Pain under the left or right shoulder blade from behind does not mean that there is a problem in that particular area of the body.Unpleasant symptoms are transmitted to the spinal cord via nerve branches and are reflected in the same way even at a greater distance from the true source of inflammation.Radiating pain syndrome complicates diagnosis.In such a situation, experienced doctors rely on the overall clinical picture.Main and secondary symptoms indicate that pain can occur under the left shoulder blade, under the right, or on both sides at the same time.
Provocateurs of the attack of pain
If we group together the causes of pain in the shoulder blades, then it looks more than impressive.
Pain that occurs on the left under the shoulder blade is a fairly common symptom that can occur in men, women and even children.At first glance, such symptoms seem frivolous, but in fact pain under the left shoulder blade from behind can be a harbinger of a number of dangerous diseases.
There are many reasons for the occurrence of such pain syndrome and, as a rule, they are not at all associated with problems in the shoulder blades themselves.
First of all, about the negative factors that can cause pain on any side.
Muscles and nerve fibers
Intercostal neuralgia.A noticeable symptom is spontaneous stabbing pain.A “lumbago” occurs near the spine, where the nerve is affected.Gives the left or right shoulder blade the projection area of the stomach and heart.During seizures, any movement or breathing increases the severity of the painful attacks.Between attacks, a tender paresthesia is noted in the intercostal space.
Myofascial pain syndrome.Trigger points or compaction zones form in muscle tissue.In the early stages, the pain symptom manifests itself when the affected muscles are strained.Over time, the pain becomes a constant side effect.Deep myofascial pain under the shoulder blades does not go away at rest and can mimic heart, upper abdominal and liver attacks.
Musculoskeletal system
Humeroscapular periarthrosis and periarthritis.The disease is manifested by aching pain radiating from the affected joint, neck and distal parts of the arm to the scapula.Discomfort becomes noticeable when attempting to perform an action with a large range of motion.As the pain syndrome progresses, it becomes background and intensifies at night.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Initially, subdued pain predominates in the neck and back of the head.The more pronounced the degenerative changes in the cartilage and bone tissue, the more the nerve endings are compressed, along which the pain symptom spreads to the shoulder girdle and shoulder blades.Movements are accompanied by grinding noises, dizziness, eye spots and tinnitus.
Visceral organs
Stomach ulcer.A characteristic feature of the pathology during exacerbations is the appearance of pain in the upper abdomen and behind the sternum.If the body of the stomach is affected, discomfort occurs on the left and 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.It is possible to develop night pains and hunger pains.
Pyelonephritis.The pain syndrome is localized on the side of the inflamed kidney in the lower part of the thoracic region.When tapped, it radiates into 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 and rapid and shallow breathing.When I try to take a deep breath, it hurts under my shoulder blades on both sides.
Acute bronchitis.It begins with the symptoms of a cold, which is accompanied by pain in the back muscles and upper limbs.
Pain on the left side
If pain occurs in the back of the left shoulder blade, the causes are usually cardiovascular diseases.
Myocardial infarction.The source of the pain is in the chest.It is projected into the left scapula and interscapular space, neck, shoulder, ear and jaw.The intensity of pain depends on the degree of myocardial damage.Patients use the epithet “dagger” when describing an attack.
Angina pectoris.The pain may be tolerable, pulling just under the left shoulder blade, or it may be burning and pressing.Unpleasant sensations spread mainly behind the breastbone, under the shoulder blade, into the arm and shoulder on the left side.
Distinct signs include:
- feeling of lack of air;
- Suffocation;
- pale skin;
- Sweat.
Similar symptoms occur in coronary artery disease and cardiac syndrome.An incorrect clinical picture of a heart attack increases the patient's feelings of fear and anxiety, which in turn increases the intensity of painful abnormalities.
Right-sided pain syndrome
Pain under the shoulder blade on the right back from behind is considered a disguised 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 an exacerbation by a classic attack.A dull, aching pain originating from the right side of the intercostal space radiates upward under the scapula, into the lumbar region and into the shoulder.
The most common symptoms include:
- Nausea;
- Weakness;
- Sweat;
- bitter taste;
- Increase in temperature indicators.
Hepatic colic.Clinical sign of cholelithiasis.Painful sensations of increased intensity begin at rest.They are localized in the projection of the gallbladder just below the right hypochondrium and radiate to the area of the scapula, neck and shoulder.A painful attack tears from within and causes unbearable suffering for the patient.There is a bloated stomach and sometimes uncontrollable vomiting with bile.The duration of the painful attack varies between 15 – 20 minutes and 6 – 7 hours.
Pancreatitis.The exacerbation phase is characterized by a belt-shaped pain syndrome in the area of both shoulder blades.When the head of the pancreas is inflamed, pain occurs primarily on the right side.The painful discomfort is characterized by enviable constancy.It does not worsen with inhalation or overexertion, nor does it go away with changes in posture.
Biliary dyskinesia.Acute wave-like pain, similar to colic, manifests itself after non-compliance with the diet, excessive physical overload and psycho-emotional stress.Foci of pain are identified in the hypochondrium, scapula and shoulder on the right side.When palpated, the area where the gallbladder is located is the most painful.
There are symptoms of dyspeptic disorders and neurosis-like conditions:
- Nausea;
- belching;
- Flatulence;
- loose stools;
- Diarrhea;
- Irritability;
- increased fatigue;
- tears;
- Sleep problems.
Outside of periods of exacerbation, a feeling of heaviness and dull pain in the hypochondrium are occasionally noted.
Without a detailed diagnosis, it is difficult even for an experienced medical professional to distinguish the cause of pain under the scapula.
There is no need to self-diagnose the disease or drink a handful of painkillers in the hope that everything will be fine.It would make more sense to visit a local therapist who would collect the necessary anamnestic information and refer it to a specialized specialist for appropriately selected treatment.