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What Causes A Painful Spot In The Upper Back?
Question: Hello this question is for DR Sharka .. I am still waiting for my stress test but I have been having neck and shoulder ache on left side that sometimes runs down my left arm but only in one spot upper back .. Now I have had this since late last week I can still work out and I have full use of both neck and arm but again I always wonder if it is a warning sign for cardiac problems ... I am due to see my go tomorrow but I wanted your opinion if I should be asking for any cardiac tests ... If I turn my head to the left it hurts and it hurts the arm I am wondering cardiac or perhaps I pulled something
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms are not related to any cardiac causes.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome back on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms are not related to any cardiac disorders.
They are typical of a musculo-skeletal pain or a nerve pain. A muscular stretching or a wrong position during staying or sleeping could explain all this symptomatology. Another possible cause to consider would be bulging intervertebral disc in the cervical region, causing radicular pain in the arm.
For this reason, I would recommend performing some tests besides a careful physical exam:
- a cervical spine X ray study
- a nerve conduction study may be needed in case a nerve compression is suspected during physical exam.
A cervical CT spine would be the next test to be done in case a bulging disc is suspected after the above test results.
But, no other cardiac tests are needed! As a cardiologist, I can assure you about that!
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Feel free to ask me again, whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Your symptoms are not related to any cardiac causes.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome back on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms are not related to any cardiac disorders.
They are typical of a musculo-skeletal pain or a nerve pain. A muscular stretching or a wrong position during staying or sleeping could explain all this symptomatology. Another possible cause to consider would be bulging intervertebral disc in the cervical region, causing radicular pain in the arm.
For this reason, I would recommend performing some tests besides a careful physical exam:
- a cervical spine X ray study
- a nerve conduction study may be needed in case a nerve compression is suspected during physical exam.
A cervical CT spine would be the next test to be done in case a bulging disc is suspected after the above test results.
But, no other cardiac tests are needed! As a cardiologist, I can assure you about that!
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Feel free to ask me again, whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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