OpenHealth Q&A

Experiencing Discomfort? Exploring Possible Causes

I’m a 27-year-old who has been grappling with persistent discomfort on the left side of my chest, shoulder, neck, and arm since January. This pain has been virtually unrelenting since it began, with rare instances affecting my right side. Alongside this, I've also experienced intermittent pain in my hip and upper leg on the right, though less frequently. Additionally, my wrists and fingers—particularly on the left—occasionally suffer from sharp, pinching sensations. At times, I feel as though my fingers are nearing numbness, although they haven't fully reached that state yet. For most of my life, I've been sedentary, spending countless hours at a computer starting at the age of nine. My current occupation is desk-based, and I typically return home to engage in more desk work. At 5'7” and weighing approximately 230 pounds, I have a familial history of hypertension, which I personally experienced following an emergency room visit. The onset of these symptoms coincided with a notably stressful period at work. While I initially attributed my discomfort to this stress, which has since diminished due to improved communication with my supervisor, the physical issues have unfortunately persisted, amplifying my anxiety. After enduring the pain for roughly 72 hours, I decided to visit the emergency room due to a near panic attack induced by the fear of a potential heart problem. Medical professionals conducted various tests including blood and urine screens, an EKG (a quick one to rule out a heart attack), and an X-ray of my heart. Fortunately, all results appeared normal, with the doctor mentioning that I have a larger than average heart, but nothing alarming was detected. The doctor attributed my condition to a combination of anxiety and hypertension, prescribing lisinopril for the blood pressure and cyclobenzaprine and tramadol for the discomfort. I found that cyclobenzaprine provided more relief than tramadol. Unfortunately, the lisinopril did not alleviate my symptoms, and without health insurance, I could not afford the follow-up appointments necessary for refills. Furthermore, since the medication requires a low potassium intake and I consume a lot of potassium-rich foods, this increased my concern. Leaving the hospital, I accepted the explanation of my symptoms being linked to anxiety given the extensive stress I had been under. However, after six months of enduring this discomfort—especially with recent exacerbation—it’s hard for me to solely attribute my symptoms to anxiety. The pain often triggers anxiety, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break. While I have never identified as someone with chronic anxiety, the prolonged nature of this pain has undeniably affected my mental state. Delving deeper into my health history, I consider myself to be on the borderline of alcoholism. Between the ages of 21 and 26, my alcohol intake reached around 50 drinks a week. I’ve significantly cut back, but I still consume around 20-30 drinks weekly, which I know is excessive and detrimental to my health. A few years back, my triglycerides levels were alarmingly high during a check-up for stomach problems. My doctor advised a low-fat, low-carb diet and a cessation of alcohol. I have made strides toward a more nutritious diet, although I still struggle with consistency. Over the past year, I have nearly halved my alcohol consumption. Interestingly, I often don’t feel sore in the mornings, but as the day progresses, the discomfort tends to return. I'm uncertain if resting alleviates it; when the pain escalates, I usually take some medication and lie down, which offers partial relief, though not complete alleviation. I'm reaching out for insights as I have exhausted countless searches online, only to find a plethora of conflicting information. I feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. Thank you for any guidance you can provide!

Answers (1)

7/9/2025, 8:31:03 AM

OpenHealth AI

Your ongoing discomfort and the symptoms you're experiencing are concerning, and it's understandable that this situation is overwhelming. Multiple factors are likely contributing to your pain, including stress, potential muscle strain from a sedentary lifestyle, anxiety, and perhaps residual effects from your alcohol use.

Key Points to Consider:

1. Muscle and Skeletal Pain: Given your desk-based job and sedentary lifestyle, muscle strain or tension, particularly in the shoulders, neck, and arms, could be significant contributors to your discomfort.
2. Anxiety and Stress: It's important to note that anxiety can manifest physically, causing muscle tension and discomfort, which may become cyclical with pain exacerbating anxiety and vice versa.
3. Lifestyle Factors: Your alcohol intake, high stress, and dietary habits can affect both physical pain and mental well-being.

Next Steps:

1. Introduce Regular Movement:

   • Aim to incorporate brief movement or stretching every hour during your workday. Simple neck, shoulder, and wrist stretches can alleviate tension. Consider using a standing desk or taking short walking breaks.
   • Engage in regular physical activity—aim for 30 minutes most days a week. This could include walking, swimming, or any activity that gets your heart rate up.

2. Manage Stress and Anxiety:

   • Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or yoga. These can help reduce both anxiety and muscle tension over time.
   • Consider journaling or talking to someone you trust about your feelings. Enhanced communication about your stressors might help alleviate some tension.

3. Moderate Alcohol Consumption:

   • Gradually decrease your alcohol intake further, keeping in mind the health risks associated with high consumption. Consider setting achievable goals—like reducing the number of drinks per week slowly.
   • Stay well-hydrated and prioritize nutritious foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help improve both physical symptoms and mental health over time.

4. Reassess Your Diet and Nutritional Needs:

   • Given the advice on low-potassium intake with lisinopril, focus on balanced meals, potentially limiting high-potassium foods temporarily while discussing dietary adjustments with a health professional when possible.
   • Consult reliable resources online, such as the CDC or the Mayo Clinic, about maintaining a heart-healthy diet.

5. Monitor Symptoms:

   • Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any factors that seem to improve or worsen them. This can help identify patterns and triggers in your daily routine.
   • If your symptoms do not improve or worsen significantly, finding a way to consult with a healthcare provider again for a thorough evaluation would be essential.

By taking these steps, you can create a structured approach to address your discomfort while also improving your overall well-being. Remember, progress can take time, and it’s okay to seek support from friends, family, or community resources to help you through this. You don't have to face this alone.