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Suggest Remedy For Persistent Chest Pain

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Posted on Tue, 1 Dec 2015
Question: Hello. I have been experiencing chest pain for the past five months. It started with a pressure in the middle of my chest, and then began to radiate to my upper left chest. Some days are better than others, but since the beginning of XXXXXXX the pain has become progressively worse. It does change sometimes- for example, sometimes a sharp, deep pain accompanies the pressing feeling, and other times there is just a pressure in the middle. It can often last for hours at a time now. For the past month I also have some pain on the right side, as though at the top of my right lung, but only when I inhale deeply. (on the other side it is almost constant). I can't determine what causes it to start, and there is nothing I can do to relieve it.
My doctor (a new GP since September) has sent me for lung tests (profusion/ventilation scan; bone scan) a CT scan of upper chest, and an echocardiogram. All have come back with normal results. Also a blood test for R factor. He has said that the next step would be an MRI (scheduled just before Xmas) behind my neck, since some sort of problem with my spine might be causing the pain. My question is: I have read that spine issues can mimic the heart/lung symptoms I describe. Could you tell me what this might be, and what the treatment options are? It's great that cancer and cardiac issues have been ruled out, but the pain Many thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possibility of radiculopathy can be there.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Pain in bilateral thoracic region if other cardiac and chest investigation are normal can be due to nerve root compression or stress related.
You should get Mri of thoracic spine with screening of whole spine.
For treatment you can take pregabalin or amitryptiline for few weeks.
Review with reports and Mri.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (5 hours later)
Thank you.
Could you please tell me, if the results of the MRI indicate an issue with my spine, what the possible long-term remedies would be? In other words, would my doctor be inclined to suggest a surgical solution, or are there other remedies available?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Upload Mri report and images

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

The management and treatment approach depends upon diagnosis, Mri finding and clinical condition. For most spinal conditions medical management is tried first and surgery is kept as last resort.

It will be difficult to speculate anything without MRI report.
Please consult with reports.

Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (2 hours later)
My MRI is scheduled for december 21st, and I would like to know, should this condition prove to be related to my spine, the range of what remedies there might be. Surely there is already an amount of speculation in communicating with patients over the internet. I am asking you to inform me of possible outcomes, based on my symptoms. Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possibility of serious disease is less likely, medicine will suffice

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
As you are having only pain over chest region without any back pain or lower limb weakness or urinary complains possibility of nerve root compression is likely. The second possibility is normal MRI with non specific location of pain and radiation.
As cardiac and chest examination are normal possibility of any serious findings is less likely.
I hope everything will come fine.
You need to wait for Mri spine.
Till then you should do physiotherapy and avoid lifting heavy objects.
Pain modulator drugs like pregabalin or gabapentin or amitryptiline can be taken.
Do get in touch with Mri report and images schedule in December by putting a direct premium question on my name.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Neeraj Kumar

Neurologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2259 Questions

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Suggest Remedy For Persistent Chest Pain

Brief Answer: Possibility of radiculopathy can be there. Detailed Answer: Hello dear, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. Pain in bilateral thoracic region if other cardiac and chest investigation are normal can be due to nerve root compression or stress related. You should get Mri of thoracic spine with screening of whole spine. For treatment you can take pregabalin or amitryptiline for few weeks. Review with reports and Mri. Regards Dr Neeraj Kumar Neurologist