Pain below the left shoulder blade in the back is a symptom that both the elderly and the young can experience. Physical exertion or muscle tension after long-term bending can cause discomfort. The concentration of back pain from the back not only indicates a disease of the musculoskeletal system: there may also be problems with the chest and abdominal organs. If the discomfort under the left shoulder blade increases, you need to consult a specialist.
Anatomical features
The scapula and the clavicle are closely connected to form a clavicle-scapular joint. On several sides, the costal arch and spine axis are connected to the scapula. The bone structure listed maintains the shape of the chest and back.
The lungs and heart are located at the level of the thoracic spine. Problems with these organs can cause pain. In addition, because the spinal nerve roots located in the spinal canal (next to the scapula) are compressed, it can cause discomfort.
Causes of discomfort in the scapula
There are five main causes of pain:
- Musculoskeletal system diseases: intercostal neuralgia, shoulder joint arthritis, tumors. Degenerative dystrophy changes in the vertebral axis-osteochondrosis, hernias, protrusions, myositis-may also be predisposing factors.
- Cardiovascular diseases: angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart layer infection (myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis).
- Pathology of the bronchopulmonary system: bronchitis, lung or pleural inflammation, tuberculosis.
- Gastrointestinal problems: chronic pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, spleen damage.
- Scapula injuries of various reasons: trauma, inflammation, tuberculosis.
How to get rid of the pain on the left side of the lower back of the shoulder blade
If the diagnosis has been confirmed by a doctor (osteochondrosis or chronic pancreatitis), it is necessary to follow the recommendations given earlier.
Acute musculoskeletal diseases require painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Pay attention when using warm ointment: Strictly apply the medicine to the scapula area and do not affect the projection of the heart. Otherwise, you may cause your heartbeat to increase and your rhythm to be interrupted.
Chronic pancreatitis or peptic ulcer disease requires a special diet, taking enzymes or anti-ulcer drugs according to the plan.
Any discomfort will force you to reduce physical activity: show that the patient is resting. For sleep, it is recommended to choose orthopedic pillows and mattresses.
important! If the pain under the left scapula continues with changes in body position and does not subside during rest, you should seek medical attention urgently to rule out the possibility of acute myocardial infarction.
Possible disease
List of diseases with painful symptoms:
- Bursitis-Inflammation of the shoulder bag around the joints. Due to injury or overload, the soft tissues swell, and nearby muscles, ligaments, and tendons are under pressure. The unhappiness when raising your hand gradually turns into an acute pain syndrome, even in a dream. Bacterial (suppurative) bursitis is the result of mucosal infection. It is characterized by increased temperature, redness of the skin on the shoulders, and severe pain.
- Osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine area.Degenerative changes in the structure of the intervertebral disc can cause muscle spasms, nerve roots, and vascular bundles. At the beginning of the clinical picture, there is a slight tingling sensation in the chest or back. Increasing discomfort is accompanied by loss of sensitivity of the fingers and shoulder straps.
- Disc herniation.The clinical manifestations of the destruction of the intervertebral nucleus cartilage sac are more obvious. There is paralysis and paralysis of the upper limbs. More and more herniated discs are often accompanied by mild to moderate neuropathic pain. The characteristic of this pain is that it has no effect in the context of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Myositis.The inflammatory process of skeletal muscle caused by infection or trauma. The most serious form of the disease is subscapular muscle ossification (ossification of muscle tissue).
- Angina pectoris-Pathological conditions accompanied by insufficient blood supply to the myocardium. Angina pectoris is characterized by back pain under the left scapula and acute cramping pain behind the breastbone. Severe stress, smoking, and alcohol can cause seizures.
diagnosis
Western medicine turned to hardware diagnosis to rule out problems with the musculoskeletal system. In order to make a final diagnosis, the patient must accept:
- Radiography of the cervical and thoracic spine.
- An ultrasound of bursitis shows excess fluid in the synovial joint capsule.
- CT examination.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
If the patient is suspected of having myositis, a detailed blood test is required to confirm the inflammatory process.
If heart disease is suspected, allogeneic therapy will perform the following inspection methods:
- Electrocardiogram.
- A blood test to determine the necrosis factor of cardiomyocytes.
- Echocardiography.
Disease treatment and prevention
The treatment method and dosage vary with the form and severity of the disease.
- The pathology of the musculoskeletal system requires the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for pain relief), muscle relaxants, and vitamin complexes. In difficult clinical cases, Western doctors recommend the use of hormone drugs to eliminate pain syndrome. Minimally invasive shoulder surgery is usually used to treat bursitis.
- Myositis is treated with warm gel and ointment, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Physical therapy is recommended during the remission period. For severe pain, allopathic people will produce nocaine blockers.
- Nitrate compounds can prevent the onset of angina pectoris. According to the medical agreement, patients need to inject blood-thinning drugs to prevent thrombosis. Patients with hypertension take antihypertensive drugs. In order to normalize the rhythm, the doctor will prescribe anti-arrhythmic drugs. They also recommend taking cholesterol-lowering drugs and metabolic therapy.