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

question-icon

Pain In Shoulder Blade, Arms Chest Following A Golf Swing. What Can I Do About It?

default
Posted on Thu, 2 May 2013
Question: As a result of my golf swing, I have pain (it hurts to breath) below the left shoulder blade on my back and it goes under my left arm around to my chest, just under my left breast. It hurts to take a deep breath and really hurts to cough or sneeze! I know I probably pulled something by swinging my golf club, not being warmed up, but what can I do about it? I am 65 years old and in good shape, about 10-15 lbs overweight but I exercise every day at the gym. Thanks. Email, YYYY@YYYY
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (56 minutes later)
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Pain that occurs on taking a breath, coughing or sneezing can be possibly related to two conditions (1)there is inflammation of the lining of the lungs (the pleura) , this is called pleuritis. There are different causes.The most common cause is infection but strain of the muscles the chest or chest trauma can also be a cause.Treatment would depend on the cause of pleurits. In your case where it is due to chest muscle injury,the use of NSAIDS would be appropriate provided that you do not have any contraindications to their use.
NSAIDS would include medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin. These medications should be taken on a full stomach.

(2)Costochondritis- this is inflammation in the chest where the ribs attach to the sternum. It can cause pain which may be mild or severe in some persons. It is also treated with the use of NSAIDS.

There are stronger NSAIDS if the above do not help,for example celebrex is indicated for severe pain.

While you are using the medication, it would be best to relax for 1 week to 10 days and avoid any activity that may further aggravate your injuries.Stretching may help but any strenuous activity would prolong the course of the pain.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
I love to play golf. How do I prevent the muscle from doing that again?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (15 minutes later)
HI

After this resolves, you would need to do some stretching and warming up exercises before and after each game.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Pain In Shoulder Blade, Arms Chest Following A Golf Swing. What Can I Do About It?

Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Pain that occurs on taking a breath, coughing or sneezing can be possibly related to two conditions (1)there is inflammation of the lining of the lungs (the pleura) , this is called pleuritis. There are different causes.The most common cause is infection but strain of the muscles the chest or chest trauma can also be a cause.Treatment would depend on the cause of pleurits. In your case where it is due to chest muscle injury,the use of NSAIDS would be appropriate provided that you do not have any contraindications to their use.
NSAIDS would include medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin. These medications should be taken on a full stomach.

(2)Costochondritis- this is inflammation in the chest where the ribs attach to the sternum. It can cause pain which may be mild or severe in some persons. It is also treated with the use of NSAIDS.

There are stronger NSAIDS if the above do not help,for example celebrex is indicated for severe pain.

While you are using the medication, it would be best to relax for 1 week to 10 days and avoid any activity that may further aggravate your injuries.Stretching may help but any strenuous activity would prolong the course of the pain.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions