“Left sided pinch?”
Hello, for exactly 2 weeks now I've had an off sensation that feels like a very weird sensation that sometimes will even feel like a pinch on the left side of my chest. It comes intermittently with each episode lasting for a few seconds to maybe up to a minute at most. Sometimes this pinch will even radiate to my left shoulder and left side of my back. I notice it the most after climbing stairs, but strangely it doesn't seem to get worse after running or weight lifting.
The way I can replicate it the most is by taking very deep breathes when I feel the sensation, that is usually what causes the "pinches." I'm concerned because my family has a history of high cholesterol and lupus so It has me worried that it could be a cardiac or pulmonary issue. I also have a history of GERD, and I took antacid with no effect today and started taking Omeprazole 20mg today to see if taking it for the next few days has any effect, but I am doubtful, it doesn't feel like heartburn.
The way I can replicate it the most is by taking very deep breathes when I feel the sensation, that is usually what causes the "pinches." I'm concerned because my family has a history of high cholesterol and lupus so It has me worried that it could be a cardiac or pulmonary issue. I also have a history of GERD, and I took antacid with no effect today and started taking Omeprazole 20mg today to see if taking it for the next few days has any effect, but I am doubtful, it doesn't feel like heartburn.
Male | 24 years old
Complaint duration: 2 weeks
Medications: 20mg Omeprazole 1 day
Conditions: GERD, High Cholesterol, High Iron
3 Answers
Most likely it is thoracic nerve root compression pain. It is common, including in young people, and harmless. It is mainly caused by bad posture, especially when using a computer for long periods. It is helped by sitting up straight and doing mobilising back exercise – especially manic dancing (maybe best in private!).
Sounds like muscular, not cardiac pain, still if persists check with PCP
This pain is unlikely cardiac in nature. Cardiac pain lasts longer, is not usually sharp, and does not come on intermittently. If this was pulmonary pain, it would probably come on more frequently, usually with deep breathing, and would be more severe. This could be a muscle spasm, which is not uncommon. Your sensation gets worse with deep breathing , but is not brought on by deep breaths. GERD is usually a burning sensation, which lasts longer than a few minutes. If this is not brought on or made worse with exercise, it is probably not serious. However, a good physical exam is warranted if the sensation continues. Another reason for the pain could be intestinal gas. The large intestine goes under the breast bone and can cause sharp pain that feels like chest pain. Lying on your left side sometimes relieves this discomfort.
