Pain under the left or right scapula from the back does not mean that there is a problem in this part of the body.Unpleasant discomfort is transmitted along the nerve branches to the spinal cord and is reflected in the same way at a long distance from the real source of inflammation.Radiating pain syndrome makes diagnosis difficult.Experienced doctors in such a situation rely on the overall clinical picture.The leading and secondary symptoms will tell you that there may be pain under the left shoulder blade, under the right, or on both sides at once.
Provocateurs of pain paroxysms
If we collect the causes of pain in the shoulder blades in one group, then it will look more than impressive.
Pain that appears on the left side under the shoulder blade is a fairly common symptom that can occur in men, women, and even children.At first glance, such symptoms seem trivial, but in fact, pain under the left shoulder blade from the back can be a precursor to a number of dangerous diseases.
There are many reasons for the occurrence of this pain syndrome, and they are usually not related to problems in the shoulder blades themselves.
First, about the negative factors that can cause pain on any side.
Muscles and nerve fibers
Intercostal neuralgia.A striking symptom is spontaneous piercing pain."Lumbago" is formed near the spine, in the area where the nerve is affected.Gives on the left or right scapula, the projection area of the stomach, heart.During an attack, any movements and breathing increase the severity of painful paroxysms.Between attacks, sensitive paresthesia is observed in the intercostal space.
Myofascial pain syndrome.Trigger points or compression zones are formed in the muscle tissue.In the initial phase, the symptom of pain manifests itself when the affected muscles are loaded.Over time, pain becomes a constant companion.Deep myofascial pain below the shoulder blades does not go away with rest and can mimic heart, epigastric and liver attacks.
Musculoskeletal system
Humeroscapular periarthrosis and periarthritis.The disease is manifested by aching pain that spreads to the scapula from the affected joint, neck and distal parts of the arm.Discomfort is manifested when trying 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.In the beginning, dull pain in the neck and occipital part of the head prevails.The more significant 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 creaking, dizziness, spots in the eyes and tinnitus.
Visceral organs
Stomach ulcer.During exacerbations, a characteristic feature of the pathology is the appearance of pain in the epigastric region and behind the sternum.If the body of the stomach is affected, discomfort occurs on the left side, with ulceration of the pyloric part - on the right side.Painful sensations radiate below the shoulder blade, into the lower back and spine.Worse after eating.It is possible to experience pain at night and hunger pangs.
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 to the lower back and under the shoulder blade.
General signs:
- urination disorder;
- increased body temperature;
- weakness;
- increased sweating.
Bilateral pneumonia.The first signs are chills, a significant increase in temperature, rapid and shallow breathing.When I try to take a deep breath, it hurts under my shoulder blades on both sides.
Acute bronchitis.It starts with symptoms of a common cold, which is accompanied by pain in the muscles of the back and upper limbs.
Pain on the left side
When pain occurs in the back of the left shoulder blade, the most common causes lie in cardiovascular diseases.
Myocardial infarction.The source of the pain is in the chest.It projects into the left scapula and interscapular space, neck, shoulder, ear, jaw.The intensity of the pain depends on the degree of damage to the myocardium.Patients, when describing the attack, use the epithet "dagger".
Angina pectoris.The pain can be bearable when just pulling under the left shoulder blade, or it can be burning and pressing.Unpleasant sensations generally spread behind the sternum, under the shoulder blade, in the arm and shoulder on the left side.
Prominent signs include:
- feeling of lack of air;
- suffocation;
- pale skin;
- sweating.
Similar symptoms occur in coronary heart disease and heart syndrome.The false clinical picture of myocardial infarction increases the feeling of fear and anxiety in patients, which in turn increases the intensity of painful abnormalities.
Pain syndrome on the right side
Pain under the shoulder blade on the right side behind the back is considered a hidden symptom of inflammatory damage to the liver, pancreas and gallbladder.
Cholecystitis.A striking representative of referred pain in the right scapula.Patients suffering from the chronic form of the disease quickly recognize the initial stage of exacerbation with a classic attack.A dull aching pain, which arises on the right side of the intercostal space, radiates upwards under the shoulder blade, into the lumbar region and the shoulder.
Common symptoms include:
- nausea;
- weakness;
- sweating;
- bitter taste;
- increasing the temperature indicator.
Hepatic colic.Clinical sign of cholelithiasis.Painful sensations of increased intensity begin in a state of rest.They are localized in the projection of the gallbladder, just below the right hypochondrium, radiating to the scapula, neck and shoulder area.The painful attack tears from the inside, causing the patient unbearable suffering.Abdominal distension and sometimes uncontrollable vomiting with bile is observed.The duration of a painful attack varies from 15-20 minutes to 6-7 hours.
Pancreatitis.The exacerbation phase is characterized by a pain syndrome that girdles in the area of both shoulder blades.If the head of the pancreas is inflamed, the pain is felt mainly on the right side.Painful discomfort is characterized by enviable persistence.It is not aggravated by inhalation or exertion, and does not disappear with changes in body position.
Bile dyskinesia.Acute undulating pain, similar to colic, manifests itself after non-compliance with diet, excessive physical overload and psycho-emotional stress.Pain points are identified in the hypochondrium, scapula and shoulder on the right side.During palpation, the area where the gallbladder is located is the most painful.
There are symptoms of dyspeptic disorders and conditions similar to neuroses:
- nausea;
- belching;
- flatulence;
- loose stools;
- diarrhea;
- irritability;
- increased fatigue;
- tearfulness;
- sleep problems.
Outside the period of exacerbation, a feeling of heaviness and dull pain in the hypochondrium are occasionally detected.
Without a detailed diagnosis, it is difficult to distinguish the cause of pain under the shoulder blade, even for an experienced medical professional.
There is no need to self-diagnose the disease or drink handfuls of analgesics in the hope that everything will work out.It would be more reasonable to visit a local therapist, who will collect the necessary anamnestic data and redirect to a specialized specialist for adequately selected treatment.