Pain that's felt in your left shoulder blade and neck after eating meals may be related to various digestive conditions. It's common for pain from upper-digestive symptoms to affect other parts of your upper body. Sometimes pain may originate in one area of your body but is felt in another area. This is called reflected pain. Common causes of pain that may develop after meals and be felt in your left shoulder blade and neck include gallstones, a peptic ulcer and heartburn. Talk with your doctor about a diagnosis and the most effective treatment options.
Gallstones
Gallstones can cause mild to severe pain anywhere in your upper body. Gallstones are cholesterol deposits that develop in your gallbladder. When you eat food, your gallbladder contracts to dispense bile into your stomach. If you have gallstones, the stone may be larger than the duct opening, causing pain when the gallbladder attempts to push it out. Gallstones that become lodged in the opening can lead to an infection, which will cause severe pain in your abdomen, back and neck. If this occurs, you will need to undergo surgery to remove your gallbladder, according MayoClinic.com.
Peptic Ulcer
A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the upper portion of your digestive system that can cause pain after eating. Some foods, such as acidic and spicy foods, can trigger greater pain than others. An ulcer can form in your esophagus, your stomach and the opening of your small intestines. Most ulcers are the result of a bacterial infection in the lining of your digestive system that is treated with triple antibiotic therapy to kill the bacteria, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Peptic ulcers may cause pain your throat, upper abdomen, neck, back and shoulders.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a condition where you feel a burning and painful sensation in the back of your throat after eating. Heartburn may also cause an unpleasant taste to occur in your mouth after a meal. Severe heartburn or heartburn that occurs frequently may be a sign of a more serious condition. When you eat food, your sphincter muscle keeps stomach acid away from the throat. If the muscle doesn't close the whole way, acid can affect the soft tissue in your throat, causing pain in various portions of your upper body. Antacids are the most common treatment for heartburn.
Consideration
If you develop pain that prohibits normal functioning of your body, call your doctor. Vomiting blood or blood in your stool may be a sign of a complication. Do not attempt to treat your symptoms without first talking with your doctor.
