What Causes Pain On Shoulder Where It Connects The Chest?

Posted on Wed, 29 Oct 2014

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

Wed, 29 Oct 2014 Answered on

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : hello
As I start to fall asleep I am experiencing a deep seeded pain the front part of shoulder (pectoral). To be as clear as I possibly can the primary pain is right where my shoulder connects to my chest. It feels as if I have a pinched nerve. Is there something I can do besides going to see the doctor?

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Stretching exercise,hot fomentation, analgesic gel

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.

The pains that you have described are likely to be due to a muscular pain most likely caused by muscle spasm. Taking mild pain killers and muscle relaxants will bring a short term relief. Regular stretching exercise will be helpful.
You can do a hot fomentation and apply a local analgesic gel on the area to relieve the spasm.
If this persist I suggest you to get it evaluated by an orthopaedician.

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.

Take care

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

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (30 minutes later)

Thank you for such a quick response Dr.Gupta!

Yes, I have been stretching for the past 4 days but have not been taking any medications. I try and avoid pain medications due to I prefer solving the source of the problem.

Therefore, if I continue stretching about how long can I expect my shoulder will return to normal assuming I am not suffering from something more severe?

Also I workout 3 - 4 times weekly and going forward I will take a week off to rest my shoulder (will not participate in any upper body exercises for a week). As you can see I am trying to avoid a doctor's visit due to sometimes the remedies are sometimes very simple.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It will take 7-10 days.

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir,

Thanks for your query again.

I appreciate your thinking.
It will take 7-10 days to to relieve the spasm and regaining the function with regular stretching exercises.

Wishing yo speedy recovery...

Warm regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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