Pain in the back below the left shoulder blade or right shoulder blade does not mean there is a problem with that particular area of the body.Unpleasant discomfort is transmitted along nerve branches to the spinal cord and is reflected in the same manner far away from the real source of inflammation.Radiating pain syndrome makes diagnosis difficult.In such cases, experienced physicians rely on the overall clinical picture.The primary and secondary symptoms will tell you that you may have pain under your left shoulder blade, under your right shoulder blade, or on both sides at the same time.
Triggers for pain attacks
If we summarized the causes of shoulder blade pain into one group, it would look impressive.
Pain under the left shoulder blade is a fairly common symptom that can occur in men, women, and even children.At first glance, these symptoms may seem boring, but in fact, pain in the back below the left shoulder blade can be the harbinger of many dangerous diseases.
This pain syndrome can occur for a number of reasons, usually unrelated to problems with the shoulder blade itself.
First, about the negatives that can cause pain on either side.
muscle and nerve fibers
Intercostal neuralgia.A noticeable symptom is spontaneous tingling."Low back pain" develops in areas close to the spine, where the nerves are affected.Give the left or right scapula, stomach, and heart projection areas.During an attack, any movement or breathing can increase the severity of the pain attack.Between attacks, sensitive paresthesia occurs in the intercostal spaces.
Myofascial pain syndrome.Trigger points or areas of compaction develop in the muscle tissue.In the initial stages, when the affected muscles are loaded, pain symptoms manifest themselves.Over time, pain became a constant escort.Deep myofascial pain below the shoulder blade does not go away with rest and may resemble heart disease, upper abdominal pain, and liver attack.
musculoskeletal system
Humeral periscapular disease and frozen shoulder.The disease manifests as soreness that radiates from the affected joint, neck, and distal parts of the arm to the shoulder blade.The uncomfortable feeling occurs when trying to perform a large range of motion.As the pain syndrome progresses, it becomes background and intensifies at night.
Cervical osteochondrosis.Initially, there is mild pain in the neck and occipital part of the head.The more significant the degenerative changes in cartilage and bone tissue are, the more severe the compression on the nerve endings will be, and the pain symptoms will spread to the shoulder girdle and scapula.Movement can be accompanied by crunching sounds, dizziness, eye spots and ringing in the ears.
internal organs
Gastric ulcer.During exacerbations, a characteristic feature of the pathology is the development of pain in the upper abdominal area and behind the sternum.If the body of the stomach is affected, discomfort will occur on the left side and partial pyloric ulceration will occur on the right side.Pain radiates from below the shoulder blades into the lower back and spine.It gets worse after eating.Night pain and hunger pangs may occur.
Pyelonephritis.The pain syndrome is located on the side of the inflamed kidney, in the lower part of the chest area.As you tap, radiate to the lower back and under the shoulder blades.
General signs:
- Urination disorders;
- Increased body temperature;
- weakness;
- Increased sweating.
Bilateral pneumonia.The initial symptoms are chills, a significant increase in body temperature, and rapid and shallow breathing.I get pain under my shoulder blades on both sides when I try to take a deep breath.
Acute bronchitis.It starts with symptoms of a common cold, with muscle pain in the back and upper limbs.
pain on left side
When pain occurs behind the left shoulder blade, the most common cause is cardiovascular disease.
Myocardial infarction.The source of the pain is in the chest.It projects to the left scapula and interscapular space, neck, shoulders, ears, jaw.The intensity of the pain depends on the extent of the heart muscle damage.The patient used the nickname "Dagger" when describing the attack.
Angina pectoris.The pain can be tolerated as long as it reaches below the left shoulder blade, or it can be a burning or compressing sensation.The unpleasant sensation spreads mainly behind the sternum, under the shoulder blades, and to the left arm and shoulder.
Obvious signs include:
- feeling of lack of air;
- asphyxia;
- Pale skin;
- sweat.
Coronary heart disease and cardiac syndromes can cause similar symptoms.False clinical presentation of myocardial infarction can increase the patient's fear and anxiety, thereby increasing the intensity of abnormal pain.
right side pain syndrome
Pain in the right back below the shoulder blade is considered a silent symptom of inflammatory damage to the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
cholecystitis.A clear representation of referred pain in the right scapula.Patients with chronic illnesses quickly recognize the initial stages of deterioration through typical episodes.Dull pain originating from the right intercostal space and radiating upward beneath the shoulder blade into the lumbar area and shoulder.
Common symptoms include:
- nausea;
- weakness;
- sweating;
- bitterness;
- The temperature indicator increases.
Hepatic colic.Clinical symptoms of cholelithiasis.The increase in intensity of the pain sensation begins at rest.They are located in the projection of the gallbladder, beneath the right rib cage, radiating to the scapula, neck and shoulder areas.Painful attacks tear the body from the inside, causing the patient excruciating pain.Abdominal distension and sometimes uncontrollable bilious vomiting are observed.The duration of pain episodes ranges from 15 – 20 minutes to 6 – 7 hours.
pancreatitis.The exacerbation phase is characterized by the development of a girdle pain syndrome in the bilateral scapular region.If the head of the pancreas is inflamed, the pain is mainly concentrated on the right side.The painful discomfort is characterized by an enviable persistence.It does not get worse with inhalation or exertion, nor does it go away with changes in body posture.
Biliary dyskinesia.Acute wave-like pain, similar to colic, occurs after non-adherence to diet, overload of the body and psycho-emotional stress.Pain was found in the ribs, scapula and shoulder on the right side.The area where the gallbladder is located is most painful when palpated.
There are symptoms of dyspeptic diseases and neurotic-like conditions:
- nausea;
- hiccups;
- flatulence;
- loose stool;
- diarrhea;
- irritability;
- increased fatigue;
- shed tears;
- Sleep problems.
Outside of the exacerbation period, Ji's ribs may occasionally feel heaviness and dull pain.
Without a detailed diagnosis, it can be difficult, even for experienced medical professionals, to distinguish the cause of subscapular pain.
There’s no need to diagnose your illness yourself or drink tons of painkillers in the hope that everything will be fine.It would be more reasonable to visit a local therapist, who will collect the necessary medical history information and refer you to a specialized specialist for appropriately selected treatment.