I have acid reflux. Why do I feel right-sided chest pain?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Based on what you have described, a couple of possibilities come to mind, and thankfully, this does not immediately sound like something dangerous.

The cramping or “locked” feeling on the right side of your chest, especially when you lean, stretch, or reach in certain ways, sounds more consistent with a muscle or chest wall strain.

This can happen even in people who are not very physically active. Sometimes, long hours of sitting, poor posture, sleeping awkwardly, or even small, unnoticed movements can tighten or irritate the chest muscles. The fact that the discomfort comes and goes and is triggered by certain positions is reassuring and points more toward a muscular cause.

For relief, you can try a mild anti-inflammatory medicine like Ibuprofen 200 mg for about five days.

Since you also have a history of acid reflux, that is another possible contributor. Reflux can sometimes cause chest discomfort or tightness that feels quite unusual and worrying. Taking Rabeprazole 20 mg once daily may help (consult the specialist doctor and then take the medicines) if reflux is playing a role. It would also be best to avoid spicy, oily, or heavy meals and not lie down immediately after eating.

That said, because the symptom has been recurring, it would still be sensible to get a chest X-ray done once, mainly to rule out anything else and for reassurance. If the X-ray is normal but the symptoms continue, your doctor may consider further evaluation, such as an EMG (electromyography) study, depending on how the discomfort progresses.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.