Is Sharp Pain In Chest While Twisting Body In Certain Direction A Concern?

Posted on Fri, 23 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 23 Sep 2016 Answered on

Tue, 11 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I get a sharp pain in my chest when i move and twist my body in certain directions. It is more a stabbing pain than a burning pain. I workout alot but i also have acid reflux. How can i know if this is because of a muscle strain or my acid reflux?

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
trial of omeprazole

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your question.
I suggest that you start a trial of 20 mg omeprazole take 30 minutes before you largest meal of the day. Do this for a few weeks and this should treat the reflux. If it persists then it is likely due to muscle strain and not due to the reflux.
Also reflux is not usually a sharp pain. It is more like a dull ache or burning sensation so what you describe actually sounds more musculoskeletal than like reflux.
Other ways to avoid reflux are to exercise at least 3 hours after you eat. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Maintain a normal weight. Eat smaller meals and don't eat at least 3 hours before bed.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

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