Left Chest and Back Pain: Is It Heart-Related?

Left chest pain and left back pain?

I have been experiencing chest pain since the year before last, mostly on the left side of my chest.
I visited two hospitals' cardiology departments.
At the first hospital, I underwent a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram (ECG), and the doctor said everything was fine.
The second hospital performed the same two tests and additionally conducted a 24-hour Holter monitor and a stress test, with the doctor also reporting normal results.
I did not seek further medical evaluation until now, but I still experience left chest pain.
The pain comes and goes, lasting about a minute each time.
Sometimes it occurs three to four times a day, and occasionally I also feel a brief pain in my upper left back, though not as frequently as in my chest.
Could there be an issue with my heart? Additionally, I previously consulted a neurosurgeon who mentioned that I have cervical nerve compression and a herniated cervical disc.
Could this be related to my chest pain? Thank you.

Zeze, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/18

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, the X-rays and electrocardiograms from the first and second hospitals, as well as the 24-hour Holter monitor and exercise stress test, all showed normal heart function, indicating no significant issues with the heart.
The pain in your back may be related to cervical nerve compression, which could be causing the chest pain.
It would be advisable to undergo rehabilitation.
Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2023/08/18

More Info

Understanding left chest and back pain can be complex, especially when considering the potential involvement of the heart. Based on your description, it seems that you have undergone thorough cardiac evaluations, including chest X-rays, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and stress tests, all of which returned normal results. This is a reassuring sign, as significant heart issues like myocardial infarction (heart attack) or serious arrhythmias would likely have been detected during these tests.

The intermittent nature of your left chest pain, which lasts for about a minute and occurs several times a day, suggests that it may not be directly related to a cardiac condition. Cardiac pain typically presents as more persistent and can be associated with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, or radiating pain to the arm or jaw. Since your symptoms do not align with these characteristics, it is less likely that they are heart-related.

Your mention of experiencing pain in the left upper back and the history of cervical spine issues, such as nerve compression and disc protrusion, raises the possibility that your symptoms may be musculoskeletal or neuropathic in nature. Nerve compression in the cervical spine can lead to referred pain, which might manifest as discomfort in the chest or back. This is particularly plausible if you have a history of neck problems, as the nerves that exit the cervical spine can affect sensations in the upper body, including the chest and back.

Additionally, the posture you maintain during sleep or daily activities can contribute to muscle strain or tension, which may also explain the pain you are experiencing. Poor posture, especially if you tend to sleep on your side or in a position that puts strain on your neck and upper back, can lead to muscle tightness and discomfort that may mimic cardiac pain.

It's also worth considering other non-cardiac causes of chest pain, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause discomfort in the chest area, especially after eating. This condition can lead to a burning sensation or sharp pain that may be mistaken for heart-related issues.

Given your history and the normal cardiac evaluations, it would be prudent to explore further evaluation of your cervical spine and musculoskeletal system. Consulting with a physical therapist or a specialist in musculoskeletal medicine could provide insights into whether your symptoms are related to muscle strain, nerve compression, or other structural issues.

In summary, while your concerns about heart-related issues are valid, the normal results from your cardiac evaluations and the nature of your symptoms suggest that they are more likely related to musculoskeletal or nerve issues rather than a cardiac condition. It would be beneficial to address your cervical spine issues and consider lifestyle modifications, such as improving your posture and possibly engaging in physical therapy, to alleviate your symptoms. If your pain persists or worsens, seeking further evaluation from a healthcare professional is advisable to rule out any other underlying conditions.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Recent Back and Chest Pain: Is It Heart-Related?

Hello Doctor: I am 175 cm tall and weigh 70 kg. About a month ago, I first experienced pain in the area of my back near the spine. A week later, I started having chest pain and difficulty breathing. Another week later, I began to feel a sensation of pressure in my neck and head, ...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, it sounds more like a neuromuscular issue leading to autonomic nervous system dysfunction rather than being related to heart disease. Please start with some stretching and flexibility exercises, and monitor your condition. If you still feel unwell, consider visiting a card...

Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Heart Health

Hello, doctor. I am the person who asked about left chest pain a few days ago. Recently, my chest pain has been radiating from the left chest along the left side and into the left back. It feels similar to the pain in the left chest extending to the left back, and sometimes it tr...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, this seems more like neuropathic pain. Internal organs do not shift like that. The pain does not radiate in such a manner, which is also less indicative of myocardial infarction or aortic dissection, as well as mitral valve issues. It is necessary to see a cardiologist for...

Understanding Left Chest and Lower Back Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions

Hello, doctor. I usually have a habit of exercising every day, but recently, whenever I exercise (without increasing the intensity, and even reducing it), I experience pain on the outer left side of my chest (near the ribs) and in my left lower back. The pain is vague, and I also...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It seems that the discomfort in these two areas may not be related. For gastrointestinal issues, please first consult a gastroenterologist. For the pain on the left side of the chest, you should see a pulmonologist for an X-ray. If there are no lung problems, it may be mus...

Understanding Chest and Back Pain: Insights for Software Engineers

Hello Doctor: I am a software engineer, so I often have to sit in front of the computer for long periods at work. Recently, I have been experiencing pain in the left side of my back, specifically in the scapular area, which starts in the afternoon and is accompanied by sharp pain...

Dr. Yin Xinbei reply Rehabilitation
Myofascial pain syndrome can present the symptoms you described, and it is recommended to seek treatment promptly. However, it does not completely rule out cardiac issues, so if there is no improvement with treatment, it is advisable to undergo a stress electrocardiogram.