Pain in the back left shoulder blade is a common issue, varying in intensity and character. It can stem from various sources, from minor muscular problems to more serious underlying conditions requiring medical attention. This article explores potential causes of left shoulder blade pain.
Musculoskeletal Origins of Pain
Pain in the back left shoulder blade often stems from musculoskeletal issues. Muscles around the shoulder blade, like the trapezius and rhomboids, are prone to strain or injury. Poor posture, such as slouching, can overstretch these muscles, leading to chronic tension. Repetitive or sudden movements can also cause acute muscle strains and localized pain.
Overuse injuries are another common musculoskeletal contributor, often seen in activities requiring repetitive arm or shoulder movements. Conditions like rotator cuff tendinitis, while primarily affecting the shoulder joint, can manifest as pain radiating towards the shoulder blade. Trigger points, which are hyperirritable spots within a taut band of skeletal muscle, can also develop in the muscles around the shoulder blade. These can cause localized tenderness and referred pain.
Scapular dysfunction, where the shoulder blade moves incorrectly, can also cause pain by stressing surrounding muscles and joints. Habits like carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder or sleeping awkwardly can worsen these issues. Addressing such habits is often a first step in managing this type of pain.
Nerve-Related Discomfort
Nerve irritation or compression can also be a source of pain in the left shoulder blade. Cervical radiculopathy, or a “pinched nerve” in the neck, is a common cause. This happens when a nerve root in the cervical spine is compressed or inflamed, sending pain signals that radiate from the neck, down the arm, and into the left shoulder blade.
Nerve pain often differs from muscular discomfort. It may be described as sharp, shooting, or burning, extending beyond the immediate shoulder blade. Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand can also accompany the pain, indicating nerve involvement. These symptoms help distinguish nerve pain from muscle strain.
Another condition, though less common, is thoracic outlet syndrome, where nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and the first rib become compressed. This compression can lead to pain, numbness, or tingling in the shoulder, arm, and hand, sometimes radiating to the shoulder blade. Understanding these distinct qualities of nerve pain can help in identifying its potential cause.
Referred Pain from Organ Systems
Pain in the left shoulder blade can also be referred pain, originating from internal organs rather than musculoskeletal or nervous systems. This occurs when discomfort from an internal organ is felt in a different part of the body, often due to shared nerve pathways. Though less common than musculoskeletal causes, these instances are important to recognize, especially on the left side.
Heart conditions can cause referred pain to the left shoulder blade. Angina, chest pain from reduced heart blood flow, may radiate to the left arm, jaw, or shoulder blade. A heart attack can also present with left shoulder blade pain, often with chest pressure, shortness of breath, or sweating. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for prompt medical evaluation.
Pulmonary conditions like pleurisy or pneumonia can also cause referred pain to the shoulder blade. Pleurisy, inflammation of the lining around the lungs, causes sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing and may radiate to the shoulder. Pneumonia can also trigger discomfort in the left shoulder blade. Gastrointestinal issues, including acid reflux, stomach ulcers, or pancreatitis, might also cause referred pain in the left shoulder blade. Pancreatic inflammation, for instance, can cause severe pain radiating to the back, sometimes involving the left shoulder blade.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
While much back left shoulder blade pain resolves with rest, certain symptoms require prompt medical attention. Severe or sudden pain, especially if crushing or accompanied by chest pressure, needs immediate emergency evaluation. Pain radiating to the left arm or jaw, or occurring with shortness of breath, dizziness, or profuse sweating, also indicates a potential medical emergency.
Other “red flag” symptoms include worsening or persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand. Unexplained weight loss, fever, chills, or night sweats accompanying the pain also warrant a healthcare visit. Pain that doesn’t improve after several days of rest or over-the-counter relief, or significantly interferes with daily activities, also warrants medical consultation. A healthcare provider can ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.