Pain is one of the main symptoms that our body signals that a pathological process is on the way. It is definitely nonspecific and can accompany a large number of diseases. Many times, patients complain of pain in their back between the shoulder blades, and it is sometimes difficult to diagnose the pathology that causes it. Because there can be many reasons, it is almost impossible to make a correct diagnosis without special research methods.
Back pain between the shoulder blades may be of the most varied nature.
Triggers and nature of pain
Pain syndromes in the scapular region can be varied and the ability to accurately determine their nature is of great diagnostic value. Consider possible features of this symptom:
- By duration - acute or chronic.
- By intensity - pain, strong or weak.
- Born - squeezing, cramping, stabbing or cutting.
- Other sensations may also occur: fullness, crawling, numbness, back heaviness, tingling.
It is well known that there are certain predisposing factors that can cause pain in the scapula area. Let's consider them in more detail.
- Live a sedentary lifestyle.
- A blow to the spine and various injuries.
- Jumping from a height, lifting weights fast, running fast are physical exercises performed by untrained people.
- The general fitness level is low.
- Chronic diseases of the stomach and heart have historically been present.
- Sedentary work.
- Pathology of thoracic organs.
All of these factors do not always lead to back pain between the left and right shoulder blades. Pathology occurs only when certain conditions occur at the same time, and as one of the symptoms of its manifestation, pain syndrome.
What diseases cause pain
The question "Why does my back hurt in the scapula area? " is of interest to many people. Consider that this symptom may be a manifestation of pathology.
Thoracic spine disorders:
- Kyphosis. This is a condition that causes the spine to curve backwards. In the initial stage, a person just has a stoop, and in the final stage, a spine hump. Usually, the pathology manifests in childhood due to incorrect body posture while sitting at a desk and writing. The disease is characterized by persistent pain in the scapular region and characteristic visible curvature of the spine.
- Scoliosis is another disorder associated with deformity of the spine. With it, the spine curves right or left. The reason is the constant incorrect position of the body. The pain syndrome of this disease occurs as a result of overstrained muscles and pinched nerves that flex the spine. Soreness is periodic in nature and may feel numb.
- Spondyloarthropathy. This disease belongs to the group of degenerative dystrophic pathologies that affect the spine. It manifests as the destruction of the intervertebral joints, leading to the formation of bone growths. The pain syndrome is constant, sometimes spasmodic and acute, in the back between the left and right shoulder blades.
- Scoliosis. This pathology was a combination of kyphosis and scoliosis in one patient. That is, the spine curves back and to the left or right. Pain can be localized to the scapula area.
- Disc herniation. This is one of the most complex disorders of the musculoskeletal system. It manifests itself as a prominence of disk content beyond its limits. As a result, the spinal cord and its roots become compressed in the chest area, causing back pain between the shoulder blades.
- Osteochondrosis. The pain sensation is caused by compression of the root of the spinal cord and is pain in nature. With sudden movements, weight lifting, the pain may be exacerbated. This pathology is the most common cause of pain in the thoracic spine near the scapula.
- Mechanical injury to the spine. Spinal injuries of varying degrees can occur during impacts, falls from heights, and car accidents. All of this will be accompanied by a series of symptoms, of which there is no doubt spinal pain in the area between the left and right shoulder blades.
A disease characterized by the development of the process of intervertebral disc dystrophy. As a result, they lose elasticity and regeneration.
Spinal Nerve Disorders:
- Cervical or thoracic sciatica. Radiculitis is inflammation of spinal nerves due to injury, compression, irritation, or invasion. Most of the time, the disease is the result of something in the spine: curvature, progression of osteochondrosis, displacement of vertebrae, etc. If the base of the spine is damaged, inflammation and swelling can occur, causing pain in the area between the shoulder blades and along the damaged nerve. Patients may also complain of numbness or burning in the same area.
- Intercostal neuralgia. Intercostal nerve inflammation. Due to their proximity to the skin surface, they are often affected by pathological processes. The pain syndrome can be localized between the left and right shoulder blades or along the intercostal nerves in a band-like pattern.
Mediastinal and Thoracic Disorders:
- Cardiac ischemia. For a variety of reasons (atherosclerosis, coronary vasospasm, thrombosis, etc. ), normal blood flow through the coronary vessels is disrupted, leading to hypoxia to the heart, resulting in a burning pain behind the sternum during exercise. In addition, pain can be localized to the thoracic spine region, appearing in the left arm and scapula.
- pleurisy. Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura (the membrane around the lungs). If the damaged area of the lung is closer to the right side of the spine, the pain can be concentrated in the back near the shoulder blade. Body temperature also rises and weakness occurs.
- myocardial infarction. This is due to partial necrosis of the myocardium due to acute circulatory disturbance. The pain is very sharp and severe. located in the heart area. It can also be located under the thoracic spine and left scapula, and radiate to the left clavicle and arm.
- Subphrenic abscess. Usually, the pain is located between the shoulder blades, below the shoulder blades, or more to the right (if the abscess appears to the right of the diaphragm). Has a distinct character. This raises the body temperature.
Other organ diseases:
- Pyelonephritis. This is a purulent inflammation of the kidneys. The pain syndrome is located in the lumbar region, below the scapula, and can radiate to the thoracic spine. In this context, body temperature rises, often with painful urination and chills.
- Polio or tuberculosis. These infectious diseases can affect the human skeletal system, including the spine. If the thoracic area is involved in the pathological process, the pain is located below the shoulder blade or in its area and along the spine.
in conclusion
As you can see, the list of diseases is not small, which is why doctors often fail to diagnose pain between the shoulder blades right away. If you have this symptom then you do not need to delay going to a medical facility as the cause can be very serious and require urgent treatment.