Pain under the shoulder blades from the back - causes, symptoms and treatment

Pain in the thoracic region at shoulder blade level may indicate back problems, pain in internal organs, and a picture of heart discomfort. To find out the cause, you need to clearly explain the complaint to the doctor, and undergo an examination. Depending on the diagnosis, therapy is prescribed. You should also consider in detail how to treat back pain under the shoulder blades.

Breast Anatomy

The scapular zone belongs to the thoracic spine and is located at chest level. It is necessary to study the anatomy of this area to understand which organs can interfere with the patient directly and indirectly.

The main anatomical elements include:

1. Spinal column - consists of the spinal cord and vertebrae, intervertebral discs. It is an important part of the entire musculoskeletal system, protecting the spinal cord from damage.
2. The right and left scapula belong to the bone structure of the upper shoulder girdle. They look like triangles and flat bones. This bone structure has many holes and indentations. This is where ligaments, tendons and muscles attach. The blade has high strength, so it can easily withstand constant static loads.
3. The clavicle is the bone that connects the shoulder blades with the chest.
4. Heart - is responsible for the function of the cardiovascular system, pumping blood through veins and arteries.
5. The lungs are the paired respiratory organs responsible for the process of gas exchange.
6. Esophagus, stomach - belong to the digestive organs.
7. Ribs - provide a protective function of the chest. This is a flat bone that attaches to the spine at the back and in front of the sternum.

The nature of pain

The shoulder blades are located in the posterior part of the back and close to the humerus and collarbone. These are paired bones in a triangular shape, to which the rhomboid and partially trapezius muscles are attached. This muscle group makes the upper shoulder girdle portable. The shoulder blades are connected together with the ribs to form a strong body skeleton. Any discomfort in this area can cause significant discomfort and limited movement of the upper back. For this reason, the pain is unacceptable and you should see a doctor immediately.

The various sensations of pain are divided into several classifications:

1. Pain and its character according to the localization of unpleasant sensations - in the middle of the shoulder blades, on the left or right, whether there is radiation to the chest or between the ribs, the pain is felt higher or lower.
2. By the nature of sensations - unpleasant sensations, pulling, acute pain, whining, irradiation, throbbing.
3. The period of pain is an onset of episodes, it is felt continuously, increases sharply, unpleasant sensations occur after physical activity.

Often, pulling pain indicates a problem with the spine and rarely signals other related problems.

Main reason

Symptoms of pain under the shoulder blades occur due to disorders such as:

• pain in the stomach (gastric ulcer, gastritis);
• digestive disorders (heartburn, esophageal reflux);
• disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system (myocardial infarction, pericarditis);
• lung problems (bronchitis, pneumonia);
• degenerative disorders of the ridges, spine;
• trauma, inflammation, sprains, myositis;
• nerve disorders.

In 90% of cases, as statistics show, discomfort in the shoulder blades is caused by back pain. The human spine is responsible for walking upright, so it bears a significant load. A mindful attitude towards one’s health helps improve well-being when physical inactivity and poor posture cause discomfort. The situation worsens with age.

injuries

If the patient has bruises or sprains, pain under the shoulder blades may occur with movement or tension. In the acute period, pain persists and is felt even at rest. Depending on the location of the injury, pain occurs on the left or right side of the shoulder blade. The most common type of damage is bone or muscular corset.

Other types of traumatic injuries:

1. injuries. It is characterized by superficial pain. Often, superficial soft tissues, upper muscle layers and subcutaneous fat suffer from bruising. Unpleasant sensations occur under the shoulder blades and below, swelling and local inflammatory processes appear. Usually no special treatment is needed. The pain goes away on its own within a few weeks.
2. Fractures or cracks - the pain is acute and has no reflection and is concentrated at the site of injury. The slightest movement of the hand causes a painful sensation. In such cases, the patient is shown complete rest, so as not to aggravate the condition with a fracture.
3. Dislocation, displacement of the vertebrae. In this case, the pain will be localized not only in the shoulder blade area, but also in the back at the level of the thoracic area. Often, pain occurs as a result of compression of nerve endings in the spinal canal, which indicates damage to the intervertebral disc.

Trauma is easily identifiable. During movement, cramping is felt, swelling of the tissue at the site of the bruise is observed.

Osteochondrosis

The classic manifestation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is interscapular pain at the level of the ridge. Unpleasant sensations arise due to pinched nerve endings. With a lesion in the thoracic area at the top of the patient, he felt a sharp scapular pain radiating to the arm. The side depends on the specific nerve root lesion. When squeezing the blood vessels, there is an increase in pressure, headache and dizziness.

If the lower part of the thoracic region is affected, then the patient has an unpleasant sensation in the lower back of the scapula. Also give to the left or right hand, depending on the location of the pinched nerve. Over time, the pain becomes more intense, the patient begins to feel uncomfortable not only during motor activity, but also during periods of rest. Difficult situation - discomfort is felt all the time, even at night. Often, against the background of osteochondrosis, protrusion or hernia occurs.

