HomeAnswersCardiologychest painI have dull pain in my chest, shoulders, and back. Why?

What could be causing a dull, tight chest pain near my sternum, shoulders, and back after strenuous physical activity?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At February 8, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 6, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have dull, tight chest pain near my sternum when breathing deeply or moving my shoulders and back (I get this sometimes and also have a bruise that runs along my sternum which appears from time to time). I did large amounts of strenuous physical activity yesterday. Is it normal?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The symptoms you describe, such as dull, tight chest pain near your sternum when breathing deeply or moving your shoulders and back, as well as a bruise that appears on your sternum from time to time, could be related to a condition called costochondritis. This is a cartilage inflammation that connects your rib to your sternum. It is commonly seen in people who engage in strenuous physical activity or have a history of repetitive motions. Your symptoms may be related to the physical activity you engaged in yesterday. If your symptoms are mild, you can try to alleviate the pain by taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen (Isobutyl Phenyl, Propionic Acid), applying heat on the affected area, and avoiding activities that aggravate the pain. Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises might also help. If you still have any concerns, please let me know.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq
Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq

Cardiology

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