Causes of pain under the left shoulder blade
Pain under the scapula can be caused by inflammation or trauma in the shoulder area or be one of the symptoms of a serious disease of the chest and abdominal organs (myocardial infarction, lung cancer, and others). Localization of pain is important for diagnosis. For example, if the pain radiates under the scapula to the right, the cause may be a pathology of the gall bladder, while in heart diseases the pain usually radiates to the left shoulder and scapula.
Why there is pain under the shoulder blade on the left
The cause of pain under the left shoulder blade is often muscle tension. Usually, such pain is accompanied by unpleasant sensations in other groups of back muscles, but it can be concentrated only in the shoulder blade area. The causes of this pain are hard work, physical exercises, incorrect body position during sleep.
Sharp pain radiating under the shoulder blade can be caused by pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium) or a rupture of the aorta. Such pain can signal an acute pathology that requires urgent care - myocardial infarction, PE (thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery), pneumothorax. Severe pain under the scapula during inhalation with pneumothorax is acute and penetrates the corresponding half of the chest. In most cases, the disease begins acutely: sharp pain with irradiation in the neck, arm, sometimes in the epigastric area, shortness of breath, shallow breathing, fear of death. Pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs), pleurisy (inflammation of the pleural sheets), an enlarged spleen can also cause pain under the shoulder blade, which intensifies during inhalation and exhalation.
Why does pain occur under the scapula on the left or right? Bone metastases can be the cause of breast, lung, esophagus, and colon cancer. With osteoporosis, arthritis, scoliosis, fibromyalgia, disc displacement, the pain also sometimes radiates to the shoulder blade. Shingles is usually accompanied by a burning pain or tingling before the rash appears, making diagnosis difficult.
Other causes of pain under the shoulder blade
Pathologies of the abdominal cavity and pelvis often cause pain under the shoulder blade. Irritation of the nerves that pass along the base of the diaphragm can also cause pain. Moreover, it seems that it is concentrated only in the shoulder or shoulder blade. Aching pain in the back under the right shoulder blade may indicate a stomach ulcer, gallstone disease and other liver pathologies. Pancreatitis most often causes pain in the left shoulder and under the shoulder blade.Pain in the scapula area can be a consequence of Paget's disease, in which there is increased resorption of bone tissue, which leads to bone deformation and pain. With brachial neuritis - a neurological condition of unclear etiology, accompanied by sudden attacks of severe burning pain, capsulitis of the shoulder joint ("frozen shoulder") - damage to the capsule and synovial membrane of the joint - the pain can "give" to the scapula. Avascular necrosis of the head of the humerus - death of bone tissue as a result of limited blood supply - is accompanied by throbbing pain that radiates to the elbow and subscapular region.
Diagnosis, treatment of pain under the shoulder blades, prognosis
It is often difficult to diagnose the cause of pain based only on history and physical examination. Additional required:
- x-ray, CT or MRI of the chest;
- ECG;
- endoscopic examination;
- blood analysis;
- Ultrasound of the heart and organs of the abdominal cavity.
The choice of treatment method for pain under the shoulder blades depends on the underlying cause. Massage and physiotherapy in many cases relieve the condition, especially if the pain is caused by muscle tension or trauma.
Drugs also relieve pain and discomfort under the shoulder blades. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), corticosteroids in the form of tablets or injections help relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, muscle relaxants, antidepressants are indicated. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 90% of patients with pain under the shoulder blades respond positively to conservative therapy.
The prognosis depends on the cause that caused the pain. As a rule, after rest and adequate therapy, positive dynamics are observed - discomfort and pain cease to bother. Read about the prevention of pain in the shoulder blades on our website www.dobrobut.com.
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