Dealing with Severe Left Chest Pain: Seeking Temporary Relief
Experiencing intense pain on the left side of my chest has significantly impacted my life. For many years, I endured discomfort in the middle of my chest. However, two years ago, after undergoing various tests including ECGs, blood exams, a 24-hour ECG monitor, X-rays, and a CT scan, I was reassured that everything was normal and the doctors attributed my symptoms to anxiety. Over the past six months, the location of the pain has shifted. While it still sometimes feels central, the soreness now primarily surrounds my left pectoral muscle and extends underneath my left armpit, radiating down the left side of my torso. I’ve visited the emergency room four times recently due to intense and alarming pain. Each time, the ECGs, blood tests, and X-rays yielded normal results once more, leading medical professionals to conclude that it might be due to anxiety or muscle strain. The pain can persist day and night, lasting for up to two weeks without any respite. Attempts to manage the discomfort with painkillers, heat treatments, or gentle stretches have proven ineffective. The sensation is a persistent ache, and applying pressure to certain areas feels akin to pushing on a bruise over my ribs. I can't shake the feeling of fear; even though I've had this consistent pain for over a week now, in the exact same place, it’s hard not to worry about the worst possible outcomes. I've been referred to a pain management clinic, but I know that it could take many months before I have my appointment. As a 28-year-old male with a history of anxiety and acid reflux, I find myself questioning whether I am truly alright during this ordeal. Is there anything I can do to mitigate the pain or reassure myself while I wait for my treatment?
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 8:50:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that dealing with severe chest pain can be incredibly distressing, especially when the cause remains unclear despite various tests. Your history of anxiety, muscle strain, and previous evaluations suggests that while the pain is real, the underlying cause might not be as worrisome as it feels. Let's focus on actions you can take to temporary relief and reassurance.
Key Points:
- Understanding Your Pain: It’s important to acknowledge that the pain you describe could be related to anxiety, muscle tension, or strain, particularly in the context of your medical history.
- Immediate Relief Strategies: There are steps you can take to help alleviate your discomfort while waiting for your appointment.
Explanation:
The pain you’re experiencing in your left chest and side could stem from multiple factors, often intertwined with stress and anxiety, especially since you've already been reassured through medical tests. It’s common for anxiety to manifest as physical pain. Muscle tension from stress can lead to persistent discomfort, particularly in the chest area.
Next Steps for Relief:
-
Deep Breathing Exercises: Engage in slow, deep breathing techniques to help reduce anxiety and potentially relieve muscle tension. Try inhaling deeply through your nose for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling slowly through your mouth for a count of six. Aim for 5–10 minutes, several times a day.
-
Gentle Stretching and Posture Correction: Incorporate gentle stretches targeting the chest and shoulder areas a few times daily. Focus on maintaining a good posture to avoid unnecessary strain. Simple stretches like reaching your arms overhead or gently pulling your shoulder blades back can be beneficial.
-
Heat Application: Although you've mentioned that heat hasn’t been effective before, consider applying it more strategically. Use a warm compress or a heating pad directly to the areas of muscle tension (around the left pectoral area and underarm) for 15-20 minutes. It may take a couple of tries to find a method that works for you.
-
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Explore mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga. These can help center your thoughts, reduce anxiety, and potentially lessen the perception of pain.
-
Stay Active within Limits: Engage in light activities that don’t exacerbate your pain. Mild exercise, like walking, can help improve your mood and anxiety levels, and aid in muscle relaxation.
-
Track Your Symptoms: Keep a log of when the pain occurs, what activities worsen it, and how you deal with it. This can help you identify patterns and provide insights for your upcoming appointment at the pain management clinic.
Reassurance:
It’s natural to feel anxious when pain persists, but remember that your previous medical evaluations have shown no serious conditions. While you await treatment, focus on managing daily life in a way that prioritizes your well-being. If pain suddenly worsens or you experience new symptoms (like shortness of breath, dizziness, or severe discomfort), seek immediate medical attention.
You are taking important steps to address your health by reaching out and seeking support. Let me know if you need further guidance on any of these points.
Related Questions
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!
