Experiencing Chest and Shoulder Discomfort?
I'm currently at home by myself and don't have access to transportation, so I’m reaching out for advice! I’m a 19-year-old female and about four days ago, I began experiencing discomfort in the upper left side of my chest. Over the following days, it’s become challenging to determine if the sensation is coming from my shoulder or my chest. There’s also some pain radiating down my left arm, somewhat reminiscent of carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, I’ve been sweating excessively and feeling unusually warm, although that’s not completely out of the ordinary for me—it's just intensified. I’ve been feeling quite fatigued as well, but the pain is keeping me from getting any restful sleep. Unfortunately, ibuprofen hasn’t provided any relief. Initially, I thought it might be a muscle strain or something similar, but can this type of discomfort really persist for this length of time? I just had an appointment with my doctor last week, and everything regarding my heart appeared to be fine! I wonder how fast things can change in that regard. That’s my situation in a nutshell!
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 10:31:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about chest and shoulder discomfort, especially given the range of sensations you're experiencing. The combination of symptoms you're describing, like chest discomfort, shoulder pain, radiating pain in the arm, sweating, and fatigue, can be attributed to various causes, including muscular strain, nerve issues, or even anxiety. While you mentioned that your heart was evaluated recently, it's good to be cautious about changes in symptoms.
Explanation:
Chest pain can often be due to muscular issues, especially if related to activity or posture. However, the symptoms you describe—specifically the pain radiating down your arm, the excessive sweating, and fatigue—are worth paying attention to. In young individuals, serious heart conditions are less common, but they can still occur. It's important to be aware of any changes that could signify a need for further evaluation.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Pay attention to any worsening symptoms, especially sharp pain, tightness, or pressure in the chest, or if you experience dizziness or shortness of breath.
-
Rest & Positioning:
- Try to rest in a comfortable position that alleviates discomfort. Gentle stretching or moving your arm might help relieve muscle tension, but avoid any activities that exacerbate the pain.
-
Hydration:
- Ensure you're drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can contribute to fatigue and discomfort.
-
Heat Therapy:
- Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the affected area may help relax any tight muscles and relieve discomfort.
-
Stress Management:
- If you think anxiety might be a factor (especially with the mentioned sweating and fatigue), consider relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
-
Keep a Symptom Diary:
- Track the timing and intensity of your symptoms, noting any changes or patterns. This can be helpful for future discussions with a healthcare provider.
If your symptoms worsen, or if new symptoms appear, please seek medical attention right away even without transportation options. You might be able to reach out to friends or family for assistance, or contact a local help service. Your health and comfort are the priority, so it’s important to address any worsening concerns promptly. Let me know if you need any further information or support!
Related Questions
Understanding Limited Finger Mobility and Associated Discomfort
I’ve noticed that my right hand struggles with having individual finger movement. To illustrate this challenge, I recently recorded a brief video showcasing my hand's limitations. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with persistent neck and shoulder pain for several years now. Despite consulting multiple healthcare professionals, I’ve yet to receive any conclusive answers regarding my condition. I’m currently attending physical therapy, but even my therapist seems puzzled by the situation. An MRI of my neck returned results indicating only mild issues, and the same goes for my shoulder, with nothing alarming detected. I would be immensely grateful for any insights or suggestions, particularly since the discomfort has forced me to halt my weightlifting training.
Discomfort in the Left Temple and Forehead
I’m a 25-year-old female who does not regularly use medication. I occasionally drink and smoke. For the past three days, I’ve been experiencing intermittent pain localized to the left side of my head, particularly in the temple and the frontal region. The discomfort isn’t constant; it appears and disappears rather than lasting throughout the day. Given the symptoms, I initially suspected it might be a migraine, though I remain uncertain about the diagnosis.
Experiencing Neck Pain for Almost a Week: Is It a Cause for Concern?
I want to be open about my situation, as I've shared my concerns in a few places without much input, so I’m hoping for more engagement here. Last Saturday, January 30, I finished a lengthy car journey and felt completely fine upon returning home. However, on January 31, I woke up to excruciating pain in my neck, particularly at the junction of my cervical and thoracic spine. The discomfort made any movement difficult, and tilting my head back was particularly painful, making it challenging to drink fluids or take medication. On a pain scale, it settled at a constant 6, with episodes rising to 8 or 9. Interestingly, I hadn’t sustained any injury that could explain this sudden pain, nor had I felt discomfort while resting. By the following day, I experienced a slight reduction in pain and regained some range of motion, but the sharpness remained. Any attempt to move my neck beyond its current limits was still extremely painful. I noticed that when I tilted my head side to side and then brought it back to center, I felt additional pressure midway, almost as if my vertebrae were struggling to move over a disc. Currently, I'm still feeling the effects of this issue. The area is stiff and sensitive. While the muscles surrounding it don’t ache, the joint itself is quite painful. Although I can move my neck now, it remains uncomfortable, leaving me uncertain about whether to wait it out or consult a doctor. I have a chiropractor appointment scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday, but I’m hesitant about whether I should allow them to adjust my neck. I plan to inform them about my condition, as I want them to make an informed decision regarding adjustments, but I’m unsure if I should proactively refuse any neck manipulation if it’s suggested. Additionally, I’m concerned about the possibility of a serious issue with my disc. Although I am trying to keep my worries in check, I can’t help but feel anxious about it. Another consideration is that my hips and lower back also feel misaligned, and I haven’t been able to correct that myself. If possible, I would still prefer to go to the chiropractor to address those areas. The only feedback I received from my previous post was advice against any adjustments, and when I inquired about my lower back and hips, I didn’t receive any clarification—just downvotes instead. Any insights or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated!
