Back to back pain from the left shoulder blade is a symptom that occurs in both elderly and young people. Muscle tension after physical exertion or chronic rolling can cause discomfort. Concentrations of pain from behind and behind indicate not only musculoskeletal disorders: there may be problems with the organs in the chest and abdomen. If discomfort under the left shoulder blade increases, consult a specialist.
Anatomical features
The scapula is tightly connected to the clavicle, forming the clavicle-scapular joint. On several sides, the rib arches and the vertebral shaft are attached to the shoulder blades. The listed bone formations retain the shape of the chest and back.
The lungs and heart are located at the level of the thoracic segment of the spine. Problems with these organs can cause pain. There is also an unpleasant sensation due to pinching of the nerve roots of the spinal cord, which are located in the spinal canal (next to the shoulder blades).
Causes of discomfort in the shoulder area
There are 5 main groups of causes of pain:
- Locomotor diseases: variants of intercostal neuralgia, arthritis of the shoulder joint, neoplasms. Degenerative-dystrophic changes of the vertebral axis - osteochondrosis, hernias, protrusions, myositis - can also become a provocative factor.
- Cardiovascular diseases: angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, infections of the heart layers (myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis).
- Pathologies of the bronchopulmonary system: bronchitis, pneumonia or pleurisy, tuberculosis.
- Gastrointestinal problems: chronic inflammation of the pancreas, gastric ulcer, spleen injury.
- Damage to the shoulder blades of various origins: trauma, inflammation, tuberculosis.
How to get rid of pain in the back left under the shoulder blade
If the diagnosis has already been confirmed by a doctor (osteochondrosis or chronic inflammation of the pancreas), the recommendations given earlier should be followed.
Acute musculoskeletal disorders require the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Care should be taken when using warming ointments: apply the drug strictly to the shoulder area without affecting the projection of the heart. Otherwise, it may cause a rapid heartbeat and arrhythmias.
Chronic pancreatitis or peptic ulcer disease requires a special diet, taking enzymes or anti-tumor agents according to the regimen.
Any discomfort forces you to reduce physical activity: the patient shows rest. It is recommended to choose an orthopedic pillow and mattress for sleeping.
Important! If the pain under the left shoulder blade persists with changes in body position and does not subside even at rest, you should see a doctor urgently to rule out an acute myocardial infarction.
Possible diseases
List of diseases associated with pain symptoms:
- Bursitis- inflammation of the periarticular shoulder bag. Due to injuries or excessive loads, the soft tissues swell, pressure is applied to nearby muscles, ligaments, tendons. Unpleasant sensations when raising the hand gradually turn into an acute pain syndrome that manifests itself even in a dream. Bacterial (septic) bursitis is a consequence of mucosal infection. It is characterized by an increase in temperature, redness of the skin of the shoulder, severe pain.
- The thoracic region is osteochondrosis.Degenerative changes in the structure of intervertebral discs cause muscle cramps, stinging of nerve roots, and vascular bundles. The clinical picture begins with a slight tingling in the chest or back. Increasing discomfort is associated with decreased sensitivity in the fingers and shoulder girdle.
- Intervertebral hernia.Destruction of the cartilage capsule of the intervertebral cell is associated with more pronounced clinical manifestations. There is paresis and paralysis of the upper limbs. Growing herniated plates is often complicated by mild to moderate neuropathic pain. The peculiarity of such pains is that it has no effect on the background of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Myositis.Inflammatory process of skeletal muscle due to infections or trauma. The most severe form of the disease is ossification of the subcapular muscles (ossification of muscle tissue).
- Angina pectoris- an abnormal condition accompanied by a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. Angina pectoris is characterized by back pain under the left shoulder blade, acute convulsive pain behind the sternum. Severe stress, smoking, alcohol consumption triggers an attack.
Diagnostics
Western medicine turns to the aid of hardware diagnostics in order to rule out musculoskeletal problems. To make a final diagnosis, the patient must undergo:
- Radiography of the cervical and thoracic spine.
- Ultrasound of bursitis shows excess fluid in the joint capsule.
- Computed tomography.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
If the patient is suspected of having myositis, a detailed blood test is required to confirm the inflammatory process.
In case of suspicion of heart disease, allopathies perform the following test methods:
- Electrocardiogram.
- A blood test that determines the factors of myocyte necrosis.
- Ultrasound of the heart.
Treatment and prevention of diseases
Therapies and dosage depend on the form and severity of the disease.
- The pathology of the musculoskeletal system requires the appointment of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for pain relief), muscle relaxants and 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. In remission, physiotherapy is recommended. With severe pain, allopaths perform novocaine blockades.
- Angina attacks are stopped by nitrate-like compounds. According to medical protocols, patients need injections of blood-thinning drugs to prevent blood clots. In case of high blood pressure, patients take antihypertensive tablets. To normalize the rhythm, doctors prescribe antiarrhythmics. Cholesterol-lowering drugs and metabolic therapy are also recommended.