Sometimes we experience back discomfort on the left side. It can be pain of different nature - pulling, stabbing, pain. They may be accompanied by other symptoms. Pain under the left shoulder blade is usually not the only symptom. This is one of the signs of any disease manifestation. All complaints and symptoms together will help the doctor choose the direction of diagnosis. After all, immediate help is often required.
anatomy of the body
If we visualize our body from behind, we will see that the left shoulder blade rests on the rib that is involved in the formation of the chest. Between the ribs are nerves and blood vessels. They are connected by muscle fibers.
The scapula has a protective effect on the internal organs - the heart, lungs, stomach and pancreas, spleen.
Based on body anatomy, left subscapular pain can be conditionally classified as:
- related to the pathology of the musculoskeletal system,
- Associated with the pathology of any internal organ.
Why is there discomfort on the left side
Many of us experience pain on the left side, and the first thing to consider is a problem with the work of the heart. In fact, it's more of a problem with the spine. The work of internal organs can also malfunction.
Let's consider the causes of pain under the left shoulder blade in more detail. They may occur in the following situations:
- Spine and motor system problems: osteochondrosis, intercostal neuralgia, scapula injuries, rib fractures, myofascial syndrome, Sprengel's disease.
- Bronchial and lung diseases: pneumonia, localized to the left, dry pleurisy, acute bronchitis, tracheitis, left lung abscess.
- Cardiac disorders: Angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, heart attack, valve prolapse.
- Gastrointestinal disorders: gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophagitis, reflux, esophageal spasm.
- The psychosomatic course of vegetative vascular dystonia disease.
The relationship between pain and disease
Patients can describe the nature of the pain, ranging from pain to cuts and burning. There are several typical signs of pain that distinguish them from other disorders:
| disease name | Pain is his characteristic |
|---|---|
| heart disease | Pain in the left scapula area is essentially a burning sensation, resulting in compression of the retrosternal space. It happens in the same place, moving to the left - back, shoulder blades, arms. With compression, as if squeezing the heart pain, the spread of myocardial infarction is possible. In this case, emergency hospital treatment is required. |
| aortic aneurysm | The pain is sharp, shooting, growing, moving to the left on the back and under the shoulder blade. The disease progresses rapidly and threatens the patient's life. |
| pleurisy | The pain is sharp and stabbing, depending on the size of the breath. In a calm state, there may be a tingling sensation, and a tingling sensation in the shoulder blades when inhaling with a full chest. |
| left pneumonia | The pain is not strong, soreness can be characterized as an acupuncture point. May increase slightly with exercise and deep inhalation. |
| vertebral osteochondrosis | Most of the time, the pain is at the base of the neck. It manifests as a painful sensation that is exacerbated by vigorous movement of the head. Can start, accompanied by dizziness, numbness of the limbs. Pain under the shoulder blade is weak, sore, pulled, and may worsen after prolonged sitting or physical exertion. Usually, this happens at night. In the morning, the spine muscles feel stiff. Unlike heart pain, it doesn't go away with medication. There may be severe headaches that are not dependent on stress. |
| Gastrointestinal disorders, stomach and intestinal ulcers | Pain in gastrointestinal disorders can be seasonal. Pain syndrome can be caused by prolonged hunger, immediately after a meal, several hours after a meal, and at night. The pain goes away when hunger is satisfied, food leaves the stomach, vomiting, or medication. When the ulcer perforated, the pain radiated below the left scapula and was excruciatingly painful. If you suspect this disease, you should go to the hospital immediately. In the early stages of the disease, the pain may subside after vomiting. With reflux esophagitis, the accompanying symptoms are heartburn, belching, and indigestion. |
| intercostal neuralgia | Severe shooting or lower back pain that persists or flares up. May be on one side. Increased with sudden movement - sneezing, coughing, severe shortness of breath, walking, physical activity, palpation of painful areas. |
| Vegetative Vascular Dystonia and Myofascial Syndrome | With myofascial syndrome, the pain is a dull ache from deep within the tissue. It can occur during rest and physical activity. Its intensity can vary from mild to severe. Objectively, VVD patients will experience symptoms such as irritability, memory loss, sweating, tachycardia, and hand tremors during the examination. The heart muscle changes frequently. The nature of pain is similar to that of the heart. But a heart test doesn't confirm the diagnosis. |
Diagnosing the disorder that causes the pain syndrome
To find out what is causing the pain, a detailed examination is required. First, you need to consult a therapist or doctor. He will determine what research needs to be done based on patient complaints and examinations.
