Question
I found this and other e-mails and needed to ask as I suffer also. Just came off an ER visit to the Hospital with simulated Heart attack pains, ie, chest pain, shortness of breadth, tingling in left finger extremities, clammy feeling. All EKG, Ultrasound, stress die check of heart, enzyme levels proved normal. Past medical history is cervical dischectomy of C4 or 5 performed 2 years ago due to pain in the lower left neck and shoulder which was due to an MRI diagnosed herniated disc. Subsequently the last two years I've had minor to sore neck mobility which was manageable. The last two months, intense burning deep in the cervical area around 5 or 6 left side, no pain beyond this area. Last two weeks all neck pain and burning began to gradually subside and go away, then this acute pain attack days ago due to physically over exerting during yard work. Very strenuous and hard raking of weighted yard debris using upper body and arms for an hour. Was rushed to Hospital. Now pain in chest has subsided but am feeling an occasional scary sharp burn and ache up through the left rib cage area, chest and into my head with flushing, slight blurred vision and rib soreness. Then it goes away. Neck feels OK throughout. Am I bringing this on with anxiety from the heart attack scare or could I have some serious cervical issues I've neglected and get an MRI of the spine  ?
Thanks,
C.R.


Answer
Chris,

This is a very common scenario, a hospital ER visit thinking you're having a heart attack and then all tests are negative.  Odds are you are having pain from a musculoskeletal structure.   It could be from the neck, possibly another disc lesion, or it could be from the spine in the middle of your back along with the ribs.  Muscles and fascial connective tissue in the chest or shoulder can refer down your arm.  The thoracic spine and ribs can cause pain into the lateral chest.  The ribs/spine joint connection can be a source of pain that people describe as "having an arrow through me...couldn't get a breath."  Find a good chiropractor.  So long as you don't have a giant disc herniation, if you get the right combination of joint manipulation and soft tissue therapy, then odds are you will feel better.  

'Good luck,

Dr. G