Pain under the left shoulder blade in the back from the back is a symptom that occurs in both old and young people. Muscle tension after exertion or chronic slouching can cause discomfort. The concentration of pain in the back from behind indicates not only diseases of the musculoskeletal system: problems with the organs of the chest and abdominal cavity are possible. If discomfort increases under the scapula on the left side, it is necessary to consult a specialist.
Anatomical features
The scapula is closely connected to the clavicle, forming the clavicle-scapular joint. On various sides, the costal arches and the vertebral axis are attached to the shoulder blades. The listed bone formations are shaped like 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 discomfort in the area of the scapula.
There are 5 main groups of causes of pain that occur:
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system: variants of intercostal neuralgia, arthritis of the shoulder joint, neoplasms. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spinal axis (osteochondrosis, hernias, protrusions, myositis) can also become a provoking factor.
- Cardiovascular diseases: angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, infections of the cardiac 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 scapula.
If the diagnosis has already been confirmed by a doctor (osteochondrosis or chronic pancreatitis), it is necessary to follow the recommendations given above.
Musculoskeletal disorders in the acute stage require the use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Care should be taken when using hot ointments: apply the drug strictly on the scapular region, without affecting the projection of the heart. Otherwise, it can lead to an attack of rapid heartbeat and rhythm disturbance.
In chronic pancreatitis or peptic ulcer disease, a special diet is required, taking enzymes or antiulcer drugs according to the scheme.
Any discomfort forces him to reduce physical activity: the patient is at rest. For sleeping, it is recommended to choose an orthopedic pillow and mattress.
Important! If the pain under the left shoulder blade persists with a change in body position and does not give way at rest, you should urgently consult a doctor to rule out an acute myocardial infarction.
Possible illnesses
The list of diseases accompanied by pain symptoms:
- Bursitis- Inflammation of the periarticular bandolier. Due to injuries or excessive loads, soft tissues swell, putting pressure on nearby muscles, ligaments and tendons. Unpleasant sensations when raising your hand gradually transform into an acute pain syndrome, manifesting itself even in a dream. Bacterial (septic) bursitis is a consequence of infection of the mucous membrane. It is characterized by an increase in temperature, redness of the skin of the shoulder, severe pain.
- Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.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. Increasing discomfort is accompanied by loss of sensation 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 extremities. Growing herniated discs are often complicated by mild to moderate neuropathic pain. The peculiarity of such pains is the lack of effect against the background of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- MyositisInflammatory process of the skeletal muscles derived from infections or trauma. The most serious form of the disease is ossification of the subscapularis muscles (ossification of muscle tissue).
- Angina pectoris- a pathological condition accompanied by a deficiency of blood supply to the heart muscle. Angina is characterized by back pain under the left shoulder blade, sharp spasmodic pain behind the breastbone. Severe stress, smoking, alcohol abuse provoke an attack.
Diagnostics
Western medicine resorts to the help of hardware diagnostics to exclude problems of the musculoskeletal system. To make a definitive diagnosis, the patient must undergo:
- Cervical and thoracic spine radiography.
- Ultrasound of bursitis shows excess fluid in the capsule of the synovial joint.
- Computed tomography.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
If a patient is suspected of having myositis, a detailed blood test is required to confirm the inflammatory process.
If cardiac pathology is suspected, allopaths carry out the following examination methods:
- Electrocardiogram.
- A blood test that determines myocyte necrosis factors.
- Ultrasound of the heart.
Treatment and prevention of diseases.
Therapies and doses differ depending on the form of the disease and the severity.
- The pathology of the musculoskeletal system requires the appointment of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for pain relief), 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 warm gels and ointments, anti-inflammatory drugs. Physiotherapy is recommended in remission. With severe pain, allopaths perform novocaine blocks.
- Angina attacks are stopped with nitrate-like compounds. According to medical protocols, patients need injections of blood thinners 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.