Upper Chest Pain Following Car Accident
Greetings, I'm a 41-year-old male. Last week, I was involved in a vehicle collision and received medical evaluation in an ambulance right at the scene. I informed the paramedic that my chest pain was about a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10. They allowed me to return home after the examination. A few hours later, once the initial shock had faded, I noticed that the discomfort had intensified, although it was still tolerable. After some online research, I suspected that I might be dealing with a bruised rib, so I planned to just take it easy. I do have ixprim tablets at home, but they haven't provided significant relief. Now, a week has passed, and there hasn't been any improvement in my condition. I struggle with daily activities, as the pain becomes acute, almost as if my body is warning me to stop exerting myself. Since the incident, I haven't been able to walk my dogs or return to work. I don’t have any visible bruises or cuts, but I do feel discomfort in the central and left side of my upper chest. Movement in that area triggers sharp pain. Could this be indicative of a bruised rib, and is it possible that it's simply taking longer to heal than anticipated? It's Friday evening, and I’m planning to consult with a doctor on Monday if I don’t begin to see any noticeable improvement by then.
Unraveling the Mystery of My Walking Difficulties After Three Years
At 27 years old and weighing 180 lbs at a height of 5'7", my journey over the past three years has been fraught with challenges related to mobility. Briefly summarizing: I've endured over a decade of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis treated with biologics, along with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, scoliosis, and chronic migraines, both with and without aura. Additionally, I've experienced orthostatic intolerance and have suffered three minor concussions. Lately, I’ve faced persistent numbness, weakness, and pain in my legs, along with increasing incontinence. Consultations with a neurologist, neurosurgeon, rheumatologist, and physical therapist haven't yielded clear answers about my condition. Today is particularly painful; there’s an unbearable ache in my lower back and legs, making it almost impossible to find a comfortable position, which severely hampers my ability to walk. I feel desperate to uncover effective next steps for my situation. In three weeks, I’m scheduled for a repeat EMG, and if the results appear normal, my doctors advise proceeding to a lumbar puncture. I’m eager to explore any additional avenues we might pursue, such as blood tests, a CT scan, or a standing MRI. I welcome your suggestions regarding potential diagnoses or tests I should consider. I’ve attached my symptom notes that have been shared with my healthcare providers. An EMG conducted three years ago indicated only mild C7 radiculopathy. Comprehensive MRIs of my spine have been carried out before and after my symptoms began; the latest imaging was completed just recently. According to the neurosurgeon, my spinal health appears satisfactory. The MRIs confirmed known issues like mild facet arthritis in the lumbar region and mild dextroscoliosis in the thoracic area, alongside some abnormal curvature in my neck attributed to muscle spasms. No changes have been noted in my brain MRIs over the past decade, and there’s been no sign of multiple sclerosis on these scans. Interestingly, I’ve also been experiencing a yellowish fluid seeping from my ears after physical exertion, a decrease in my sense of smell, and noticeable hearing loss since the onset of my symptoms. Over the last few months, I’ve developed sores the size of pimples on my arms, chest, and scalp, which require treatment with antibiotic ointment and regular cleaning with rubbing alcohol to heal satisfactorily. I’ve been tested for diabetes due to suspected reactive hypoglycemia, but results show I am not diabetic. **Details of My Leg Issues:** For three years, I have battled leg numbness that has escalated to include incontinence, episodes of falling, and significant difficulty in walking. The numbness can affect any part of the leg, from toes to hips. It typically surfaces almost instantaneously when lying down with my legs elevated or when seated cross-legged. In contrast, lying on my back, sitting on hard surfaces, or carrying weight gradually intensifies the numbness. Navigating stairs exacerbates my symptoms, causing my legs to feel unusually heavy and leaving me breathless. When one or both legs become entirely numb, they cannot support my weight, resulting in falls. Additionally, I experience groin and saddle area numbness when sitting in a chair or on the toilet, as well as while cross-legged or lying down. Usually, if I have groin numbness, my legs are unaffected and vice versa. This kind of numbness is notably different from the sensation of a leg falling asleep. It is accompanied by a gnawing burning pain, and when the numbness subsides, residual pain often intensifies. Typically, I awaken once each night to use the restroom. If I’m on my back, I may not feel my groin or recognize the need to urinate until awakened by pain. After rising, I may suddenly lose control of my bladder without realizing it until I notice moisture on my leg. Throughout the day, I only recognize the need to urinate when it becomes painful, and often when I stand, I face incontinence at that point. Occasionally, while standing, I get an odd sensation, as if there are bugs crawling on my legs or water splashing against them, particularly when washing dishes. I find substantial relief from my symptoms when using a custom wheelchair with a specialized cushion and have noticed that my legs and back pain respond well to treatment with Journavx. During exacerbations, I typically experience heightened pain in my mid-back, with tenderness in specific areas, and surrounding muscles tightening due to spasms.