During the initial phase of treatment, if pain radiates to the left shoulder blade, a visit to a local therapist should be made. He will be able to carry out preliminary inspections and prescribe all necessary inspections. And having passed existing inspections, you can consult with narrow specialists.
Physicians will not be able to diagnose the disorder based solely on the chief complaint of the pain syndrome. Complaints will drive a direction that requires a more thorough diagnosis. Therefore, when contacting a doctor, it is necessary to know exactly the answers to questions about the nature, location and accompanying causes of pain - in relation to food intake, physical and emotional stress.
If a patient is suspected of having myositis, a detailed blood test must be performed to confirm the inflammatory process.
In order to diagnose the disease more accurately, it is necessary to carry out a series of tests.
The first task is to rule out conditions requiring urgent medical care. These include: stomach and duodenal ulcers, heart attack, ruptured aorta.
To get an accurate picture of pain under your left shoulder blade, you'll need to have the following tests:
- Visual inspection and palpation for localization of pain. Body temperature, blood pressure and pulse will be measured.
- X-rays confirm or deny problems with the spine and lungs in several projections.
- An electrocardiogram checks the work of the heart.
- A CT scan or MRI scan may be needed to pinpoint the location of the spinal problem.
- FGS - Fiberoptic Gastroduodenoscopy may be prescribed if gastrointestinal problems are suspected.
- General and biochemical blood tests.
For some types of pain, analgesics and antispasmodics can be used as first aid. But their reception didn't remove the cause, it just drowned out the pain under the left shoulder blade, which was sure to come back after the medication ended. To prevent the pain from recurring, it is necessary to find out its cause.
In any event, if the left shoulder blade is painful, a complete examination is necessary after the first signs of pain have ceased. After all, the source of pain that usually radiates to the shoulder blade may be located in another location. Therefore, when there is a pain syndrome in the scapular region, it is necessary to visit: therapist, neurologist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist, trauma specialist, all listed specialists exclude pathology, consultation with a psychotherapist is necessaryof.
Treatment of disorders that cause pain syndromes
The purpose of treatment will depend on the diagnosis of the disease. For each specific disease, there are specific treatment options. They necessarily include advice on physical activity and diet. The dosing regimen is described in detail. They are combined according to symptoms and complaints to relieve acute symptoms that threaten the patient's life.
In any case, you need to remember that pain in the left shoulder blade can only be eliminated with medicines recommended by experts. Don't follow the advice of relatives and friends. After all, it is difficult to determine the nature of pain without medical help. Self-medication can cause delays in heart or stomach problems.
- For example, when reflux occurs after a test, medication may be prescribed to lower the acidity of the stomach to facilitate its movement in the bowel. In this case, it pays to limit your food intake, and you shouldn't bend over immediately after eating.
- For osteochondrosis, physical therapy exercise, swimming, dry heat, and increased physical activity may be prescribed as medical procedures. All of these measures are used as preventive measures after the pain subsides.
- If ischemia is diagnosed, cardiac medication should be administered first. If the pain in the left shoulder blade does not go away after 10 minutes, call an ambulance.
- If there is a problem with the cardiovascular system, the best preventive measures are constant intake of necessary medications, diet, mental stability and not excessive physical activity.
- If shoulder blade pain is manifested due to a spinal problem, a special set of exercises for a prolonged period of time and medication as recommended by experts is required.
- If the pain under the left shoulder blade is related to gastrointestinal problems, diet and medication will help. Psycho-emotional balance is important in this situation, as stress often leads to ulcers. A positive attitude and mastery of relaxation and relaxation techniques are necessary.
Surgical intervention is required if conservative treatment is ineffective, and when perforated ulcers, large spinal hernias, or rupture of the spleen are found.
In principle, in order to avoid serious health problems, it is necessary to carry out an annual pharmacy inspection. It is necessary to carry out the necessary examinations to rule out the occurrence of recent diseases.