HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How To Treat Sharp Pain In Left Side Of Chest Caused During Physical Activity?

I am a 55 year old male who has been doing the same type of work as a soils compaction inspector. This work requires driving a steel pin through a guide plate into soil as deep as 12 inches. This also requires me to keep my left foot planted firmly on the plate to keep the pin being driven to remain square. I am right handed. The other day I was on a jobsite that was requiring Cement Treatment to the soil, as a result the hammering required an extreme amount of effort. Conducting this work in an awkward position utilizing a 10 lb sledge. I suddenly experienced an extremely sharp pain in the left side of my chest. It was not my heart. It has remained very painful along my ribcage and breast plate. Could this be the joint, cartilage or muscule strain or pull?
Mon, 16 Mar 2015
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear thanks for the question.

This is most probably muscle strain due to excessive exertion. Sudden jerk or heavy work or continued exertion can result in to strain. However you can go for ECG to rule out heart ailment as it is also a possibility as it can happen with exertion and in any person beyond 50 years of age. But heart related pain decreases with rest. On the other hand muscle pain will always remain and increases with movement of arm and upper body.

So you can judge it on your own. Muscle pain requires a dose of pain killers (zerodol plus), muscle relaxants (chlorzoxazone) , rest and physiotherapy.

Heart related illness if you suspect (unlikely in your case) immediately rush to hospital.

I hope I have clarified your queries. Please write for follow up queries. I wish you good health. Please write a feedback. Thanks.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
How To Treat Sharp Pain In Left Side Of Chest Caused During Physical Activity?

Dear thanks for the question. This is most probably muscle strain due to excessive exertion. Sudden jerk or heavy work or continued exertion can result in to strain. However you can go for ECG to rule out heart ailment as it is also a possibility as it can happen with exertion and in any person beyond 50 years of age. But heart related pain decreases with rest. On the other hand muscle pain will always remain and increases with movement of arm and upper body. So you can judge it on your own. Muscle pain requires a dose of pain killers (zerodol plus), muscle relaxants (chlorzoxazone) , rest and physiotherapy. Heart related illness if you suspect (unlikely in your case) immediately rush to hospital. I hope I have clarified your queries. Please write for follow up queries. I wish you good health. Please write a feedback. Thanks.