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What Causes Pricking Pain In Chest?
Question: I have a nimbling pain when i poke/press the left chest (breastpoint). Armed with ECG and Xray i visted the GP who said it is absolutely normal. I have tachycardia ecg. Taking TELMA 40 mg and metropolal xl 12.5 mg. I can walk easily long without any problem. Only problem is sometimes i get a pain like needle pricking me in the point intermittently. Please advise what is this and what preventive steps should I take/medicine/treatment/diet etc to avoid this pain. XXXX
Brief Answer:
It might be costochondritis
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
As a practicing radiologist, I see many patients with a history similar to yours. The chest X ray and ECG are normal and the patient might be experiencing prickly pain over certain areas of the chest for weeks.
The condition which I have in mind is costochondritis which is a mild inflammation of the anterior portion of chest where the ribs join the sternum or breastbone.
As you are getting relief on application of diclofenac gel, I think you should continue with that. Other suggestion I would like to make are
1. Avoid lifting heavy weights
2. Participate in light exercises like yoga
3. Place a small pillow in front of your chest while sleeping so that you do not get disturbed while sleeping.
4. Take oral pain killers like diclofenac or paracetamol only when the pain gets severe.
5. Please do not bend down or turn the chest suddenly.
With the above you must continue with medications telma 40 and metoprolol xl as advised by your doctor.
this condition may persist for months. Please confirm your condition with a cardiologist if the pain is very severe.
No dietary changes are necessary.
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
It might be costochondritis
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
As a practicing radiologist, I see many patients with a history similar to yours. The chest X ray and ECG are normal and the patient might be experiencing prickly pain over certain areas of the chest for weeks.
The condition which I have in mind is costochondritis which is a mild inflammation of the anterior portion of chest where the ribs join the sternum or breastbone.
As you are getting relief on application of diclofenac gel, I think you should continue with that. Other suggestion I would like to make are
1. Avoid lifting heavy weights
2. Participate in light exercises like yoga
3. Place a small pillow in front of your chest while sleeping so that you do not get disturbed while sleeping.
4. Take oral pain killers like diclofenac or paracetamol only when the pain gets severe.
5. Please do not bend down or turn the chest suddenly.
With the above you must continue with medications telma 40 and metoprolol xl as advised by your doctor.
this condition may persist for months. Please confirm your condition with a cardiologist if the pain is very severe.
No dietary changes are necessary.
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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