What Causes Intermittent Left Chest Pain Near Upper Sternum?

Posted on Fri, 25 Apr 2014

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

Fri, 25 Apr 2014 Answered on

Thu, 15 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had intermittent left chest pain near upper sternum. The pain is more apparent with certain positions such as turning to my right to look out my rear view mirror or reaching for an object. The pain is a 2 out of 10 at its worst and improved with Aleve and rest. I am a 49 year old female and have smoked for 33 years. I do not have a cough or SOB. The pain does not worsen with activity nor when I take a deep breath. It does worsen it I lie on my left side while reading or watching tv. I am concerned about lung cancer and am hoping 4 a less serious cause. I have made an appointment with my physician but am hoping to have some of my anxiety lessened until I can see him. Thank you.The pain has been intermittent x 6 months

Answered by Dr. Dr. R.A. SINGH (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It seems more of a muscular pain.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing your query.

After reading your post, it seems that your pain seems to be of muscular origin.
Since you feel pain in a particular position, and it not associated with cough, pain seems to be a muscle pain.

A painkiller and muscle relaxant along with an antacid will help.

I would advise that you should get yourself clinically examined and investigated.
Following investigations may be helpful :-
1. CT Scan of thoracic region.
2. Chest auscultation.

I hope this is helpful to you.
If you have any further query, I will be happy to help.
Regards. Thanks.

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