What causes pain in the left chest and left shoulder?

Generally, left chest and left shoulder pain may be caused by muscle fatigue, poor posture, intercostal neuralgia, angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, and other reasons. If you experience any discomfort, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Muscle Fatigue

Excessive use of the chest or shoulder muscles, such as lifting heavy objects for prolonged periods or performing repetitive movements, may lead to muscle fatigue and pain. Appropriate rest and avoiding overuse of the affected muscles are recommended. Hot or cold compresses may help relieve muscle tension and pain.

2. Poor Posture

Maintaining poor posture for extended periods, such as slouching or hunching over, may cause tension and pain in the chest and shoulder muscles. It is recommended to adjust sitting and standing postures to maintain the natural curvature of the spine.

3. Intercostal Neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia is caused by compression or irritation of the intercostal nerves. Since the intercostal nerves cross over with nerves in the chest and shoulder area, the pain may radiate to the left shoulder. It may be accompanied by stabbing or burning chest pain. Treatment may involve medications such as meloxicam tablets, loxoprofen sodium tablets, or aspirin extended-release tablets, as advised by a physician.

4. Angina Pectoris

Angina pectoris is related to insufficient blood supply to the heart, causing myocardial cell hypoxia. The accumulation of metabolic byproducts stimulates cardiac nerve endings, resulting in pain. Since the heart and shoulder share some nerve pathways, the pain may radiate to the left shoulder and left arm. It may also be accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath. Medications such as isosorbide dinitrate tablets, nitroglycerin tablets, and rosuvastatin calcium tablets may be used under a doctor's guidance.

5. Acute Myocardial Infarction

Acute myocardial infarction is associated with emotional stress and smoking. Blockage of the coronary arteries leads to ischemic necrosis of the myocardium, causing severe pain. Due to the neural connections between the heart and shoulder, the pain may radiate to the left shoulder and may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Treatment may involve medications such as heparin sodium injection, lidocaine hydrochloride injection, and dopamine hydrochloride injection, as directed by a physician.

In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a light diet and appropriate exercise is recommended. Applying heat or cold compresses may help alleviate pain when it occurs.