Experience with Acupuncture Led to Chest Discomfort
Greetings, I'm a 27-year-old female (5'5", 150 lbs, currently taking only allergy medication, no smoking habits). I recently discovered that my insurance plan includes acupuncture treatments and attended my first session two days ago. During this appointment, several traditional acupuncture needles were utilized as a trial. I struggle with positional vertigo, which makes it challenging for me to remain still, compounded with fibromyalgia-related discomfort and occasional numbness. In a moment of poor judgment, I attempted to adjust my position by sitting up slightly, bringing my chin down to my chest to observe my numb foot. In doing so, I inadvertently pushed one of the needles deeper into the left-center area of my chest. Initially, the sensation intensified, causing me to feel hesitant about addressing the discomfort. Despite my concern, I decided to wait it out, pondering whether I was overreacting. However, approximately fifteen minutes later, I opted to summon the acupuncturist for an evaluation. They removed the needle that had shifted, as well as any needles placed on the left side of my body. Since then, I've been experiencing intermittent chest discomfort, rated around 4 out of 10, with a consistent, albeit mild, pressure level of approximately 2. Additionally, I have noticed a slight increase in blurriness in my vision compared to usual. Fortunately, I have not encountered any problems with eating, breathing, or standing, but the sensation is noticeable. I find myself concerned about the possibility of a lung collapse or internal injury; however, I understand these occurrences are quite rare. I also recognize my current location has stringent certification standards for practitioners of acupuncture. I would greatly appreciate any guidance or advice on how to proceed. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 7:00:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some understandable worry following your acupuncture session, especially with the discomfort you're feeling in your chest and the visual changes. Let's break this down and discuss what you can do next.
Main Points:
- Chest Discomfort and Blurriness: The discomfort you're feeling, along with the vision changes, could be related to your recent acupuncture experience, but it's essential to evaluate these symptoms carefully.
- Potential Concerns: While the risk of serious injury from acupuncture is low, it's good to be cautious and monitor your body’s responses.
Explanation:
Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles at specific points in the body, and improper positioning or movement can lead to discomfort. The fact that your acupuncturist removed the needle that had shifted is important, but the symptoms you've developed afterward merit attention.
The intermittent chest discomfort you're feeling could be muscle-related irritation, especially given your fibromyalgia, but it’s important to rule out any more serious concerns. The blurriness in your vision could be a sign of stress or anxiety, especially since you're feeling discomfort, but it is worth noting.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your chest discomfort and vision blurriness. Note if they get worse, improve, or if new symptoms develop (e.g., shortness of breath, persistent pain, dizziness).
-
Rest and Relaxation: Try to minimize physical activity while you monitor your symptoms. Gentle breathing exercises or relaxation techniques could help with any anxiety related to your discomfort.
-
Hydration and Nutrition: Stay well-hydrated, and maintain a balanced diet to support your body.
-
Seek Support: If symptoms such as increased chest pain, shortness of breath, or significant changes in your vision occur, reach out for medical advice promptly. Trust your instincts about your body—if you feel something is not right, it’s perfectly valid to seek help.
-
Follow Up with the Acupuncturist: Consider discussing your experience with the acupuncturist, as they may offer insights or adjustments for future sessions to ensure your comfort.
It's understandable to feel concerned about your symptoms. Keeping track of how you feel over the next few days will be crucial in determining if you need further evaluation. Take care, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions.
Related Questions
Experiencing Discomfort Under My Left Breast for Three Days?
I’m a 32-year-old female not taking any medications. This past Sunday, I began to notice a sharp pain beneath my left breast. Initially, I dismissed it as something possibly related to indigestion, but the sensation intensified over time. It’s a piercing pain that varies with my body posture, leading me to wonder if it might be due to a pinched nerve. I tried using heat therapy and even booked a massage, yet I haven’t experienced any relief. Taking deep breaths or conversing for an extended period triggers a sharp discomfort in that area. Is it possible that this could be precordial catch syndrome, considering that it has persisted for three days now?
