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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Sharp Continuous Pain In Left Shoulder. Diagnosed With Trapizious Muscle Strain. Sign Of Heart Problem?

For close to three months I have had sharp, continuous pain in my left shoulder/upper back area
I attributed it to a strain from using heavier weights than usual in the gym. The walk in clinic diagnosed a trapizious muscle strain. I began physical therapy for the last two weeks. Also went back to the gym for two hours today
for mild weight lifting and kick boxing. I feel less pain after the gym.
However, I know one of the signs of a heart attack is left shoulder pain. My inner voice tells me this might
be the reason I am experiencing all the pain (I took tramadol as well as soma for two weeks). Now I am on only
81 mg aspirin in case this is a sign of heart problems.
Please advise and thank you
Sat, 29 Jun 2013
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement 's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
Let me clarify you about the distinctive features between pain of cardiac origin and pain originating from muscle.
Pain of cardiac origin - "spread over a wide area" preferably the front of chest, Physical exertion worsens the pain ( which goes against cardiac pain in your case as you are doing 2 hours of exertional activities in the gym ), associated with nausea, vomiting and profuse sweating, typically pain is constant without any relation to the body movements.
Pain of muscular origin - "well localised" and can be pointed out with the finger, movements involving the muscle causes pain and is usually not present at rest, will not radiate to other parts.
Hope I have clarified your doubts. Have a great day
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Have Sharp Continuous Pain In Left Shoulder. Diagnosed With Trapizious Muscle Strain. Sign Of Heart Problem?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. Let me clarify you about the distinctive features between pain of cardiac origin and pain originating from muscle. Pain of cardiac origin - spread over a wide area preferably the front of chest, Physical exertion worsens the pain ( which goes against cardiac pain in your case as you are doing 2 hours of exertional activities in the gym ), associated with nausea, vomiting and profuse sweating, typically pain is constant without any relation to the body movements. Pain of muscular origin - well localised and can be pointed out with the finger, movements involving the muscle causes pain and is usually not present at rest, will not radiate to other parts. Hope I have clarified your doubts. Have a great day