Scoliosis

Posture disorders are the most common spinal disease that occurs at an early age. The first problem is observed already from the first grade of school - children do not control the correct posture and do not understand why adults need them to sit evenly. Over time, abnormal movement habits develop. A person sits in a position that is comfortable for him, but this position causes static load on the muscles and the development of imbalance. If the spine remains in an antalgic position for a long time, then curvature occurs, which is fraught with consequences.

In adulthood, many people experience hypodynamia - a state of low physical activity, when a person leads an exclusively inactive lifestyle. The result is constant back pain due to muscle weakness. If there is curvature in the thoracic area, then the pain is localized in the shoulder blade area. Sometimes there is discomfort radiating in the cervical area. The characteristic difference of scoliosis is that one shoulder is higher than the other in a standing and relaxed position.

At the initial examination, the therapist can see the disease. It is necessary to treat the disease for a long time and with the help of an integrated approach. To alleviate a painful situation, you need to establish a lifestyle, stop being nervous and start moving. Under stress, muscle tone can increase, which will lead to a decline in well -being. Massage helps a lot, it is also useful to carry out exercise therapy for the back.

Hernia and protrusion

The appearance of an intervertebral hernia is a serious condition characterized by the protrusion of the spinal canal through a fibrous ring of discs. The previous hernia condition was protrusion. With protrusion, the disc is partially damaged, and the fibrous ring is stretched. Hernias occur during vigorous physical exercise, due to weight lifting. An important role in their appearance is played by hereditary factors. If the family has a close relative who has a hernia or protrusion, then most likely it will happen with age in the child.

If the hernia or protrusion is located at the level of the thoracic area, then pain occurs in the shoulder blade area. There is also radiating pain in the arm or shoulder. The side depends on the root of the particular pinched nerve. The painful shot is explained by the defeat of the nerve endings, which are pinched due to excessive compression in the back.

When the lower back is affected, back pain is given to the legs, and when a cervical hernia occurs, the pain radiates to the head. In any case, a hernia requires complex treatment aimed at relieving the back, relieving acute pain and relieving muscle spasms. With hernias and protrusions, it is useful to carry out exercise therapy, attend physiotherapy procedures. In rare and advanced cases, surgery is required.

Kyphosis

This is a curvature similar to scoliosis, but in the opposite direction. If with scoliosis the spine is curved to the right or left, then with kyphosis there is a clear bending of the upper shoulder girdle. One of the hallmarks of the disease is pain in the interscapular zone with the presence of external signs of pathology. It is painful under the left or right shoulder blade, depending on the nature of the curvature. Usually the pain occurs on both sides and gives to the arms, neck. There are two main mechanisms for the formation of pathology:

1. Neurogenic. During the occurrence of curvature, a degenerative process occurs in the spine, which results in pinching of the nerve roots of the spinal cord. There is aching pain in the right and left scapula area, which is given to the neck, collarbone or arm, less frequently to the shoulder joint.
2. muscular. Constantly being in a concave state causes muscle imbalance and excessive fatigue. In the upper back, the muscles are clamped, which causes hypertonicity and severe pain. The rest of the back muscles also suffer. Hypotension may occur in the lumbar region.

As a result, the vertebral arteries are compressed, which causes a constant violation of cerebral circulation. Gradually, there is a deterioration in well-being, there is damage in the work of internal organs. With such patients, it is necessary to carry out complex work, including rehabilitation services, exercise therapy.

Spondylarthrosis

Sometimes the development of spondylarthrosis indicates pain on the right or left side in the shoulder blade area. The disease is characterized by damage to the facet joints and intervertebral discs. With the development of the disease, there is a loss of mobility, there is a feeling of stiffness, which is most noticeable in the morning.

Pathology manifests itself in several stages:

1. Deformation and destruction of cartilage. If blood circulation is affected in this zone, then the integrity of the connective tissue is destroyed, which causes the articular disc to become thinner. The recovery process in bone and connective tissue deteriorates significantly. Increased physical activity in this area leads to microtrauma.
2. Subsequent deformation changes take effect. Seals appear in the disc, mobility worsens, which leads to increased destruction of cartilage tissue. The patient may always feel pain, even in a calm state.
3. The terminal stage is ossification, the formation of osteophytes. These growths injure adjacent joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments. In this case, surgery will be required.

The characteristic manifestation of spondylarthrosis in the early stages is the appearance of pain only during physical exercise. Discomfort during rest is reduced, as there are no traumatic factors.

