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What Causes Chest Pain With Tightness In Shoulder?
Question: I am having chest pain in one spot on the left inner part of my chest. If I touch it and push I can pinpoint it, and I get a sensation of pain in my left shoulder blade when touching it, along with increased pain in the spot. I would rate it about a 3-4 while sitting, and a 5-6 when pushed. There is also tightness in my shoulders that seems to wrap around to my chest. I'm also experiencing shortness of breath. This has been going on for almost a month, on and off. With the shortness of breath it almost feels as though something is caught in my throat. Like I swallowed a pill and it became lodged. I have problems with depression and anxiety as well. Could these be issues with Reflux or anxiety? I had chest pains without shortness of breath in july of last year and I went to the ER. They told me that my chest muscles were inflamed and that my heart looked good.
Brief Answer:
Pain is due to inflammation of muscle/rib joint
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Thanks for your query.
The cause depends on whether the tender spot is over the rib or between the ribs. If it is between the ribs, it is due to spasm or inflammation of the muscle. On the other hand, inflammation of the joint between the rib and the breastbone (called Costochondritis), manifests as localized tender spot over the rib.
In case of the painful spot being on the inner end of the rib, get a Blood uric acid test done, since Gout - characterized by high uric acid levels in the blood- commonly manifests as Costochondritis, which is accompanied by tightness around the shoulders.
In either case, a course of anti-inflammatory pain killers, such as, a combination of ibuprofen + Paracetamol and, hot compresses will give you complete relief.
If the pain is of muscular origin, addition of a muscle relaxant, such as, Chlorzoxazone to the above mentioned anti-inflammatory drugs, will cure the problem.
Shortness of breath usually occurs during panic reactions or, chest muscle inflammation/spasm.
The symptoms do NOT suggest Reflux as the cause.
Lastly, ensure that your depression and anxiety are totally under control while on medication.
Hope I have addressed to your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any.
Take care,
Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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