Pain in the left scapula

Pain in the left scapula often, but not always, is a consequence of a disease like osteochondrosis, as many believe. To establish the exact diagnosis by means of available analyzes and indications of the patient even to the skilled or experienced doctor often it is possible not from the first attempt.

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Diseases that cause pain in the scapula

Pain in the left scapula can occur due to the following diseases:

• stomach ulcer. The main symptom of this disease is the pain that occurs during meals, the use of anticholinergics or heat. It can occur in periods, grow, and then fade, decrease, or even disappear after vomiting. The concentration of pain is most often observed in the epigastrium with irradiation in the left scapula, the left nipple, the thoracic vertebral column, behind the sternum. Analyzing the volumes, frequency and time of meals, we can state hungry, early and late pains, giving a visual picture of the localization of the ulcer;
• problems of a psychological nature, when the patient complains of the stiffness of breathing, fever in the chest, tingling in the heart, etc. Suddenly arising, blunt, acute painful sensations often radiate into the left scapula, neck, left arm extend to the abdomen. The heart feels like chains, it's hard for the patient to breathe;
• Angina pectoris, the consequence of which may be myocardial infarction. Angina is another insidious disease, accompanied by pain in the left shoulder blade, back, left side of the neck, lower jaw, left arm, chest pains. The use of vasodilators in this case does not give a positive result. Pain often occurs after a physical or powerful psychological load;
• osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebral column. The disease is characterized by aching, dull, concentrated pain in the lower back of the nape, causing the patient to wake up in the morning. The pain increases with a sharp turn or bending of the neck, prolonged pressure on the cervical spine (this is observed, for example, when the head for some time raised high up). The spread of pain is fixed in the left or right scapula, the left or right arm. Often there is dizziness;
• intercostal neuralgia accompanied by girdle (unilateral) permanent or periodic pain in the intercostal spaces, the increase of which is noted during walking, sneezing, coughing, pressing on the sore spot, various movements of the trunk, etc. Tight muscles in this disease provoke pain in the left scapula, heart , back, waist, right scapula;
• perforation of the ulcer (the exit of the ulcer beyond the stomach). In this situation, the pain extends into the left or right scapula, the area above the clavicles. There is vomiting or vomiting. The patient is in a cold sweat, pale, facial expression frightened. The position, lying on the back or lying on the right side with the knees tightened to the stomach, alleviates the pain somewhat. With each movement of the trunk, painful sensations in the abdominal region intensify.

Diagnosis of pain in the left scapula

Diagnosis of pain in the left scapula is performed using ultrasound, X-ray, computer and magnetic resonance imaging. Also, the patient is given general tests - urine and blood. If this is necessary, then conduct additional examinations.

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What if you have pain in the left scapula?

To determine the true cause of pain in the left scapula, in no case should one resort to self-medication, on the contrary, it is necessary to contact the medical institution as soon as possible. It is required to undergo examination at the following doctors: a cardiologist (with possible diseases with the heart), a neurologist, a psychiatrist (with disorders of the nervous system), a gastroenterologist (for checking the digestive system), a traumatologist, a vertebrologist (if there is osteochondrosis, radiculitis, etc.).