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Can A Misaligned Spine Cause Persistent Pain In The Pectoral Muscles?

Posted on Sat, 6 Oct 2018

Question: Hello. For about 6-8 months now, I've had this weird pain in my left pectoral muscle. It ranges from not there, to pinching, to burning, to just a sort of dull pain that doesn't go away. I have looked up my symptoms, and it appears that it could be linked to poor posture or stress, and sometimes I imagine it has to do with having an unaligned spine. I am nervous that it's something more serious, especially since it shares such a close vicinity to my heart.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

The description of this pain is purely musculoskeletal and NOT HEART

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I understand your worries and I have reviewed this information fully.

This is not even the least suggestive of a heart pain. It is purely from the soft tissue of the chest.

Its waxing and waning nature is simply uncharacteristic of a heart pain.

I will like to know your level of physical activity and profession.

Do you ever get involve in activities that use or tend to develop the muscles of the upper body.

This pain could be linked to a tear, and inflammation, and over developed muscle picking on a nerve, etc.

For now, I recommend you relax. If pain sets in, use tylenol and let’s see how it responds.

If it gets worse or fails to respond in anyway, we would get you in for further evaluation and management.

However, there is nothing to be scared of as concerns age heart.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (4 hours later)

Thanks for your quick and thorough response! I am relieved to know it doesn't sound like anything serious!

As far as physical activity, I am a barista, so there isn't much stress on that part of my chest. I was doing a lot of running, sit-ups, and push-ups right before this pain started to come about, so is it possible that when I was doing a pushup I may have torn something?

Thanks again for your help!

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

Keep me updated!

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

It is possible that you got something torn or strained during your exercises seen the timing of this pain.

I will like you to try simply pain medications and report your progress to me.

Like I mentioned already, the heart has nothing in relation to this pain.

I wish you well.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr. Chobufo Ditah, General & Family Physician

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana