What are the symptoms of pain in the shoulder blade bone on the left side?
The left shoulder blade refers to the left scapula and pain in this area may be caused by conditions such as muscle strain, shoulder periarthritis (frozen shoulder), or rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment should be based on the underlying cause.
1. Muscle Strain
If a patient overuses the left shoulder, it may lead to scapular muscle strain and result in pain in the left scapula. This condition typically does not require special treatment and can resolve on its own.
2. Shoulder Periarthritis
Shoulder periarthritis is mainly caused by degenerative changes in the shoulder joint or cumulative long-term injuries, leading to pain in the left scapula and shoulder stiffness. Under medical guidance, patients may take analgesic medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or acetaminophen tablets. For more severe cases, surgical options such as capsular release or arthroscopic shoulder release may be considered.
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily caused by autoimmune dysfunction and genetic factors, resulting in symptoms such as morning stiffness, joint swelling, and pain, which may cause pain in the left scapula. Under medical supervision, patients may take medications like sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets or leflunomide tablets to alleviate symptoms. If pain is severe, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets or celecoxib capsules may be prescribed.
In addition, left scapular pain could also result from thoracic facet joint dysfunction. Patients are advised to follow their doctor's instructions regarding medication and should not self-medicate.