Pain under the left shoulder from the back is a clinical symptom of many diseases.The nature of the pain syndrome helps the doctor make a preliminary diagnosis and determine the tactics of a diagnostic examination.The intensity of the pain can be acute and chronic, and the sensations can be dull, aching, stabbing, cutting, cramping.There is a visceral pain syndrome associated with the pathology of the organs in the pain projection.In the area of the left scapula, the upper parts 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 there is referred pain that spreads from a distant organ, such as the heart and autonomic ganglia.Discomfort under the left shoulder blade requires conservative therapy or emergency medical attention.
Gastric ulcer
The formation of an ulcer in the upper parts of the stomach causes pain or cramping in the epigastric region and under the left shoulder blade.Discomfort associated with eating.Increased pain is observed on an empty stomach and at night ("hunger" pain).After eating, the pain subsides.Eating spicy, fatty and starchy foods causes vomiting, which brings relief.The onset of the pain syndrome is characterized by seasonality - the aggravation of the disease occurs in spring and autumn.
Perforation of the ulcer (the formation of a hole in the stomach with the abdominal cavity) causes acute stabbing pain under the left shoulder blade due to irritation of the peritoneum by the acidic contents of the stomach.Abdominal muscle tension, repeated vomiting, pale skin, cold sweat, low blood pressure and increased heart rate occur.The pain is of a growing nature and can cause depression of consciousness.A perforated ulcer is an acute condition that requires urgent surgical care.
Degenerative diseases of the spine
Degenerative changes in the cervical and upper thoracic spine lead to localized pain in the area of the left shoulder blade.Osteochondrosis, spondylosis, intervertebral disc herniation cause compression of the nerve roots that innervate the left half of the chest.
The pain syndrome is painful, constant or periodic, intensifies with intense physical activity or prolonged static positions (sitting, standing).It is characterized by a crackling in the neck and thoracic spine during movements, tension in the muscular corset of the back and a feeling of a "pushed push" in the spine.
In the case of intercostal neuralgia, there is a burning pain in the area of the intercostal spaces, which spreads towards the left scapula.When you move, discomfort increases, palpation of the chest is painful.
Scapular-costal syndrome
The disease is associated with inflammation or injury of the levator scapula muscle.Muscle tendons are attached to the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae.Pain syndrome occurs under the left shoulder blade when bending the neck and moving the upper shoulder girdle.The pain has a constant aching character, the intensity increases when you raise your arms, carry heavy objects or lie down or stand for a long time.An aggravation of the disease is observed after physical exercises and hypothermia.
Pleuropneumonia and pleurisy
Lung inflammation involving the pleura in the pathological process causes a dull point pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome intensifies at the peak of inspiration, when you cough, sneeze and decreases in the lying position on the affected side.It is characterized by an increase in body temperature to 39-40 degrees, a dry dry cough or with the release of mucopurulent sputum.Dry pleurisy of the left side is characterized by stabbing pain at the peak of inspiration, which decreases with limited movement of the left half of the chest.During auscultation of the lungs, a pleural friction noise is determined.
myositis
Inflammation of the back muscles - myositis leads to localized cutting pain under the left shoulder blade.The pain syndrome intensifies when the body tilts in the opposite direction, decreases after thermal procedures and at rest.Discomfort in the upper back appears after awkward movements, hypothermia or standing in the current.
Angina and myocardial infarction
Coronary heart disease (CHD) includes angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, which often lead to pain behind the sternum and under the left shoulder blade.Angina pectoris causes acute cramping pain.The provoking factor is emotional stress or physical activity.The discomfort lasts no more than 15 minutes and decreases with rest or after taking a nitroglycerin tablet.
Myocardial infarction develops due to blockage of a coronary artery by a thrombus or atherosclerotic plaque.As a result, myocardial ischemia occurs.The disease is characterized by acute pressing pain behind the sternum, which spreads under the left shoulder blade, to the lower jaw and to the left arm.
The pain syndrome increases, lasts more than 15 minutes and is not relieved by nitroglycerin.A decrease in blood pressure, tachycardia, numbness in the fingers of the left hand and fear of death are observed.If a clinical picture of the disease appears, it is necessary to call an ambulance and admit the patient to a cardiology hospital.
Vegetative crises
Cardiac-type NCD (neurocirculatory dystonia) causes clinical conditions resembling angina pectoris or myocardial infarction.The pain syndrome appears under the left shoulder blade and behind the sternum, spreads along the left arm, in the left half of the jaw, in the interscapular area.The disease is characterized by a feeling of trembling in the body, difficulty in breathing, heaviness in the chest, panic fear of death, feeling of lack of air, a lump in the throat.The pain syndrome does not have a permanent localization and can occur in the abdomen, neck or head.Taking sedatives and tranquilizers normalizes the general condition.
If the pain appears under the left shoulder blade, you should consult a specialist to identify the cause and treat the disease.Seeking medical help in time prevents the risk of progression of pathology and complications.