The back burns in the area of ​​the shoulder blades, burning. What could be

If a person experiences a burning sensation in the area of ​​the shoulder blades and there is a feeling, as if the back is on fire, then we can talk about both serious pathologies and symptoms that appear from an improper lifestyle. Often, problems are associated with the work of the musculoskeletal system or the cardiovascular system. If such a symptom appears in the morning and is repeated more often 3 times a week, then you should consult a doctor, as this may be a manifestation of degenerative or inflammatory processes.

Possible reasons

To more accurately determine the cause of the development of discomfort, it is worth considering the localization of the pain syndrome. For example, discomfort may appear only on one side, in the center (in the spine), closer to the neck. Sometimes a burning sensation occurs during inhalation and exhalation.

Osteochondrosis

If the pain is localized under the left shoulder blade, then this may be a sign of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. With such a pathology, the spinal nerve roots are compressed. Patients complain of a pulling, dull pain that is usually felt only on one side and is localized just below the occipital region.

The pain syndrome can be constant or appear in the form of lumbago, which is usually given to the scapula. Worsening of the condition occurs when the head is turned and for some time after a night's sleep.

The cause of osteochondrosis can be a long load on the cervical spine. Some patients also complain of slight numbness in the hands, frequent headaches and dizziness.

Angina pectoris

This is a cardiac disease in which patients have rather severe pain in the area under the left shoulder blade. The pain syndrome is acute, first occurs in the area behind the sternum, and then spreads to the entire left side. The nature of the pain is sharp, constricting. Usually, the discomfort disappears after the person takes a horizontal position and relaxes or takes nitroglycerin. Less often validol helps.

The main cause of angina pectoris is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. Excessive physical or emotional stress can provoke an attack of the disease. Also, exacerbation occurs with a sharp change in temperature (with hypothermia or overheating). Alcohol and spicy foods are not recommended for patients with angina pectoris.

Pneumonia and pleurisy

The back burns in the area of ​​the shoulder blades (the burning sensation is not necessarily localized only at one point) with left-sided pneumonia. Patients complain of moderate pain. Additional symptoms include coughing (often with phlegm), wheezing. The patient's temperature may rise and fall sharply.

Pleurisy is purulent or dry. With both types of this pathology, severe pain is observed during inhalation and exhalation. Because of this, a person tries to protect the affected side, breathing becomes shallow.

Stomach ulcer

With the development of this common pathology, patients complain of growing pain in the area of ​​the left shoulder blade. Gradually, the pain syndrome intensifies and begins to spread to the chest. Because of this, the person may even have an attack of nausea or vomiting. Exacerbation of pain syndrome appears after eating spicy, salty and other unhealthy foods.

Additional symptoms include:

• blanching of the skin;
• nervousness;
• the appearance of cold sweat.

If a person is nauseous and blood clots are visible in vomiting, then you should immediately consult a doctor. During severe pain, it can be difficult for a person to move around on their own. In this case, the patient notes that with any movement, the pain syndrome increases.

Intercostal neuralgia

With this pathology, pain is usually localized under the left shoulder blade. Gradually, discomfort appears in the intercostal space. Simultaneously with these, the patient notes numbness and tingling in the affected area. The pain increases with each bend to the left side. Sometimes with inflammation of the intercostal nerve, skin rashes and redness are additionally observed.

Myocardial infarction

With a heart attack, a rather strong and sharp pain in the area of ​​the left shoulder blade can also occur. It can spread to the entire left side of the body (arm, neck). The most common cause of angina attacks is intense emotional stress.

In the case of a heart attack, the pain can be different: cutting, pressing or squeezing. A little less often, non-standard situations occur when pain syndrome appears in uncharacteristic places, for example, in the peritoneum.

Pericarditis

The back burns in the area of ​​the shoulder blades (burning and other symptoms only intensify the pain syndrome) due to inflammation of the serous membrane of the heart. This disease is characterized by tachycardia. That is why the feeling of discomfort is localized on the left side of the back. Gradually, a sharp pain may subside, mainly at rest or when a person bends forward.

This disease is quite dangerous, as over time adhesions form and organs begin to contract simultaneously with the heart. Another consequence of the development of pericarditis is the deposition of calcium salts. This provokes hardening of the heart membrane.

