What Causes Painful Stiffness In The Left Side Of The Body?

Posted on Thu, 28 Sep 2017

Question: After being awake for about two hours this morning, just out of nowhere i felt a sensation on the left side of my boby in between my upper left arm and heart area... at first i thought it might of been gas. at any rate it quickly traveled to my left side of my back... in the shoulder blade area. at times it is a sharp pain. I went to the gym to do some light cardio for about 30 mins as i always do on mondays. I stretched that area out the best i could. the pain seemed to subside and now it feels stiff again. If i stretch or turn my neck or any movement on that side of my body it becomes more uncomfortable. other then that I feel fine. I am 59 year old male. I go to the gym every day for many years. I just took my blood pressure and pulse just as soon as i got home. 117 over 80 pulse 76 and this is about 20 mins after i did 30 mins of cardio. I do smoke about 10 cig per day. lastly, I worked out with weights at the gym on Saturday, I work out on all parts of my back and triceps. I do not stretch my body out after my work outs at all....
Thank You, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Probably caused be a torn muscle!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.

I have reviewed this information fully and there is a high possibility that you sustained a strained muscle given your training level, the nature of the pain and the location. This is not related to a heart problem.

For now, I recommend tylenol and rest. Tylenol 1000mg at most three times a day would do. Also, avoid exercising the area with pain so as to avoid any further aggravation that might worsen the pain or delay healing.

I hope this guides and helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

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