Persistent Left Chest Pain and a Lack of Relief
Update: Although I mentioned that I'm not receiving assistance, what I really meant was that I'm struggling to manage the pain effectively. For many years now, I have been experiencing chest pain, which initially was localized at the center of my chest. Numerous tests, including ECGs, blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans, were conducted back then, all of which came back normal. However, in the past six months, I have been enduring intense discomfort on the left side of my chest, particularly around the pectoral region, extending under my left armpit and radiating downwards. I’ve been in agony for the last five days, and as I write this note, the pain has intensified again. I visited the emergency room for the fourth time two weeks ago, where I underwent more of the same tests: ECGs, blood work, and X-rays, all yielding normal results. The ER physician assured me that my heart appears healthy and suggested that my symptoms may either be due to anxiety or muscle-related issues. While I do experience significant anxiety, the chest pain strikes at unpredictable moments, sometimes lasting for weeks without any relief regardless of what I try. Pressing down on the area feels like touching a bruise. When the pain escalates, it can be so severe that it mimics the symptoms of a heart attack. Presently, I find myself unable to manage this discomfort any longer. My general practitioner reiterates that my issues stem from anxiety. I requested a referral to a musculoskeletal specialist to explore potential solutions, but again, I was told it’s purely psychiatric in nature. I am already undergoing therapy and on medication; often, I’m not even feeling anxious. I’m at a loss for what to do next. Is it possible something regarding my heart was overlooked? Could it genuinely be linked to anxiety? I am genuinely in urgent need of assistance, as I'm uncertain how much longer I can endure this pain. I am a 28-year-old male in this difficult situation.
Answers (1)
9/9/2025, 4:02:16 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the ongoing distress you're experiencing. Chronic chest pain can be incredibly challenging, especially when the source of that pain seems elusive. Based on your description, there are potential reasons for your discomfort, and addressing your concerns is important.
Main Points:
- Chest pain can arise from various causes, including musculoskeletal issues and anxiety.
- If you've had thorough cardiac evaluations with normal results, other factors may be contributing to your pain.
- You may need to explore alternative approaches to manage your pain and identify its source.
Explanation:
Given your history and the normal test results for heart conditions, it's understandable why you'd feel there's something being overlooked. The intense discomfort radiating from your left pectoral area and under the armpit can often be associated with musculoskeletal issues, such as muscle strain or inflammation, or even anxiety-related physical symptoms.
Since anxiety can manifest physically, it’s worth considering that both the physical and psychological components may play a role. However, it’s crucial to ensure that all avenues are being explored for relief.
Next Steps:
-
Pain Management Strategies:
- Ice or Heat Application: Try alternating between ice packs (to reduce inflammation) and heating pads (to relax muscles) on the painful areas for short periods.
- Gentle Stretching and Breathing Exercises: Engage in gentle stretches and deep breathing exercises which can help alleviate muscle tension and anxiety.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If suitable for you (and no contraindications), consider nonprescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for temporary relief.
-
Follow-up with Healthcare Provider:
- Musculoskeletal Referral: If your general practitioner is not supportive of a referral to a specialist, consider reassuring them that both musculoskeletal and anxiety factors need to be evaluated and managed together.
- Pain Management Clinic: Look for specialists who focus on chronic pain or musculoskeletal pain management, as they may offer therapies that could help you feel better.
-
Coping Strategies:
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Explore mindfulness meditation, which can help manage both anxiety and pain perception. There are apps and free resources available to guide you.
- Journaling Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your pain episodes. Note triggers, intensity, and any accompanying emotions. This can help both you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and formulate a better management plan.
-
Seek Support:
- Support Groups: Connecting with others who are experiencing similar issues can provide comfort and practical tips.
Remember, you're not alone in this, and it’s essential to advocate for yourself regarding your health. If the pain remains severe and unmanageable, don't hesitate to seek urgent care for immediate help. Please take care, and I hope you find relief soon.
Related Questions
Increasing Pain in the Sternal Area
A 26-year-old female, standing 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds, is seeking insights into her health condition. **Current Medications:** birth control and Allegra. **Past Medical History:** includes irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome that required surgical intervention at ages 17 and 18, and minor kyphosis. For the past year, she has experienced considerable stiffness, along with clicking and popping sensations, accompanied by mild discomfort located at the costosternal junction, particularly around the second to fourth ribs, with greater intensity on the left side. Recently, during the last three days, she noticed a notable increase in pain on the left, to the extent that it occasionally causes a sharp sensation that temporarily immobilizes her. However, once she changes her position, the pain becomes more bearable. Notably, she is not experiencing any shortness of breath. The pain appears to be triggered by movement and can be replicated, leading her to believe that cardiac or pulmonary issues are unlikely. Attempts to alleviate the discomfort with a lidocaine patch have been largely ineffective, although she has found some slight relief with ibuprofen. This situation appears to align with typical presentations of costochondritis; nonetheless, she acknowledges that such symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks, while hers have persisted for an entire year. She has encountered information suggesting that chronic costochondritis might point to rheumatoid disorders, and she is uncertain about the validity of this claim. Given her earlier struggles with ulnar nerve entrapment, which occurred during her teenage years, she is contemplating whether this pain warrants further medical evaluation. Currently, she lacks comprehensive health insurance, and she wishes to avoid any extensive diagnostic processes if they are unlikely to yield actionable results. However, if there is a possibility that her symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, she is prepared to follow through with recommended evaluations. Thank you for your assistance!
