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What Causes Constant Pain In Upper Left Chest And Shoulder?

Posted on Tue, 14 Jun 2016

Question: I've had left upper chest pain and shoulder pain for approx two years cannot lie on left side when going to sleep,had stress test on heart and only issue was cholesterol was a little high 6.7,its not sharp pain its more dull pain,all blood tests clear and chest xray clear

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of costochondritis is more.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
I have gone through the report you have attached.
No need to worry for major heart or lung related diseases because your chest x ray and stress test are normal.
In my opinion, you should quit smoking as soon as possible.
Possibility of costochondritis is more.. It is inflammation of costal cartilage.
So follow these steps for better symptomatic relief.
1. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise.
2. Avoid movements causing pain.
3. Avoid bad postures in sleep.
4. Take painkiller and anti inflammatory drugs.
5. Apply warm water pad on affected areas.
You will mostly improve in symptoms with all these.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (30 hours later)

Thanks for your reply I was told it could be muscular but the pain just felt deeper then a muscular pain.I have been told my posture is not good and my shoulders drop forward could this be contributing.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do you smoke?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more.
So follow advice given in previous answer.
You will mostly improve.
Please let me know
1. Do you smoke?
Please reply me answer of above asked question, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (9 minutes later)

Yes unfortunately

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Do you have cough or breathlessness along with chest pain?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
So you are a smoker.
And hence we should rule out lung related causes for your chronic chest pain.
So please let me know
1. Do you have cough or breathlessness along with chest pain?
Please reply me answer of above asked question, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar