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What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Shoulder Pain After A Chest Muscle Pull?
Hello. I believe I pulled a muscle in my chest five days ago lifting a laundry basket. The strain was localized along my upper sternum and lasted two days, but I ve had a bit of shortness of breath since. Nothing major, just feeling like I can t take a full breath intermittently since. Additionally, I ve been experiencing shoulder pain along my shoulder blade for a few weeks now, but I believe that may be from improper positioning of my office chair. I may be overreacting to a mere muscle strain, but I figured an additional opinion couldn t hurt. Thank you in advance!
Tue, 15 Nov 2022
Hello,
It is a muscle strain as you guessed it. As they are chest muscles, deep breathing leads to pain thus resulting in shallow breaths that may be felt as shortness of breath.
To those who come to my clinic with similar symptoms, I recommend the following:
1) NSAIDs like ibuprofen and Naproxen for pain relief combined with a muscle relaxant like Chlorzoxazone daily twice for 3 days
2) To prevent gastric irritation, tab. Pantop 40 mg to be taken once daily before food
3) If you have a heart failure or severe peptic ulcer disease, please avoid NSAIDs and use opioids like Hydrocodone, Oxycodone and Tramadol
4) Avoid lifting heavy weights
5) Shoulder blade pain may be due to muscle strain or cervical spondylitis leading to nerve compression
Even if the pain persists or worsens with the above measures, please do consult a physician.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
It is a muscle strain as you guessed it. As they are chest muscles, deep breathing leads to pain thus resulting in shallow breaths that may be felt as shortness of breath.
To those who come to my clinic with similar symptoms, I recommend the following:
1) NSAIDs like ibuprofen and Naproxen for pain relief combined with a muscle relaxant like Chlorzoxazone daily twice for 3 days
2) To prevent gastric irritation, tab. Pantop 40 mg to be taken once daily before food
3) If you have a heart failure or severe peptic ulcer disease, please avoid NSAIDs and use opioids like Hydrocodone, Oxycodone and Tramadol
4) Avoid lifting heavy weights
5) Shoulder blade pain may be due to muscle strain or cervical spondylitis leading to nerve compression
Even if the pain persists or worsens with the above measures, please do consult a physician.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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