What Causes Left Sided Pressure Sensation Near The Shoulders?

Posted on Thu, 21 Jul 2016

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

Thu, 21 Jul 2016 Answered on

Wed, 10 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have felt pressure/pain on my left side, at the base of my shoulder blade nearest the spine, and sometimes at the bottom left rib. If pressure is applied to my left side/ribs, when laying on my right side, I cough. This has been going on for a few months.

Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Muscle spasm, analgesic, if persists Pleurisy need to be ruled out

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Welcome

I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
This seems like muscular pain probably due to stretching or spasm.

Is there any history of trauma, lifting heavy objects like bag, suitcase, bucket?
Is there any swelling?

You can take pain killers with muscle relaxant like Aceclofenac or Naproxen or etoricoxib with tizanidine or thiocholchicoside for 3-5 days based on the response. You can ask your local doctor for prescription of this agent.
Along with this cold compression with ice packs and analgesic gel or spray to the affected area will be beneficial. Also give rest and avoid any activities that aggravates the pain. This will help you.
If it persists or intensity increases, I would suggest you to see orthopaedician for examination and further help

Other possibility is Pleurisy, you have to see physician for examination and if required Chest X-ray may be needed for diagnosing it.

Hope this information helps ,
Take care.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj