a pathological condition are often noted.The provoking factor here is strong 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 further worsen his well-being.

Classification of unpleasant sensations

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

1. Surround.In this case, the discomfort is localized in one place.A person feels this all the time.The patient cannot breathe normally, as this leads to an increase in the syndrome.The slightest movement or cough can cause a worsening of 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 feel numbness in some 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 cause these symptoms.
4. Spicy.Here the intensity of the 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, the movements become unbearable.

5. Cut.It is first located on the left, then moves to the center.
6. Dull, aching painin the left scapula.It usually occurs when you raise your arm.
7. Pullingpain syndrome.It often “spreads” from the scapula to the lumbar spine.
8. Cut.
9. Constant pain, which does not allow you to breathe normally, lie down or make movements.

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

Features of the diagnosis of the disease

If the patient feels a dull ache and begins to hurt in the area of \u200b\u200bthe left shoulder blade, treatment begins with a comprehensive examination.Diagnostics involves the following procedures:

• X-ray of the spine and is performed in several projections.The picture may also show lung problems.
• Computed tomography.
• magnetic resonance imaging.
• If there are cardiac symptoms, the patient is prescribed an ECG.
• Ultrasound of the 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.You may also need to see a cardiologist or gastroenterologist.

How to properly treat the disease?

Of course, if the patient begins to feel pain in the back of the left shoulder blade and cannot breathe deeply, therapy should be started.Methods of 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 because they will quickly reappear.

Each disease is characterized by its own symptoms, so the treatment regimen is always different.However, each of them contains important recommendations for maintaining your daily routine and diet.Of course, dull pain is treated with the use of medications.

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

If the pain causes pregnancy, you should rest more and consult a gynecologist.

When should you go to hospital?

So, if the 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 a specialist.Simply treating the 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 turn to a specialist.It is better to consult a therapist, who will tell you where you need to go.

Preventive measures

It is impossible to completely insure yourself against all diseases.However, you can try to avoid those factors that will cause a deterioration in health.For example, you should eat well, exercise daily to keep your body toned, and train your muscles.If you have a sedentary job, heating is periodically necessary.Of course it is best to avoid any type of injury.

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