Differential Diagnosis for Shoulder Blade Pain into Left Side Neck
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal Strain or Sprain: This is the most common cause of shoulder blade pain radiating to the neck, often due to overuse, poor posture, or direct trauma to the area. The pain's intermittent nature over 2 months supports this diagnosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cervical Spondylosis: Wear and tear on the cervical spine can cause pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulder blade area, especially if there is nerve root compression.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Compression of the nerves and/or blood vessels that pass into the thoracic outlet (the space between your collarbone and first rib) can cause pain in the shoulder and neck.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome: This condition involves pain and inflammation in the muscles and their surrounding connective tissue, which can cause referred pain patterns including shoulder blade pain radiating to the neck.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less common, a pulmonary embolism can cause sudden onset of shoulder or chest pain that may radiate to the neck, and is a medical emergency.
- Aortic Dissection: A tear in the aorta's inner layer can cause severe, tearing pain that often starts in the chest and radiates to the back or neck, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Spinal Cord Compression: Compression of the spinal cord can cause pain, numbness, and weakness, and if not promptly treated, can lead to permanent neurological damage.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pancoast Tumor: A rare type of lung cancer located at the top of the lung that can cause shoulder pain due to local invasion of the brachial plexus and adjacent structures.
- Referred Pain from Abdominal Pathology: Certain abdominal conditions, such as pancreatitis or a splenic rupture, can cause referred pain to the shoulder or neck area, although this would typically be accompanied by other significant symptoms.
- Osteoid Osteoma or Other Bone Tumors: Benign or malignant bone tumors in the shoulder blade or cervical spine can cause localized pain that may radiate to the neck.