Persistent Discomfort and Sensitivity in My Leg Since July 2025
I am a 19-year-old female diagnosed with PCOS, and I occasionally take hydroxyzine, a medication I only use a few times each month. On July 12, my leg from the mid-thigh down experienced a strange sensation—either numbness or heightened sensitivity. By July 14, the situation prompted a visit to the emergency room. The medical staff informed me that I had an inflamed nerve in my back. They prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and released me. However, since that day, I've noticed my right leg has felt unusual. After walking for more than half an hour, continuing to move becomes quite challenging. Riding a bicycle for just a few minutes causes burning sensations in my knee and weakness in my legs. At present, my knee and ankle are the areas that feel the most sensitive. Following any extended walks, the discomfort in my leg can last for up to three days. Additionally, I experience a sharp, intense pain in my hips, particularly in the upper thigh region and deep near the hip joint. It is important to note that I cannot be pregnant, as I practice celibacy. Visually, there are no noticeable differences between my affected leg and the other one. However, I experience pain when pressure is applied to my right ankle, and excessive movement worsens the discomfort. Otherwise, to an outsider, there appears to be nothing wrong at all with my leg.
Experiencing Severe Discomfort - What Are My Options?
Age: 35, Height: 5'2", Weight: 61 kg. I have been suffering from intense discomfort located beneath both of my ribs, particularly a sharp pain deep under my left rib cage. A significant medical event occurred on November 25 when I underwent gallbladder removal. This morning I experienced diarrhea, which has since improved after taking loperamide. However, about an hour ago, I was abruptly awakened by significant pain radiating under my ribs. Additionally, I've experienced minor nausea that hasn’t alleviated my symptoms. I took co-codamol roughly three hours ago for pain relief, but it has proven ineffective against the current level of pain I'm enduring. What might be causing these symptoms? I live in the UK and I'm hesitant to utilize emergency services unnecessarily. Yet, given that co-codamol hasn't alleviated my discomfort, and I have a demanding 12-hour shift ahead tomorrow, what steps should I take next?
Experiencing Discomfort in My Left Armpit
I realize this may sound odd, but I'm feeling unwell and thought I'd seek some advice regarding my symptoms. A few days ago, I began experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, which isn't unusual for me as I seem to catch these colds every month. However, what is out of the ordinary this time is the intense pain in my left armpit and left arm. The discomfort is quite pronounced, ranging from about a 6 or 7 on the pain scale at its worst, while averaging around a 4. Typically, I experience muscle soreness in both armpits and around the lymph nodes in my neck, but this sensation feels distinct. It’s difficult for me to articulate, but it seems to be an internal pain rather than muscular. The pain appears to originate from my armpit area, closer to my back, yet it radiates down my arm towards my pinky finger. I no longer have a fever; my main symptoms now are congestion and a general feeling of malaise. I thought it was best to reach out for some insights regarding this issue.
Severe Throat Discomfort
Hello! I've been experiencing a severe throat discomfort that intermittently appears. This issue generally arises as I begin to recuperate from an illness, typically persisting for approximately three weeks to a month. During the initial episode, I struggled to turn my head or move my neck at all. While residing in college dorms, the campus health staff repeatedly speculated it was mononucleosis, despite my negative test results on several occasions. This occurred around October or November. The next episode unfolded while I was traveling over the summer. I encountered the usual travel-related illness due to my historically weak immune system, and this prolonged sickness lasted about a month before the throat discomfort returned. I eventually visited the emergency room for relief, but they offered no solutions. They assured me I was fine based on negative strep tests and a clean bill of health for "other conditions." They merely provided ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and Benadryl to assist with sleep. Just two weeks ago, I fell ill again, recovered swiftly, but then woke up yesterday with a throbbing sore throat. My neck aches, and I can feel that my lymph nodes are enlarged. I can’t shake this ominous feeling… To add some context, I’ve observed a pattern; each instance of these illnesses coincides with periods of significant stress in my life.