Pain under the left shoulder blade in the back is a symptom that occurs in both adults and young people. Muscle tension after exercise or chronic stooping can cause discomfort. The concentration of back pain shows not only diseases of the musculoskeletal system: there may be problems with the organs of the chest and abdomen. If the discomfort under the shoulder blade on the left side increases, 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. The listed 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 shoulder blade discomfort
There are 5 main groups of causes of pain:
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system: variants of intercostal neuralgia, arthritis of the shoulder joint, neoplasms. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebral axis - osteochondrosis, hernias, bulges, 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, inflammation of the lungs 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 in the left side of the back under the shoulder blade
If the diagnosis has already been confirmed by a doctor (osteochondrosis or chronic pancreatitis), it is necessary to adhere to the previously given recommendations.
Musculoskeletal disorders in the acute stage require the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Care should be taken when using warming ointments: apply the drug strictly on the shoulder blade area without affecting the projection of the heart. Otherwise, you can cause a rapid heartbeat and arrhythmia.
In chronic pancreatitis or peptic ulcer disease, a special diet is required, taking enzymes or antiulcer drugs according to the scheme.
Any discomfort forces you to reduce physical activity: the patient is shown rest. For sleep it is recommended to choose an orthopedic pillow and mattress.
Important! If the pain under the left shoulder blade continues with a change in body position and does not subside at rest, you should urgently consult a doctor to rule out acute myocardial infarction.
Possible diseases
The list of diseases accompanied by symptoms of pain:
- Bursitis- inflammation of the periarticular sac of the shoulder. Due to injuries or excessive loads, the soft tissues swell, there is pressure on nearby muscles, ligaments, tendons. The unpleasant sensations when raising the hand gradually transform into a syndrome of acute pain, which manifests itself even in sleep. Bacterial (septic) bursitis is a consequence of a mucosal infection. It is characterized by fever, redness of the skin of the shoulder, severe pain.
- Osteochondrosis of the chest area.Degenerative changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs provoke muscle spasms, pinching of nerve roots, vascular bundles. The clinical picture begins with a slight tingling sensation in the chest or back. The increasing discomfort is accompanied by a loss of sensitivity in the fingers and shoulder girdle.
- Intervertebral hernia.The 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 against the background of taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Myositis.Inflammatory process of skeletal muscles resulting from infections or trauma. The most severe form of the disease is ossification of the subscapularis muscles (ossification of muscle tissue).
- Angina pectoris- pathological condition accompanied by deficiency of blood supply to the heart muscle. Angina pectoris is characterized by back pain under the left shoulder blade, acute spasmodic pain behind the sternum. Severe stress, smoking, alcohol abuse provoke an attack.
Diagnosis
Western medicine turns to the help of hardware diagnostics to rule out musculoskeletal problems. To make a definitive diagnosis, the patient must undergo:
- Radiography of the cervical and thoracic spine.
- Bursitis ultrasound shows excess fluid in the capsule of the synovial joint.
- CT.
- Magnetic resonance.
If the patient is suspected of myositis, a detailed blood test is needed to confirm the inflammatory process.
When cardiac pathology is suspected, allopaths perform the following examination methods:
- Electrocardiogram.
- Blood test that determines the factors of myocyte necrosis.
- Ultrasound of the heart.
Treatment and prevention of diseases
Therapies and dosages vary depending on the form of the disease and the severity.
- The pathology of the musculoskeletal system requires the appointment of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (to relieve pain), muscle relaxants, vitamin complexes. In difficult clinical cases, Western doctors recommend eliminating the pain syndrome with hormonal agents. Minimally invasive shoulder surgery is often used to treat bursitis.
- Myositis is treated with warming gels and ointments, anti-inflammatory drugs. Physiotherapy is recommended in remission. In severe pain, allopaths block novocaine.
- Attacks of angina are stopped by nitrate-like compounds. According to medical records, patients need injections of blood-thinning drugs to prevent blood clots from forming. With high blood pressure, patients take antihypertensive pills. To normalize the rhythm, doctors prescribe antiarrhythmics. They also recommend taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, metabolic therapy.