Psychosomatic diseases

Burning and pain in the left shoulder blade can occur with strong psychological stress or pathologies of a psychosomatic type. Emotional distress is the cause of these seizures. If it is too strong, then the body cannot cope with it on its own. Also, patients complain of an increase in body temperature, discomfort in the chest area, cramps in the throat. In difficult situations, it becomes difficult for a person to breathe, which can provoke an attack of panic and aggravate the situation.

Trauma

If there was a traumatic injury to the shoulder blades (for example, with a direct impact into this area or if a person fell on his back), then a burning sensation and severe cutting pain may also appear in the area of ​​the shoulder blades. The greatest intensity of pain syndrome is observed in the first few hours after injury. After that, the pain may increase with movement. Swelling gradually develops, and the damaged area may swell.

Trauma can vary in severity. If there is a fracture of the rib or scapula (or there is a suspicion that this happened), it is imperative to perform an X-ray.

Other causes of burning in the area of ​​the shoulder blades

The back burns in the area of ​​the shoulder blades and a burning sensation also appears for many other reasons.

The cause of the onset of painful syndrome	Description
Poor posture	This disorder can include scoliosis and other pathologies of the spine. Also, diseases with congenital etiology can be attributed to this category.
Spondylosis	In the course of the development of pathology, bone tissue proliferation occurs. This provokes a burning sensation in the back. Spondylosis can be caused by ankylosing spondylitis.
Unstable position of the vertebral bodies	If there is a displacement in any direction, the person experiences pain of varying intensity and burning.
Inflammation of the intervertebral joint	It can also affect the cervical and thoracic regions.
Stenosis	Often, against the background of stenosis, patients have a strong bake between the shoulder blades. If you do not take action, then there is a risk of developing an intervertebral hernia. As it increases, the pain syndrome will also increase.

Treatment methods

Treatment directly depends on the cause that caused the symptoms. Therefore, the patient must first undergo a complete examination and receive a doctor's diagnosis. Back problems often require complex treatment. Usually one of the stages of therapy is manual, ultrasound and other therapy. Sometimes electrophoresis is required, which is performed simultaneously with the introduction of novocaine.

The doctor revises the patient's menu and adjusts his nutrition. First of all, you need to give up salt, coffee and other drinks and food, which contribute to the rapid removal of water from the body. It is recommended to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables. It is important to drink plenty of water in order to normalize blood circulation.

Which specialist to contact

Since a burning sensation in the area of ​​the shoulder blades can indicate many diseases, treatment can be performed by:

• Gastroenterologist. If the pain was caused by dyspepsia or caused food intake.
• Pulmonologist or therapist. These specialists should be consulted for pain that intensifies during inhalation and exhalation. Also, a pulmonologist or therapist deals with treatment if the patient has additional symptoms in the form of shortness of breath, cough, fever.
• Neurologist. This specialist should be consulted if the pain syndrome is caused by increased loads and appears when performing movements.
• Traumatologist. A physician who prescribes treatment for patients who have received herbs, after which there is a burning sensation and pain.
• Cardiologist. This specialist is consulted when there is a burning sensation not only in the back, but also when discomfort in the chest appears.

  

Treatment will vary depending on the diagnosis.

Manual therapy

These measures allow not only to relieve the patient of unpleasant sensations, but also to identify specific disorders of the musculoskeletal system. During the session, the specialist can identify in which joints there is increased mobility or blocks. The therapy allows diagnosing and correcting muscle asymmetry.

Stretching, twisting, displacement are used as manual techniques. Thanks to such manipulations, bones and joints take the correct position from a physiological point of view. It is impossible to engage in such treatment in case of inflammation or tumor formations on the spine. Also, such treatment is categorically contraindicated if the patient has recently undergone surgery or has suffered from injuries.

Additional manual therapy is contraindicated for:

• exacerbations of any pathologies;
• pregnancy;
• hypertension;
• osteoporosis.

If the doctor allows the patient to undergo such treatment, then it gives a very quick result. As the bones and joints are in the correct position, muscle tension is reduced, which means that the burning sensation disappears. The course of treatment is determined on an individual basis.

Physiotherapy

This is a complex treatment that includes exposure to natural or artificial factors. Therapeutic interventions use electric current, magnetic fields, water, light and much more. Electrophoresis is highly effective. Also, the doctor may prescribe electrical stimulation, sun or mud baths.

Such events help to get rid of many chronic pathologies, and are also an excellent method of prevention. All procedures are painless and cannot cause a sharp reaction of the body or side effects.

