Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Is it the spine? Or more?

June 14, 2014 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Christian Welsch

Hello,
I have been experiencing strong pain in my left chest for 1 week, radiating to my arm, shoulder, and neck. Additionally, I have tenderness in the left rib cage below the armpits. I have had 2 EKG tests done, with no findings. My primary care physician diagnosed me with intercostal neuralgia. However, a subsequent X-ray of the spine also showed no abnormalities. I have been prescribed Ibuprofen 600 twice a day, but it only slightly improves the pain.
A chiropractor suspects a blockage in the cervical and thoracic spine. The pain is sudden and often lasts a long time. I am 22 years old, male, non-smoker, and of normal weight.
I am starting to worry that there may be heart issues that have been overlooked. What can I do, or how do you suggest I proceed? Thank you for your response.

Christian Welsch

Dear questioner, you are much too young for a serious heart condition. If the pain changes when breathing deeply in and out, it most likely comes from the spine. Have you seen an orthopedist? If it doesn't improve, an MRI of the spine should be done. Regards, C. Welsch.