Normal MRI and EMG Reveal Nerve Slowdown
Greetings, I’m a 23-year-old female seeking guidance about some health issues I’ve been experiencing. Recently, I've noticed weakness in both my hand and arm, particularly in my dominant hand where grip strength has been notably diminished. After undergoing an EMG, the results indicated that my nerves are exhibiting a slowdown. However, my MRI results were unremarkable. To address some swelling I experienced, I was prescribed a course of steroids (4mg for a few months), which alleviated some of the issues, yet I still experience residual swelling in my hand. Often, my hand feels cold, and I notice a popping sensation when I move my fingers. Despite these sensations, I do not have any numbness or tingling, and the swelling appears sporadic. The pain I endure is quite severe, described as a hammering sensation throughout my hand. On occasion, I take ibuprofen (600mg) for relief, but it proves to be somewhat ineffective. My wrist itself seems fine, but my orthopedic specialist is considering a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), even though my symptoms don’t align with typical CTS indicators. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you may offer!
Experiencing Unusual Sensitivity to Paracetamol
Hello, Reddit community! I'm a newcomer here, so please bear with me as I navigate this platform as well as the rules. I appreciate your understanding regarding my writing skills. I find myself in a situation that lacks sufficient information online, and I'm reaching out for insights from others. Currently, I have reasons to believe that I might be experiencing a unique sensitivity to paracetamol, and I’d like to share my timeline regarding this matter. Throughout my life, I generally had no issues with paracetamol. I used various brands multiple times and felt fine. However, starting in the fourth grade, I began to experience difficulties with it. My initial problems were respiratory-related, but soon they also affected my gastrointestinal system. I haven't had any formal testing yet, but I can safely use other pain relievers like NSAIDs without any adverse effects. Initially, I tolerated paracetamol relatively well; my early symptoms seemed like common side effects. Unfortunately, it escalated to severe reactions, including vomiting, tightening of the throat, blood in my mucus, and shortness of breath. In my confusion, I thought limiting my dosage could help, which it did temporarily, but eventually even the reduced amounts failed to be effective. I experimented with syrup formulations that contain less paracetamol or where it isn't the primary ingredient, and found those to be more manageable. Recently, however, even those have become problematic, making it necessary for me to seek alternatives to paracetamol, as it has become increasingly intolerable. Through my research, I discovered that such reactions often stem from cross-sensitivity to other medications or from preexisting respiratory conditions. I lack a history of asthma or other respiratory issues, so I’m inclined to dismiss that possibility, although I remain uncertain. Moreover, I have no known allergies, which adds to my confusion since my reactions only occur with this one particular medication while all others seem fine. It is difficult for me to process this change, especially since I used to have no issues with paracetamol. It is widely available and generally considered safe, so I struggle to understand the source of my suffering. Many people insist that these reactions are normal side effects, leading me to question whether I am overreacting. The immediacy of my reactions intensifies my concern; I don’t even need to swallow the medication completely before I notice my throat constricting, increased mucus production, and shortly thereafter, some blood in my mucus along with persistent coughing. This pattern has become consistent, whereas it used to depend on the dosage. Now, regardless of how much I take, the same symptoms occur. I’ve tried to dismiss it, not wanting to worry my parents or seek medical attention for a dosage safety test, fearing I’ve already pushed my body too much. However, I am considering discussing my concerns with my mother since she is increasingly worried about my use of this medication. I’m not seeking a diagnosis or medical advice—I understand I should probably consult a professional. I’m just interested in knowing if anyone else has faced similar experiences, as the confusion grows. What I once assumed were normal side effects now seem to signify something more concerning.
