Chest Pain: Could It Be Nerve Inflammation?

Could you help me see what this is???

Initially, I thought my chest pain was due to heart disease, and someone checked my pulse and said there was a blood clot in my heart.
Therefore, I went to a large hospital for examination, but the doctor said my heart was normal and there were no blood clots.
However, the cause of my chest pain remained unclear.
Later, someone from a pharmacy suggested it might be related to gastrointestinal inflammation.
After that, whenever I experienced chest pain, I would take two pills, and it really helped.

The most concerning part is that between the ages of 40 and 54, I had two car accidents that resulted in arm sprains.
I wonder if these could be residual effects, as I have been experiencing numbness extending from my chest to my arm for the past two to three months.
The numbness comes and goes over a few minutes.
Additionally, due to high expenses, I cannot stay home and have to work to support my family.
I started working at a laundry factory, where I have to lift heavy items.
This has been ongoing since the Lunar New Year until now.
When I return home, I cannot rest and still have to clean and cook.

Because I am busy with work and do not have time to see a doctor, I would like to ask if my symptoms could be due to nerve inflammation? What should I take to improve my condition? Please help! Thank you!

A Ying, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/07/04

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology

If symptoms persist without improvement, it is recommended to visit a neurology clinic for a physical examination.

Reply Date: 2005/07/04

More Info

Understanding chest pain can be quite complex, especially when it involves multiple potential causes such as nerve inflammation, gastrointestinal issues, or musculoskeletal problems. Based on your description, it seems that your chest pain has been a source of concern, particularly with the initial fear of a heart condition. However, since medical evaluations have ruled out heart disease and blood clots, we can explore other possible explanations.

Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that chest pain can arise from various sources. The heart is often the first concern, but as you noted, your heart has been deemed healthy. This opens the door to other potential causes, including gastrointestinal issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause pain that mimics heart-related discomfort. The fact that you found relief after taking medication for gastrointestinal inflammation suggests that this could be a contributing factor.

Moreover, your history of trauma from car accidents and the physical demands of your current job may also play a significant role in your symptoms. Injuries to the chest or upper back can lead to musculoskeletal pain, which might radiate to the arms and cause sensations of numbness or tingling. This is particularly relevant if you have been lifting heavy objects or engaging in repetitive motions, which can strain muscles and nerves in the upper body.

The symptoms you describe, such as the pain extending from your chest to your arm and the tingling sensations, could indicate nerve involvement. Conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome or cervical radiculopathy, where nerves are compressed or irritated, can lead to similar symptoms. Given your physical activity and previous injuries, it’s plausible that nerve inflammation or irritation could be contributing to your discomfort.

To address your concerns about nerve inflammation, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in neurology or orthopedics. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging studies like an MRI or nerve conduction studies to assess the integrity of your nerves and the surrounding structures.
In terms of management, if nerve inflammation is confirmed, treatment options may include physical therapy, which can help strengthen the muscles around the affected area and improve flexibility. Additionally, anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
You also mentioned the financial constraints that prevent you from seeking medical attention regularly. While it’s understandable to prioritize work and family, it’s crucial to address your health concerns, as untreated conditions can lead to more significant issues down the line. If possible, consider looking for community health services or clinics that offer sliding scale fees based on income, which may provide you with the care you need without the financial burden.

In summary, while your initial fears about heart disease were alleviated, the ongoing chest pain and associated symptoms warrant further investigation. It’s essential to explore the possibility of nerve inflammation or other musculoskeletal issues, especially given your history of trauma and physical labor. Seeking professional medical advice will be crucial in determining the appropriate course of action to manage your symptoms effectively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Heart-Related or Nerve Pain?

Hello doctor, for the past few days, I've been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my left chest (as indicated by the point on the finger in the image). I feel a bit uncomfortable when I press on it, and since it's located near the heart, I'm unsure if it'...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Repeated pressure on the ribs and chest wall muscles can easily cause pain. At 21 years old, the likelihood of atherosclerosis, angina, or myocardial infarction is extremely low; it is more likely to be neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain can be exacerbated by stress and em...

Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

In recent days, I have been experiencing occasional sharp pain in my chest (with a tearing sensation), and sometimes my neck also hurts. The pain intensifies when I am anxious, but I do not experience shortness of breath. Occasionally, I also feel pain while breathing. What could...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Most of it is just nerve pain. It is recommended to eat fewer cold foods and ensure adequate rest at night!

Unexplained Chest Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond Cardiology

In the past two months, I have experienced intermittent tightness or mild stabbing pain in my chest, particularly on the left side. Sometimes, I also feel pain in my left arm and fingers. I have visited a cardiologist and undergone X-rays, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and an echoc...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Su: 1. There are many causes of chest pain; the most serious include acute myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, perforated ulcer, and esophageal rupture. It is evident that your physician should have ruled out these acute condition...

Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Connections to Underlying Conditions

Doctor, could you please explain the causes of chest pain? The pain often occurs after fatigue from work and is felt on both sides of the chest. The patient has a history of elevated uric acid, hepatitis, and has accumulated a significant amount of dust in the lungs. Could these ...

Dr. Chen Jili reply Cardiology
There are many causes of chest pain, ranging from gastroesophageal reflux, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain to cardiac pain. Angina is often related to physical activity, and clinicians typically need to consider risk factors such as smoking and high cholesterol levels. An ...