HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Dull Pain In Shoulders After Smoking?

default
Posted on Mon, 18 Jan 2016
Question: When I smoke a cigarette I get a dull pain in my left shoulder and my left arm should I be worried that it's a early heart attack symptom?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rajesh Teli (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you must under get ECG

Detailed Answer:
hello,
I have gone through your query.Thanks for using HCM.
Pain in left shoulder and arm may be due heart problem but not necessarily. As smoking is a risk factor for heart disease you should get your ECG done and also get exercise stress test if resting ECG is normal.
If these reports are normal you can be sure that it is not related to heart and consult an orthopaedic surgeon .
Most importantly please give up smoking.
My best wishes
Dr.Rajesh Teli,MD.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Rajesh Teli (1 hour later)
I have had both of them and they came back good. what will a orthopedic surgeon do for me?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rajesh Teli (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
your shoulder pain is not due to heart problem

Detailed Answer:
hello,
As your ECG and stress test are normal we are now sure that your pain is not due to heart problem.Though less likely but we must always rule out heart condition as it may lead to sudden crisis.In your case now we are sure that you are not at a risk of imminent heart problem.
So we would like to know what exact is the cause ?
It can be simple muscular and so may respond to simple analgesic like Aceclofenac 100 mg twice a day for 5 days.If it still persists we must rule out joint problem like periarthritis shoulder or pain originating from neck due to Cervical spondylosis.
both these conditions will be diagnosed by an orthopaedic surgeon.He will assess you clinically and ask for Xray as per his judgement,
I hope you are not diabetic,
My best wishes
Dr.Teli.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Rajesh Teli

Cardiologist

Practicing since :1983

Answered : 663 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Dull Pain In Shoulders After Smoking?

Brief Answer: you must under get ECG Detailed Answer: hello, I have gone through your query.Thanks for using HCM. Pain in left shoulder and arm may be due heart problem but not necessarily. As smoking is a risk factor for heart disease you should get your ECG done and also get exercise stress test if resting ECG is normal. If these reports are normal you can be sure that it is not related to heart and consult an orthopaedic surgeon . Most importantly please give up smoking. My best wishes Dr.Rajesh Teli,MD.