Chronic Hypersomnia Since Adolescence: A Seeking Path for Answers
I am a 30-year-old white male, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds, residing in the United States. **Current Medications:** - Adderall XR 40 mg - Sunosi 150 mg - Lisinopril 40 mg - Atenolol 25 mg - Tolvaptan 60 mg **Medical Background:** - Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) at stage 2 (eGFR 67) - Obstructive Sleep Apnea (utilizing CPAP machine since July 2024) - Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) **Symptoms Experienced:** - Persistent and overwhelming sleepiness—more than just fatigue—accompanied by a heavy feeling in my face and chest; I struggle to keep my eyes open and often feel as if I am burdened. - I sleep for 10 to 14 hours every night, supplemented by involuntary naps lasting 1 to 2 hours multiple times throughout the day. - None of my sleep feels restorative, leading to a groggy, hangover-like state upon waking. - Cognitive challenges including a lack of focus, forgetfulness, and trouble retrieving words, which have grown more pronounced over the last four years. - Activities as simple as showering or cooking now feel like moving through molasses. - I experience low physical endurance and lengthy recovery times, even though I previously maintained a regular exercise routine. My late father exhibited similar symptoms with the addition of seizures he associated with alcoholism, although he was never assessed medically. I, on the other hand, do not have any alcohol or addiction issues. **Specialist Consultations:** - **Sleep Specialist:** A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) ruled out narcolepsy with no Sleep Onset REM Periods (SOREMs) and a 12-minute latency. I comply with CPAP therapy for an average of eight hours each night, but there has been no alleviation of my symptoms. Testing revealed no periodic limb movement disorders, alpha-delta intrusions, or unexplained nighttime arousals. - **Nephrologist:** Symptoms are considered unlikely to stem from my current stage of ADPKD. Tests show I’m not anemic, with standard iron levels. - **Rheumatologist:** An ANA titer of 1:320 with a speckled and nucleolar pattern appears elevated; however, all specific autoimmune tests returned negative. Monitoring was suggested without a clear diagnosis provided. - **Psychiatrist:** It was determined that my symptoms do not seem to be connected to mental health issues. My therapist has also validated in a letter that my condition is unrelated to psychological factors. - **Miscellaneous Findings:** An arachnoid cyst was detected in my brain. My white blood cell count is borderline low and my red blood cell count alternates between normal and low realms. Testosterone levels are within the normal range, though morning cortisol is slightly elevated. Normetanephrine is elevated at 2.15 nmol/L, while metanephrine remains normal at 0.27 nmol/L. Both Vitamin D and B12 levels are adequate. Tests for STIs returned negative results. **Current Situation:** I am currently on disability, unable to work even in part-time capacities and can no longer engage in exercise, finding myself nearly confined to my home. I feel as though I am being sent from one specialist to another without gaining clarity on my condition. What avenues should I explore next? Which type of medical professional might offer further insight? I'm beginning to doubt my own experiences, pondering if I am merely being lazy or overly sensitive.
Chronic Foot Pain: Seeking Insights on Possible Causes
I'm reaching out to gather thoughts on a perplexing issue I'm facing. Since my first pregnancy back in 2020, I've been dealing with intense foot pain that appears unpredictably. It all started when I was about seven months along while working long shifts in a busy kitchen, four days a week, for eight hours each day. At the time, I dismissed the discomfort as something typical for pregnancy, but it fortunately subsided about six months after giving birth to my first child. Fast forward to late 2024, when I became pregnant with my second child. By now, I had transitioned to being a stay-at-home mother, with none of the rigorous demands of my previous job. However, around three months into this new pregnancy, the foot pain reemerged and has persisted ever since. My youngest is turning two this month, which helps frame this timeline. The pain has oscillated between being severe and manageable, but the previous six months have marked a significant decline into debilitating territory. When I am at rest, I feel sharp pains in my metatarsals that radiate up to my knees. To alleviate some discomfort, I’ve been altering my walking style to shift weight more onto my heels instead of the balls of my feet. However, this adjustment has introduced a new level of discomfort in my heels. Ironically, the only relief I find is while walking. Nonetheless, excessive walking—even something as simple as taking my oldest to school for a brief ten-minute journey—leaves me nearly immobilized the following day. Currently, I’m on a regimen of 50 mg of APO-Diclofenac DR, taken twice daily, yet I’ve found no relief. Previously, I also tried 500 mg of naproxen twice a day without any positive outcomes. I've experimented with various footwear, but none have alleviated the pain. My primary care physician has arranged for bilateral x-rays and blood tests to check for conditions like gout and markers for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, among other things. So far, all tests have returned normal. There have been occasions where I’ve had to keep my oldest child at home from school simply because I’m unable to walk even a short distance, such as the fifty steps from my bedroom to the kitchen. Standing causes distress, and even elevating my feet while resting feels unbearable. Additionally, any gentle touch to my feet triggers intense pain that shoots up my shins. The only feedback I’ve received from my doctor so far is that it likely stems from inflammation, along with a recommendation to expedite weight loss. I had a chiropractor assess my condition, and they noted that I am hypermobile, but I’m unsure how significant that could be to my situation. If you have any questions for clarification, I’d be more than willing to respond. I’m enduring considerable pain and would greatly appreciate any suggestions on possible avenues for finding relief.