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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
Pain in left side of chest
Answered by
J.M. Keyes, MD - Family Medicine
Gainesville - FL
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
Pain in left side of chest
by kasbb86, Mar 15, 2009 12:27AM
I have been experiencing pain in the left side of my chest for about 2 years. (52 year old male, non-smoker, active).
I have had a full cardiac workup, including angiogram and have seen a gastroenterologist and pulmonologist - all negative. The pain feels like it's in between the ribs, but I've been examined for costochondritis which came out negative. The pain seems to move around from day to day. I experience pain most every day but always on the left side. The only relief I get is by stretching out backwards over an exercise ball.
I've tried accupuncture as well and physical therapy, but no relief. This is really ruining my life. Is there anyone who can offer any suggestions.
Thanks you!
I have had a full cardiac workup, including angiogram and have seen a gastroenterologist and pulmonologist - all negative. The pain feels like it's in between the ribs, but I've been examined for costochondritis which came out negative. The pain seems to move around from day to day. I experience pain most every day but always on the left side. The only relief I get is by stretching out backwards over an exercise ball.
I've tried accupuncture as well and physical therapy, but no relief. This is really ruining my life. Is there anyone who can offer any suggestions.
Thanks you!
Doctor's Answer
by J.M. Keyes, MD, Mar 15, 2009 11:49AM
, Mar 15, 2009 11:49AMTo: kasbb86
Hi,
I'm sorry to hear that this has been so long lasting and has been causing such a decrease in your quality of life.
It sounds to me that you have had serious causes ruled out with your previous consults and investigations (I'm assuming you had an Xray, CT, or MRI with the respirologist).
Without knowing your full history or having examined you, I think that your pain is likely muscular in nature. I would suggest continuing with regular stretching and adding massage and an NSAID (eg ibuprofen) to your regimen to see if you find any further relief.
If you are getting worse or are having new symptoms, make sure to follow up with your physician.
Good luck,
JMK MD
I'm sorry to hear that this has been so long lasting and has been causing such a decrease in your quality of life.
It sounds to me that you have had serious causes ruled out with your previous consults and investigations (I'm assuming you had an Xray, CT, or MRI with the respirologist).
Without knowing your full history or having examined you, I think that your pain is likely muscular in nature. I would suggest continuing with regular stretching and adding massage and an NSAID (eg ibuprofen) to your regimen to see if you find any further relief.
If you are getting worse or are having new symptoms, make sure to follow up with your physician.
Good luck,
JMK MD
