I've been having this non-cardiac pain on the left side of my chest for years now. I've done various tests like X-rays, ECG, blood tests, and PFT, and they all came back normal. The doctors tell me it's nothing to worry about and suggest I just need to distract myself. Some have even mentioned it could be gas. But this pain feels suffocating, and it usually hits when I'm resting and thinking about it. Strangely enough, I can run for an hour without any issues. It's just really frustrating and concerning. Any idea what could be happening?

Dr Mubarak Parveez B

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 2+ Yrs

Consult Now

It sounds like you may be experiencing musculoskeletal chest pain, especially since all your tests have come back normal. This type of pain can be caused by inflammation in the muscles or joints in the chest wall. To help relieve your symptoms, you can try taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen. Additionally, you can apply a warm compress to the painful area and practice relaxation techniques to help manage any stress or anxiety that may be contributing to your symptoms. If the pain persists, you can also try using a topical pain relief gel containing diclofenac, applying it to the affected area up to 3-4 times a day. Remember to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the product packaging.

Answered 04/07/2025