Pain under the left or right shoulder from the back does not mean that a problem has arisen in this particular area of the body.Unpleasant discomfort is transmitted along the nerve branches to the spinal cord and in the same way is reflected at a long distance from the real source of inflammation.Radiating pain syndrome makes diagnosis difficult.Doctors with experience in such a situation rely on the general clinical picture.The primary and secondary symptoms will tell you that there may be pain under the left shoulder, under the right, or on both sides at once.
Provocators of pain paroxysm
If we summarize the causes of pain in the shoulder blades in one group, then it will look more than impressive.
Pain that appears on the left under the shoulder blade is a fairly common symptom that can occur in men, women and even children.At first glance, such symptoms seem frivolous, but in fact, pain under the left shoulder blade from the back can be a harbinger of a number of dangerous diseases.
There are many reasons for the appearance of such a pain syndrome, and they are usually not associated with problems in the shoulder blades themselves.
First, about the negative factors that can provoke pain on any side.
Muscles and nerve fibers
Intercostal neuralgia.A striking symptom is spontaneous stabbing pain.A "lumbago" is formed near the spine, in the area where the nerve is affected.Gives to the left or right shoulder blade, the projection area of the stomach, the heart.During attacks, every movement and breathing increases the severity of painful paroxysms.Between the attacks, there is noticeable paresthesia in the intercostal space.
Myofascial pain syndrome.Trigger points or compression zones form in the muscle tissue.In the initial stage, the symptom of pain appears when the affected muscles are loaded.Over time, the pain becomes a constant accompaniment.Deep myofascial pain under 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 painful pain radiating to the scapula from the affected joint, neck and distal parts of the arm.Discomfort occurs when you try 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.Initially, silent pain prevails in the neck and occipital part of the head.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 blade.The movements are accompanied by snapping sounds, dizziness, spots in the eyes and tinnitus.
Visceral organs
Gastric 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 appears on the left, with ulceration of the pyloric part - on the right.Pain sensations radiate under the shoulder blade, in the lower back and back.Worse after eating.It is possible that night pain and hunger may develop.
Pyelonephritis.The pain syndrome is located on the side of the inflamed kidney, in the lower part of the thoracic region.When tapped, it radiates into the lower back and under the shoulder blade.
General signs:
- urinary discomfort;
- increase in 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 begins with the symptoms of a common cold, which is accompanied by pain in the muscles of the back and upper limbs.
Pain in the left side
When the pain appears in the back of the left shoulder blade, most often the causes lie in cardiovascular diseases.
Myocardial infarction.The source of the pain is in the chest.It is projected on 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 an attack, use the epithet "dagger".
Angina pectoris.The pain can be tolerable when it just pulls under the left shoulder blade, or it can burn and press.Unpleasant sensations spread mainly behind the sternum, under the shoulder blade, in the arm and shoulder on the left side.
Highlights include:
- feeling of lack of air;
- suffocation;
- pale skin;
- sweating.
Similar symptoms appear with coronary heart disease and cardiac syndrome.A 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 back from the back is considered a masked symptom of inflammatory damage to the liver, pancreas and gall bladder.
Cholecystitis.A wonderful representative of referred pain in the right shoulder blade.Patients suffering from a chronic form of the disease quickly recognize the initial stage of deterioration from a classic attack.A dull aching pain, originating from the right side of the space between the ribs, radiates up and down the shoulder blade, in the lumbar region and in the shoulder.
Common symptoms include:
- nausea;
- weakness;
- sweating;
- bitter taste;
- increase in temperature indicators.
Hepatic colic.Clinical sign of cholelithiasis.Painful sensations with increased intensity begin in a state of rest.They are located in the projection of the gallbladder, just below the right hypochondrium, radiating to the scapula, neck and shoulder area.A painful attack tears from the inside, causing the patient excruciating suffering.Abdominal distension and sometimes uncontrollable vomiting of bile is observed.The duration of the painful attack varies from 15 - 20 minutes to 6 - 7 hours.
Pancreatitis.The worsening phase is characterized by a girdle pain syndrome in the area of both shoulder blades.If the head of the pancreas is inflamed, the pain is mainly felt on the right side.Painful discomfort is characterized by enviable durability.It does not worsen with suction or strain and does not go away with changes in body position.
Biliary dyskinesia.Acute wave pain, similar to abdominal pain, appears after non-compliance with the diet, excessive physical exertion and psycho-emotional stress.Painful foci are identified in the hypochondrium, scapula and shoulder on the right side.On palpation, the area where the gallbladder is located is more painful.
There are symptoms of dyspeptic disorders and neurosis-like conditions:
- nausea;
- belching;
- bloating;
- loose stools;
- diarrhea;
- nervousness;
- increased fatigue;
- tears;
- sleep problems.
Outside of periods of irritation, a feeling of heaviness and dull pain are occasionally detected in the hypochondrium.
Without a detailed diagnosis, it is difficult to differentiate the cause of pain under the scapula, 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 information and redirect it to a specialized specialist for properly selected treatment.