If you are experiencing pain below left shoulder blade, the triangular bone that forms the back of your shoulders, it may be time for an examination.
This discomfort typically starts below the spine and travels towards both shoulders, but it could also take on different forms, such as sharp shooting pains between various points along with one’s upper back muscles.
Shoulder blade pain can be due to a number of reasons. It could just be an unknown symptom that’s bothering you, but there are some less common causes, such as heart attack or lung cancer. However, there are many other causes, including degenerative disc disease, arthritis, and gallbladder ailments, to name just a few.
This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and pain treatment below the left shoulder blade.
Causes of Pain Below Left Shoulder Blade
Poor Posture
Wrong posture is one of the many causes of pain below the left/right shoulder blades. The upper back is a large and essential muscle group that supports many of your body’s systems. When you hunch up, tilt the head down, or sit to one side while doing activities like working behind the desk can contribute to structural changes in the spine, which may lead long term pain underneath the shoulder blade.
Strain
If you have been feeling pain in your shoulder blade for an extended period, it could be due to a muscle strain. This discomfort can often result from overusing the arm and upper part of the body by carrying heavy objects or pushing yourself hard while doing housework, etcetera! You may also experience scapula-related pains, including other muscles such as those found along the spine’s association lines, making moving around difficult.
Pain is not only a sign that something needs to be fixed but can also serve as an indicator of some conditions. For example, long-lasting or chronic pain may arise from fibromyalgia and myofascial syndrome, which cause shoulder blade cramping in addition to rotator cuff tears causing overhead arm discomfort.
Another painful situation one could experience would be snapping scapula’s condition where there will be crackling noises against their inner side near the neck when hanging onto things tightly, such bars during climbing stairs because this arises due largely thanks so much pressure being applied weight.
Cervical Disc Herniation
When a disc herniates, the inner layer pushes through or tears against its outer covering. This can be at any level and will cause pain that radiates down. This is because certain levels of discs push through at times, causing an irritation to nerves that radiates outwards from there towards other parts. This is one of the most common common cause of neck pain and shoulder pain.
Incorrect Lifting
Pain below the left shoulder blade is often caused by incorrect lifting techniques. If you lift an object that is too heavy, or if the thing is held away from the body with the spine missed up, you can place undue pressure on your upper back. Lifting objects overhead that are too heavy can strain muscles or sprain ligaments, or potentially injure the shoulder joint or spine, which could refer to pain under or near the shoulder blade.
Bones & Joint Issues
The shoulder blade is a bone that can cause pain in some cases. A person may have experienced an injury to their arm, such as from falling and breaking it into pieces or getting hit by another object hard enough for them accidentally do so- this would result in not just physical trauma but also mental stressors like worrying about how they’ll be able to perform specific tasks without feeling confident doing so because of lack movement around mobility, etc. This pain can also be caused by normal aging and degenerative conditions like arthritis, spinal stenosis, frozen shoulder, and fibromyalgia.
Cardiac Issues
Pain below the left shoulder blade can also be a symptom of heart problems. Suppose you have shoulder blades or chest pains that don’t go away with treatments. In that case, it is always wise to get medical attention in case they are signs of more serious cardiac events such as an attack from Aortic Dissection, which could lead to Pericarditis – also knowns to cause further complications like Cardiac Emergencies.
Injuries
Pain below the left shoulder blade is often caused by injuries to other body parts, such as the rotator cuff, spine, or shoulder. These injuries can cause trauma and pain in the area. In some cases, the pain may be severe enough to require medical attention. If you experience pain between your shoulder blades, it is essential to see a doctor to rule out any severe conditions. Treatment will vary depending on the cause of the pain. However, many people find relief with over-the-counter medications or home remedies. If you are experiencing chronic pain, you must talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
Lungs Problems
Some people with lung cancer and mesothelioma (a rare but severe condition) have shoulder or scapula pain. A Pancoast tumor – also related to these two cancers- grows on top of their lungs; it usually causes discomfort in the shoulders/shoulder blades area and armpits. Other possible sources for this kind of discomfort could include Pulmonary embolism, blood clots from deep within your legs which break off travel nearest vital organs like the brain & heart before detouring via respective drainages systems.
Treatment of Pain Below Left Shoulder Blade
There are many causes of shoulder blade pain, and each person’s recovery time will vary. Here are some home remedies, exercises, diet plans, and medicines to recover from this type of pain.
Home Remedies
There are plenty of easy remedies at home for those suffering from shoulder blade pain. Anti-inflammatory medication like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can help relieve your discomfort and inflammation by reducing the pain sensation. Cold compresses may also be used on affected areas when moistened with water-soaked pads to provide relief against swelling triggered by an injury. Heat therapy is another excellent way to ease stiffness while exercising regularly would give you more energy throughout each day! There’s no need to go through harsh treatments when these awesome therapies are available.
Exercises
Exercises like pushups, pullups, and sit-ups can strengthen your abdominal and back muscles and relieve back pain. Shoulder back squeeze, arm circle, planking, and stretching are proven exercises that help reduce your pain below the left shoulder blade.
Diet
If you’re suffering from chronic pain, the body’s inflammation may be blamed. Avoid processed foods and eat plenty of fruits or vegetables to reduce symptoms– choices high on omega-3s like salmon can also help.
Massage Therapy
Massaging the muscle tissue between your shoulder blades can help to ease stress and tension. You could also purchase handheld massager devices for at-home use, which are convenient because they don’t require an outlet.
Treatment
Medicines like Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) may help reduce discomfort. Muscle relaxants might also be prescribed for treatment if you have muscle stiffness or another medical condition affecting the spine. Antidepressants can also give relief from some symptoms associated with this problem. However, if the condition is severe and needs medical attention, we recommend you consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Can pain In the left shoulder blade be heart-related?
As we discussed earlier, this can be caused by many different things, but pain below the left shoulder blade is also one of the symptoms of a heart attack, especially among women. Other signs that may be present include chest pain and shortness of breath. If you experience these symptoms, it is crucial to seek emergency medical treatment as soon as possible. Pain in the shoulder blades can also be caused by other conditions, such as muscle strain or arthritis. However, if you experience pain in the left shoulder blade and other heart attack symptoms, it is essential to rule out this possibility. Seek emergency medical treatment as soon as possible.
When should I worry about left shoulder blade pain?
Pain below the left shoulder blade is a common occurrence that can have a variety of different causes. While often nothing to worry about, it can indicate an underlying condition. Pain in this area can radiate from the shoulder blade, muscles, and tendons surrounding it. It is often caused by poor posture, muscle strain, or injury. However, it can also be a symptom of more severe conditions such as arthritis, infection, or heart disease. If you experience severe pain below your left shoulder blade or it lasts longer than a week, you should see a doctor for further evaluation.
Bottom Line
Pain below the left shoulder blade is a common complaint in clinical practice. While this pain can come from structures in and around the shoulder joint, it can also originate from heart, lung, or chest-wall problems; abdominal or pelvic conditions, or certain cancers. Pain arising from these structures can refer to the left shoulder blade region. As a result, diagnosing the source of shoulder blade pain can be complicated. It may involve a lot of questions, blood tests, imaging, heart tests, and abdominal exams and scopes. Treatment for shoulder blade pain also depends on the underlying cause. It may range from home care for a muscle strain to chemotherapy and radiation for cancer. However, because scapula pain can be a symptom of severe and even life-threatening conditions, you should always have it checked by a healthcare provider.