Pain below the left shoulder in the back from the back is a symptom that occurs in both the elderly and the young. Muscle tension after exercise or chronic posture can cause discomfort. The concentration of back pain from the back indicates not only diseases of the musculoskeletal system: they are possible problems with the organs of the chest and abdominal cavity. If the discomfort below the shoulder blade on the left side increases, it is necessary to consult a specialist.
Anatomical features
The scapula is tightly attached to the key, forming the scapula joint. In many ways, the lateral arches and the vertebral axis are connected to the shoulders. The reported bone formations retain the shape of the chest and back.
The lungs and heart are at the level of the thoracic spine. Problems with these organs can cause pain. Also, the discomfort occurs due to the stinging of the nerve roots of the spinal cord, located in the spinal canal (next to the shoulders).
Causes of discomfort in the shoulder area
There are 5 main groups of pain causes that appear:
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system: variants of intercostal neuralgia, arthritis of the shoulder joint, neoplasms. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebral axis - osteochondrosis, hernias, protrusions, myositis - can also be provocative factors.
- Cardiovascular diseases: angina, myocardial infarction, infections of the heart layers (myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis).
- Pathologies of the bronchopulmonary system: bronchitis, inflammation of the lungs or pleura, tuberculosis.
- Gastrointestinal problems: chronic pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, spleen injury.
- Shoulder damage of various origins: trauma, inflammation, tuberculosis.
How to get rid of pain in the left side of the back below the shoulder
If the diagnosis has already been confirmed by a doctor (osteochondrosis or chronic pancreatitis), it is necessary to follow the previous recommendations.
Acute musculoskeletal disorders require the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Be careful when using heating ointments: apply the medicine strictly on the shoulder area, without affecting the projection of the heart. Otherwise, you may experience a rapid heartbeat and arrhythmia.
In chronic pancreatitis or peptic ulcer, special diet is required, taking enzymes or anti-ulcer drugs according to the scheme.
Any discomfort that forces you to reduce physical activity: the patient shows rest. For sleep, it is recommended to choose an orthopedic pillow and mattress.
Great! If the pain under the left shoulder persists with a change in body position and does not subside, you should urgently consult a doctor to rule out acute myocardial infarction.
Possible diseases
The list of diseases accompanied by pain symptoms:
- Bursitis- inflammation of the periarticular shoulder bag. Due to injuries or excessive loads, the soft tissues swell, pressure appears on the nearby muscles, ligaments, tendons. The unpleasant sensations when you raise your hand gradually turn into acute pain syndrome, which manifests itself even in a dream. Bacterial (septic) bursitis is a consequence of infection of the mucous membrane. It is characterized by fever, redness of the skin of the shoulder, severe pain.
- Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region.Degenerative changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs cause muscle spasms, pinching of nerve roots, vascular bundles. The clinical picture begins with a slight tingling in the chest or back. Increased discomfort is accompanied by loss of sensitivity in the fingers and shoulder girdle.
- Intervertebral hernia.Destruction of the cartilage capsule of the intervertebral nucleus has more pronounced clinical manifestations. There is paralysis and paralysis of the upper extremities. Growing disc herniation is often complicated by mild to moderate neuropathic pain. The peculiarity of such pains is the lack of effect on the background of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Myositis.Inflammatory process of skeletal muscles resulting from infections or injuries. The most serious form of the disease is the ossification of the subcapsular muscles (ossification of the muscle tissue).
- Angina pectoris- a pathological condition accompanied by a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. Angina is characterized by back pain below the left shoulder, acute spasmodic pain behind the sternum. Severe stress, smoking and alcohol abuse trigger an attack.
Diagnostics
Western medicine relies on diagnostic material to rule out musculoskeletal problems. To make a final diagnosis, the patient must undergo:
- X-ray of the cervical and thoracic spine.
- Ultrasound for bursitis shows excess fluid in the joint capsule.
- Computed tomography.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
If a patient is suspected of myositis, a thorough blood test is required to confirm the inflammatory process.
If cardiac pathology is suspected, allopathic patients follow the following examination methods:
- Electrocardiogram.
- A blood test that determines the factors of myocyte necrosis.
- Ultrasound of the heart.
Treatment and prevention of diseases
Treatments and dosages vary depending on the form of the disease and its severity.
- The 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 the elimination of the pain syndrome with hormonal factors. Minimally invasive shoulder surgery is often used to treat bursitis.
- Myositis is treated with warmth and ointments, anti-inflammatory drugs. Physiotherapy is recommended in remission. With severe pain, allopaths block novocaine.
- Angina attacks are stopped with nitrate-like compounds. According to medical protocols, patients need injections of blood thinners to prevent blood clots. With high blood pressure, patients take antihypertensive pills. To normalize the rhythm, doctors prescribe antiarrhythmics. They also recommend taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, metabolic therapy.