Pain under the left shoulder blade in the back is a symptom that occurs in both older and younger people. Muscle tension after physical exertion or chronic tilting can cause discomfort. The concentration of back pain does not only indicate diseases of the musculoskeletal system: problems with the chest and abdominal organs are possible. If the discomfort under the shoulder blade on the left side intensifies, it is necessary to consult a specialist.
Anatomical features
The scapula is closely connected to the clavicle, forming the clavicular-scapular joint. On several sides the costal arches and the vertebral axis are attached to the shoulder blades. These bone formations hold the shape of the chest and back.
The lungs and heart are at the level of the thoracic segment of the spine. Problems with these organs can cause pain. Also, discomfort occurs due to pinching of the nerve roots of the spinal cord, located in the spinal canal (next to the shoulder blades).
Causes of discomfort in the scapular area
There are 5 main groups of causes of pain that occur:
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system: variants of intercostal neuralgia, arthritis of the shoulder joint, neoplasms. Degenerative-dystrophic changes on the spinal axis - osteochondrosis, hernias, protrusions, myositis - can also become a provoking factor.
- Cardiovascular diseases: angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, infections of the heart layers (myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis).
- Pathologies of the bronchopulmonary system: bronchitis, pneumonia or pleura, tuberculosis.
- Gastrointestinal problems: chronic pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, spleen injury.
- Damage to the scapula of various origins: trauma, inflammation, tuberculosis.
How to get rid of pain on the left side of the back below the shoulder blade
If the diagnosis has already been confirmed by a doctor (osteochondrosis or chronic pancreatitis), it is necessary to follow the previously given recommendations.
Musculoskeletal disorders in the acute phase require the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Care should be taken when using warming ointments: apply the drug strictly to the scapular area, without affecting the projection of the heart. Otherwise, you can cause an attack of rapid heartbeat and arrhythmias.
Chronic pancreatitis or peptic ulcer requires a special diet, taking enzymes or anti-ulcer drugs according to the scheme.
Any discomfort forces you to reduce physical activity: the patient is shown rest. For sleeping, it is recommended to choose an orthopedic pillow and mattress.
Bitan! If the pain under the left shoulder blade continues to change body position and does not subside at rest, consult a doctor immediately to rule out acute myocardial infarction.
Possible diseases
List of diseases accompanied by pain symptoms:
- Bursitis- inflammation of the periarticular shoulder sac. Due to injuries or excessive load, the soft tissues swell, there is pressure on nearby muscles, ligaments, tendons. Unpleasant sensations when raising the arm gradually transform into an acute pain syndrome, which manifests itself even in sleep. Bacterial (septic) bursitis is a consequence of mucosal infection. It is characterized by fever, redness of the skin of the shoulders, severe pain.
- Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.Degenerative changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs cause muscle cramps, contraction of nerve roots, vascular bundles. The clinical picture begins with slight tingling in the chest or back. Growing discomfort is accompanied by loss of sensitivity of the fingers and shoulder girdle.
- Intervertebral hernia.Destruction of the cartilaginous capsule of the intervertebral nucleus has more pronounced clinical manifestations. There is paresis and paralysis of the upper limbs. Growing disc herniations are often complicated by mild to moderate neuropathic pain. The peculiarity of such pain is the lack of effect on the background of taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Myositis.The inflammatory process of bone muscles resulting from infection or trauma. The most severe form of the disease is ossification of the subcapular muscles (ossification of muscle tissue).
- Angina pectoris- a pathological condition accompanied by a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. Angina pectoris is characterized by back pain below the left shoulder blade, acute cramping pain behind the sternum. Severe stress, smoking, alcohol abuse cause an attack.
Diagnosis
Western medicine is turning to hardware diagnostics to rule out musculoskeletal problems. To make a definitive diagnosis, the patient must undergo:
- Radiography of the cervical and thoracic spine.
- Ultrasound of bursitis shows excess fluid in the synovial joint capsule.
- Computed tomography.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
If myositis is suspected in a patient, a detailed blood test is needed to confirm the inflammatory process.
If cardiac pathology is suspected, allopaths perform the following examination methods:
- Electrocardiogram.
- Blood test that determines myocyte necrosis factors.
- Ultrasound of the heart.
Treatment and prevention of diseases
Therapies and doses vary depending on the form of the disease and severity.
- The pathology of the musculoskeletal system requires the appointment of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (to relieve pain), muscle relaxants, vitamin complexes. In severe clinical cases, Western doctors recommend removing the pain syndrome by hormonal means. Minimally invasive shoulder surgery is often used to treat bursitis.
- Myositis is treated with gels and ointments for warming, anti-inflammatory drugs. Physiotherapy is recommended in remission. In addition to severe pain, allopaths form novocaine blockade.
- Angina attacks are stopped by nitrate-like compounds. According to medical protocols, patients need injections of blood-thinning drugs to prevent blood clots from forming. With high blood pressure, patients take antihypertensive tablets. To normalize the rhythm, doctors prescribe antiarrhythmics. They also recommend taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, metabolic therapy.