Physiotherapy is prescribed for the treatment of inflammation, immune problems. Also, therapy allows you to get rid of problems with posture, normalizes the work of internal organs and the main systems of the body.

Physiotherapy measures should not be carried out in the case of:

• acute inflammation (procedures can be prescribed only after it);
• high body temperature;
• intoxication;
• damage to the skin, which should be affected by physiotherapy devices.

Drug treatment

The back burns in the area of ​​the shoulder blades (the burning sensation can be so strong that it is difficult for a person to sleep or just rest) for many reasons, but very often this is also accompanied by pain syndrome.

To remove it, the doctor may prescribe drugs:

• Ketonal.

  

• Diclofenac.

If the pain is unbearable and pain relievers do not help, novocaine blockade may be prescribed. With the development of an infectious disease, the doctor prescribes antibacterial agents. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor and is usually several weeks.

Massage

Therapeutic massage (it can be segmental or general) is a non-drug type of effect on the body. Thanks to the mechanical effect of the masseur's hands, muscle tension is relieved, as well as spasms, and blood circulation is improved. Massage is recommended not only for treatment, but as a preventive measure.

Similar treatment is prescribed for:

• pain and feeling of tension in the neck, limbs, or back;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• increased physical activity;
• injuries;
• pathologies of the musculoskeletal system;
• severe stress.

There are several contraindications to this treatment. For example, it is not recommended to perform therapeutic massage in case of exacerbation of the disease or in the transition of pathology to the acute stage. It is also forbidden to carry out such measures for any purulent-inflammatory diseases, intoxication, malignant tumor.

Due to massage, not only general tension is removed, muscle triggers are also eliminated, and the elasticity of the skin improves. In addition, such procedures stimulate metabolic processes in the body. A person ceases to experience fatigue, his sleep improves noticeably.

Physiotherapy

There are many exercises that can relieve the discomfort in the shoulder blades. The procedures can be performed independently, without the help of a specialist. For example, the following set of exercises in the supine position is highly effective in treating pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, fatigue, overexertion, stress.

To complete it you need:

1. Take a comfortable position (horizontally) and stretch your arms along the body. As you inhale, you need to raise your hands up, and as you exhale, lower them. Repeat 4-5 times.
2. Bend and straighten the feet. At the same time, squeeze and unclench your fingers. It is recommended to perform at least 10 such repetitions.
3. Rotate with feet (circular movements first to the right and then to the left). You need to make 4-6 turns in each direction. Repeat 10 times.
4. First pull one and then the other knees to the sternum. Repeat 6-8 times.
5. Put your hands behind your head and start raising your head. At the same time, you need to tighten your socks. Repetition - 8 times.
6. Perform the exercise "bike". To do this, you just need to simulate cycling. Make at least 5 circles in each direction.
7. Lay your feet shoulder-width apart and spread your arms to the sides. With the right hand, you need to reach the left hand and return to the starting position. After that, the exercise is repeated, but in the other direction. Repeat 6-8 times.

There is also a very simple exercise. To do this, in a standing position, it is enough to start waving your arms, imitating wings. This allows you to relax and get rid of joint pain that was caused by being in one position for a long time.

Possible consequences and complications

If you do not start treatment of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, then over time the situation will only get worse. This will not only impair the patient's mobility, but can also provoke other complications. In case of myocardial infarction, measures must also be taken immediately, since otherwise there is a risk of death. Any pain or burning sensation that bothers you for a long time should not be ignored.

Many of the listed causes of discomfort in the area of ​​the shoulder blades are much easier to prevent than to treat later. First of all, it is important to periodically undergo a scheduled inspection. Self-medication is not worth it. If the pain and burning sensation are caused by inflammation or infection, then traditional medicine can cause even more harm and lead to irreparable consequences.

This is especially true for procedures in which hot poultices are used. Also, do not prescribe medication yourself. Of course, pain relievers will have an effect, but they will not eliminate the causes of pain.

If the back burns in the area of ​​the shoulder blades and a burning sensation periodically appears, then you should pay attention to the frequency of discomfort. You also need to try to determine under what circumstances the syndrome is intensifying. When visiting a doctor, you need to describe your feelings in as much detail as possible. This will allow him to quickly make a correct diagnosis.

Video about the causes of discomfort

Pain in the area of ​​the shoulder blades: