Suggest Treatment For Sharp Chest Pain While On Excedrin

Posted on Tue, 7 Mar 2017

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

Tue, 7 Mar 2017 Answered on

Tue, 28 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : When I contract my chest muscles, there is a feeling of pressure at the center of my chest. The condition is also aggravated by frontal lifting with my arms. A feeling of pressure, as of constricted muscles, sometimes as though my chest is caving in. Cardiograms say my heart is in good shape. I take Excedrin regularly, about 2000 mg per day. Helps, but doesn't fully relieve the discomfort. This is not a sharp pain, but it affects my posture (stooping). Rest in a zero gravity chair or recliner helps a great deal. I'd like to know what causes this so I can modify my activity to eliminate the problem. I am still very active; own and operate a home repair business that requires considerable exercise of back, arms, (lifting) and legs (kneeling, squatting, climbing).

Answered by Dr. Rishu Saxena (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Sprain of pectorlis muscles most likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hi ,
Most likely the symptoms are because of sprain in muscles.As your Heart reports are normal and pain is typically related to muscle contractions its sprain.
Our chest wall consist of major and minor pectoralis muscle.Overuse of the muscle or due to old age some times muscle get sprained and can cause pain.

Advice
Bed rest for a week or two.
Gel containing Linseed oil and Diclofenac(Volini) can be used thrice daily.
A non steroidal anti inflammatory like Diclofenac potassium in combination with seratiopeptidase can be taken for 5 days(In doses suggested by your Family doctor).
Avoid all posture which increases pain.
Don't to any exertional exercise for 2-3 weeks.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana