Pain under the left shoulder blade in the back is a symptom that occurs in both the elderly and young people. Muscle tension after physical exertion or chronic stagnation can be a cause for concern. Concentration of back pain is not limited to diseases of the musculoskeletal system: problems with the organs of the chest and abdomen are possible. If the discomfort under the left scapula increases, it is necessary to consult a specialist.
Anatomical features
The scapula is closely connected with the clavicle, forming the clavicle-scapular joint. On several sides, caustic arches and a vertebral axis are attached to the shoulder blades. The bone formations listed maintain the shape of the chest and spine.
The lungs and heart are at the level of the thoracic segment of the spine. Problems in these organs can cause pain. There is also discomfort due to compression of the spinal nerve roots located in the spinal canal (near the shoulder blades).
Causes of discomfort in the scapula
There are 5 main groups of causes of pain:
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system: intercostal neuralgia, arthritis of the shoulder joint, neoplasms. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebral axis - osteochondrosis, hernia, protrusions, myositis can also be a trigger.
- Cardiovascular diseases: angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, infections of the heart (myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis).
- Pathologies of the bronchopulmonary system: bronchitis, inflammation of the lungs or pleura, tuberculosis.
- Gastrointestinal problems: chronic pancreatitis, gastric ulcer, spleen injury.
- Scapular damage 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 earlier.
In the acute stage, diseases of the musculoskeletal system require the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Be careful when using warming ointments: apply the drug to the scapular 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 by taking enzymes or antiulcer drugs according to the scheme.
Any anxiety forces you to reduce physical activity: the patient is shown rest. It is recommended to choose an orthopedic pillow and mattress for sleeping.
It is important! If the pain under the left shoulder blade persists with a change in body position and does not decrease at rest, you should see a doctor immediately to rule out an acute myocardial infarction.
Possible diseases
List of diseases accompanied by pain symptoms:
- Bursitis- Inflammation of the periarticular shoulder sac. Soft tissues swell due to injuries or overloads, and pressure builds up in nearby muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Unpleasant sensations when raising the hand gradually turn into a sharp pain syndrome, which manifests itself in the imagination. Bacterial (septic) bursitis is the result of an infection of the mucous membrane. It is characterized by fever, redness of the skin of the shoulder, severe pain.
- Osteochondrosis of the chest.Degenerative changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs compress muscle spasms, nerve roots, vascular bundles. The clinical picture begins with a slight tingling sensation in the chest or back. Increased discomfort is accompanied by loss of sensitivity in the fingers and shoulder girdle.
- Intervertebral hernia.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 pain is the lack of effect on the background of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Myositis.Inflammatory process of skeletal muscles caused by infection or trauma. The most severe form of the disease is ossification of the subcapularis muscles (ossification of muscle tissue).
- Angina pectoris- A pathological condition accompanied by a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. Angina pectoris is characterized by low back pain under the left shoulder blade and acute spasmodic pain behind the sternum. Severe stress, smoking, alcohol abuse cause an attack.
Diagnostics
Western medicine seeks the help of hardware diagnostics to rule out musculoskeletal problems. The patient to make a final diagnosis:
- Radiography of the cervical and thoracic spine.
- Ultrasound for bursitis shows excess fluid in the synovial joint capsule.
- 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 you suspect heart pathology, allopaths perform the following examination methods:
- Electrocardiogram.
- A blood test to determine the factors of myocyte necrosis.
- Ultrasound examination of the heart.
Treatment and prevention of the disease
Treatment and doses vary depending on the form and severity of the disease.
- 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 relieving 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. With severe pain, allopats form novocaine blockers.
- Angina attacks are stopped by nitrate-like compounds. According to medical protocols, patients need injections of blood thinners to prevent blood clots. Patients with high blood pressure take antihypertensive pills. Doctors prescribe antiarrhythmics to normalize the rhythm. They also recommend taking cholesterol-lowering drugs and metabolic therapy.