Intercostal neuralgia

This condition refers to a disorder of the vagus nerve. When pathology occurs, a sharp pain appears, shooting into the shoulder blades, ribs and chest. This type of pain is often confused with a heart attack. The characteristic difference is the lack of obvious localization in the heart area. Unpleasant sensations add to inspiration. The pain is accompanied by a feeling of constriction. If the patient thinks that he has angina pectoris, then after taking nitroglycerin, there is no relief.

Pain under the right or left shoulder blade indicates conservation to a specific area. Numbness and cramping are not typical for this pathological process. Given the specificity of the symptoms of the disease, the specialist will make a diagnosis without any problems. Treatment consists of the use of vitamin B injections and myotropic drugs (muscle relaxants). Intercostal neuralgia therapy should be supervised by a neurologist.

The cause of pain under the left shoulder blade from behind from behind - heart disorders

Often, back pain indicates a heart disorder. Why back pain is a referred pain phenomenon that indicates coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction or pericarditis. If there is a sudden stabbing pain, which increases with physical exertion, but there are no symptoms of spinal disease, you should immediately visit a cardiologist for consultation. Self -treatment or procrastination can bring the condition to a critical state.

The most common causes of discomfort in the heart, causing pain under the left shoulder blade from behind:

1. Myocardial infarction. In addition to irradiation, patients feel aching pain in the heart muscle area. The pathological cause is associated with blockage of arteries and large veins by thrombus. If the thrombotic plaque ruptures and blocks vascular flow around the heart, a heart attack will occur. In this situation, one must act quickly, otherwise the patient will die. The main causes of arising pathology are atherosclerosis, agglutination of erythrocytes, platelets with increased coagulation.
2. Ischemic heart disease or angina pectoris. According to information from medical articles, attacks of coronary artery disease develop suddenly. There is a dull pain, which is paroxysmal in nature. The attack is easily stopped by taking nitroglycerin. The disease requires further medical supervision, as it can occur at the most unexpected moments. If the attack lasts more than a few hours, and medication does not help, you need to call an ambulance. In addition to the discomfort in the liver, the patient’s breathing becomes real, shortness of breath occurs, which is exacerbated by physical exertion.
3. Pain under the left shoulder blade from behind from behind may indicate the development of an attack of pericarditis. The pathology is characterized by fluid accumulation with inflammatory lesions of the serous membrane of the heart. Diagnosis includes testing for markers of inflammation, including rheumatic testing. Pericarditis is often a complication of previous infectious diseases, including upper and lower respiratory tract diseases. Long -term, complex therapy is carried out.

Diseases of the respiratory system

With the presence of prolonged respiratory illness, the patient may eventually experience radiating pain in the scapular area. Often, complications are caused by diseases such as:

1. Chronic or acute bronchitis. In the early stages, the disease is characterized by tuberculosis. Gradually, laryngeal irritation increases and a wet cough occurs. If the disease has developed against the background of SARS, then there is an increase in body temperature. The disease does not require special therapy, enough to observe sleep rest, drink more warm fluids. Rarely, antipyretics and antibiotics may be needed.
2. Pleurisy. If the patient complains of severe chest pain with possible radiation, cough, shortness of breath and fever, then the specialist must rule out or confirm the disease. Pleurisy is characterized by inflammation of the pleural sheet, followed by accumulation of fluid sputum in the pleural cavity. This disease is difficult to bear. Comprehensive treatment with antibiotics and anti-tuberculosis drugs is required.
3. Pneumonia. Often develops as a complication of SARS. Pneumonia is characterized by a severe course, accompanied by cough, shortness of breath, chest pain on inspiration and a strong fever. The disease is confirmed by chest x-ray and can be treated with antibiotics.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

All gastrointestinal tract disorders that cause discomfort in the scapular area have the characteristic of reflected pain. What issues might arise:

1. Gastritis or stomach ulcers. If there is a picture of pain syndrome, then the patient feels unpleasant discomfort in the lower thoracic region (the bottom of the shoulder blades on both sides). It may look like muscle aches. With an attack of pain in the abdomen, a burning sensation in the solar plexus can be felt in parallel. The disease is treated in a complex way, drugs are used to reduce acidity, healing agents (proton pump inhibitors). If a bacterial pathogen is found, antibiotics are prescribed.
2. Esophageal reflux, heartburn. Discomfort occurs in the chest area, often radiating to the scapular area. The pathological cause is the return of stomach contents to the esophagus. Unpleasant sensations are associated with the irritating effect of hydrochloric acid on the esophagus. There is a sour eructation, a lumpy sensation in the throat. In rare cases, vomiting occurs. To prevent attacks, you need to limit the consumption of fried, spicy and fatty foods. In symptomatic treatment, acid -lowering antacids based on magnesium and aluminum hydroxide are used.

Editorial opinion

Unpleasant sensations in the scapular zone are most often associated with exacerbation of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Less often, heart disorders, neurological problems, diseases of the stomach and respiratory system lead to discomfort. To find out more about the causes of back pain, it is recommended to review the corresponding articles on our website.