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Suggest Treatment For Severe Shoulder Pain

Posted on Tue, 11 Apr 2017

Question: I am experiencing shoulder pain under my left back - shoulder blade. I am almost 76, work out one hour a day at gym, but am 35 pounds overweight. I have been more tired in last few months.

Is this pain a possible symptom of heart attack?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms do not seem to be related to the heart.

Is the pain triggered by deep inspiration or shoulder movements? This would indicate musculo-skeletal pain.

I recommend having some rest and taking ibuprofen for some days. If the pain persists despite ibuprofen, I would recommend consulting with your GP for a physical exam and some tests:

- a shoulder X ray study
- a chest X ray study
- a resting ECG
- complete blood count, ESR, PCR for inflammation.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

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

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (15 minutes later)

thank you for your quick response. I think I might have been sitting in my chair in awkward position, but just wanted to check. Thanks again. XXXXXXX XXXX

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Thank you for the additional information!

Yes, a wrong position could cause musculo-skeletal pain.

I would recommend taking ibuprofen for a short period of time. Some slight physical activity can also help.

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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