What Causes Left-sided Mid-back Pain Upon Exertion?

Posted on Fri, 11 Jan 2019

Question: Hi, I've noticed for the past few months that when I do more movement than usual such as exercise or walking long distance I have this sharp pain in the middle of the left side of my back when I breathe out harshly. I have asthma and only one kidney which I think is on my left side. Thanks :)

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get done ecg and 2d echo.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thanks for your question.

I can understand your concern.

You are having center chest pain on exertion.

So we should definitely rule out heart diseases for your symptoms.

So consult a cardiologist and get done blood pressure monitoring, ECG, 2d echo and stress test (trade mill test).

If all these are normal then no need to worry about heart diseases.

Sometimes musculoskeletal pain can be the cause.

So take a simple painkiller like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Apply warm water pad on affected areas.

Don't worry, you will be alright with all these but first rule out heart diseases.

Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further.

Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (44 minutes later)

Hi, I appreciate the detailed response, although I mentioned the pain was in the left side center of my back, not in the middle not in the chest area. Although, sometimes when I'm sitting in a certain position I can randomly get chest pains, and pains under my ribs on the left side, also when breathing out harshly.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Musculoskeletal pain is more likely.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thanks for your follow up question.

I can understand your concern.

Possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more.

So avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise.

Avoid sudden jerky movements of chest and back.

Sit with proper back support.

Apply warm water pad on affected areas.

Take simple painkiller and muscle relaxant drugs like ibuprofen and thiocolchicoside.

You will mostly improve with all these in 1 week.

Also, let me know if you are taking any painkiller drug or not.
Are you obese?

Please reply me answers to above-asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (9 hours later)

I do most of my time sitting down and don't usually get much excersise. I wouldn't call myself obese but I'm definitely a little chubby(5'8" and 12stone). I'm also not currently taking any pain killers :)

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Are you sitting with support?

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thanks for your follow up question.

I can understand your concern.

Prolonged sitting in the wrong posture can also cause similar pain.

So please sit with proper back support.

Do regular exercises.

Take simple painkiller like paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Don't worry, you will be alright with all these.

Hope I have solved your query.

Wish you good health. Thanks.

Regards,
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar, Pulmonologist

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad