Back pain below the left shoulder blade is a clinical symptom of many diseases.The nature of the pain syndrome helps the physician make a preliminary diagnosis and determine the strategy for diagnostic testing.The intensity of pain can be acute or chronic, and the sensation can be dull, aching, stabbing, cutting, or cramping.There are visceral pain syndromes associated with organ pathology in the pain projection.In the area of the left scapula, the upper part of the stomach, the cervical and thoracic spine, the scapular muscles, the left lung and pleura, and the muscular framework of the back are projected.
Sometimes, referred pain spreads from distant organs, such as the heart and autonomic ganglia.Discomfort under the left shoulder blade requires conservative treatment or emergency medical attention.
gastric ulcer
Ulcers forming in the upper part of the stomach can cause pain or cramping pain in the upper abdomen and under the left shoulder blade.Discomfort associated with eating.Pain that is worse on an empty stomach and at night ("hunger" pain).After eating, the pain will lessen.Eating spicy, fatty, and starchy foods can cause vomiting, but can relieve symptoms.The onset of pain syndromes has a seasonal character - worsening in spring and autumn.
A perforated ulcer (a hole formed between the stomach and the abdominal cavity) causes acute dagger-like pain under the left shoulder blade due to irritation of the peritoneum by the acidic contents of the stomach.Symptoms include tense abdominal muscles, repeated vomiting, pale skin, cold sweats, decreased blood pressure, and increased heart rate.The pain becomes increasingly severe in nature and may lead to decreased consciousness.A perforated ulcer is an acute condition that requires emergency surgical treatment.
spinal degenerative disease
Degenerative changes in the cervical and upper thoracic spine cause localized pain in the left scapular region.Osteochondrosis, spondylosis, and herniated discs can cause compression of the nerve roots that supply the left side of the chest.
Pain syndromes are persistent or periodic pain that is exacerbated by strenuous physical activity or prolonged static postures (sitting, standing).It is characterized by a tightening sensation in the neck and thoracic spine during exercise, tense back muscles, and a "driven stake" feeling in the spine.
In the case of intercostal neuralgia, burning pain occurs in the intercostal area and spreads toward the left shoulder blade.Discomfort increases with movement and chest is painful on palpation.
Scapulocostal syndrome
The disease is associated with inflammation or damage to the levator scapulae muscle.The tendons of the muscles attach to the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae.A pain syndrome develops under the left shoulder blade when bending the neck and moving the upper shoulder girdle.The pain is persistent and worsens when you lift your arms, lift heavy objects, lie down or stand for a long time.Exacerbation of the disease is observed after physical exertion and hypothermia.
Pleuropneumonia and pleurisy
Pulmonary inflammation involves the pleura in the pathological process, causing a dull pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome is aggravated by height of inhalation, coughing, sneezing, and reduced by lying on the affected side.It is characterized by an increase in body temperature to 39-40 degrees, dry cough or mucopurulent sputum.Dry left-sided pleurisy is characterized by stinging pain at the height of inspiration that decreases with restricted movement of the left hemithorax.When listening to the lungs, pleural friction noise can be identified.
Myositis
Back muscle inflammation – Myositis can cause a localized cutting pain below the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome is intensified when the body is tilted in the opposite direction and is relieved after heat therapy and rest.Upper back discomfort can occur after awkward movements, hypothermia, or being exposed to drafts.
Angina and myocardial infarction
Coronary heart disease (CHD), which includes angina and myocardial infarction, often causes pain behind the sternum and under the left shoulder blade.Angina causes acute squeezing pain.Triggering factors are emotional stress or physical activity.Discomfort lasts no more than 15 minutes and is relieved by rest or taking nitroglycerin tablets.
Myocardial infarction occurs when a blood clot or atherosclerotic plaque blocks a coronary artery.As a result, myocardial ischemia occurs.The disease is characterized by acute, compressive pain behind the sternum that spreads from under the left shoulder blade to the jaw and left arm.
Pain symptoms worsen, last for more than 15 minutes, and are not relieved by nitroglycerin.Falling blood pressure, tachycardia, numbness in the fingers of the left hand, and fear of death.If clinical manifestations of the disease appear, it is necessary to call an ambulance and transport the patient to a cardiac hospital for hospitalization.
vegetative crisis
The cardiac type of NCD (neurocirculatory dystonia) causes clinical symptoms similar to angina or myocardial infarction.The pain syndrome occurs below the left shoulder blade and behind the sternum, spreads along the left arm, into the left half of the jaw, and into the interscapular area.The disease is characterized by body tremors, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, fear of death, a feeling of lack of air, and a lump in the throat.The pain syndrome has no permanent localization and may occur in the abdomen, neck, or head.Taking sedative medications and tranquilizers can normalize the general condition.
If you experience pain below your left shoulder blade, you should consult a specialist to find out the cause and treat it.Prompt seeking medical help can prevent pathological progression and the risk of complications.