Understanding Persistent Abdominal Discomfort
Approximately four to five months back, I experienced severe abdominal distress that led me to visit the emergency room, convinced my appendix was on the verge of rupture. After undergoing a comprehensive evaluation, I was sent home with severe constipation. Two days later, the hospital reached out, suggesting that my gallbladder might be the issue. Following this, I underwent surgery, yet the persistent pain in my lower right abdomen remained. I’ve consulted with my healthcare providers multiple times; they’ve eliminated the possibility of IBS and have ruled out celiac disease and a dairy intolerance. Just yesterday, I underwent a colonoscopy, and the results were normal, further deepening the mystery surrounding my discomfort. What could be the cause of this ongoing pain? It has been relentless for months, originating from my navel down to my pelvic area, manifesting as a dull ache that sometimes intensifies. The pressure is overwhelming, often leading to nausea and a significant loss of appetite, which has resulted in unintentional weight loss. As a young 20-year-old male, I feel like my life has come to a halt because of this persistent discomfort. If anyone has experienced something similar or can offer insight, I would greatly appreciate your support!
Differentiating Between GERD and Heart Issues
EXPLORING CHEST DISCOMFORT: IS IT GERD OR A HEART ISSUE? As a 20-year-old female, I recently found myself facing some concerning symptoms. A few weeks ago, I had a sudden onset of chest pain while lying down, which also made it difficult to breathe, though the discomfort usually subsided after a few minutes. However, one night, the pain escalated dramatically, presenting itself as a sharp and heavy stabbing sensation in my chest, accompanied by pain radiating down my arm and feelings of dizziness. Naturally, I feared I might be experiencing a heart attack, so I sought help at the emergency room the following day. After undergoing an ECG, I was relieved to find that the results were normal. I spent a night in the hospital for observation, during which the doctor diagnosed me with GERD. For the past three days, I have been on a regimen that includes omeprazole, alginate, and celecoxib. Despite this treatment, I am still troubled by the persistent chest pain that plagues me daily, originating from that fateful night before my hospital stay. The discomfort may dissipate for short periods—sometimes just an hour or even minutes—but it inevitably returns. I often feel the sharp, intense pain on the left side of my chest, particularly near the armpit, even with minor physical activities. Given my family history of heart disease, I cannot shake off my anxiety about my symptoms. I have considered getting a 2D echocardiogram but unfortunately, the cost is prohibitive at the moment. I would greatly appreciate any insights anyone might have regarding my situation. Could this still be GERD, or could there be something more serious at play? My concern is quite overwhelming at the moment.
Severe Discomfort Following Laparoscopic Appendectomy
I'm a 24-year-old male who underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy four days ago. The initial two days of my recovery were incredibly challenging, largely due to persistent gas pains. However, yesterday, on day three, I experienced a notable improvement, which gave me a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, upon waking today, I was met with a recurring agony reminiscent of my appendicitis days. I’m now dealing with a sharp, stabbing discomfort localized in my right lower abdomen and back, exacerbated when I take deep breaths or move around. This morning, I reached out to my surgeon, and we proceeded with some examinations. A CT scan showed that everything appeared normal, and blood tests were also conducted before I was discharged. I've just received my blood test results, which reveal that while my leukocyte levels are normal, my CRP (C-reactive protein) levels have spiked to an abnormal 61. My surgeon hasn’t yet returned my call regarding these results, but I find it extremely perplexing that I'm experiencing significant pain days after the surgery when I felt relatively pain-free initially. At the moment, I am managing my discomfort with ibuprofen and paracetamol.
Viral vs. Bacterial Sinusitis: Should I Start Antibiotics?
Age: 37 Gender: Female Height: 5’2 Weight: 186 lbs Ethnicity: Hispanic Duration of Symptoms: 3 days Location: California Existing Health Conditions: Detailed below Current Medications: None History of: allergic asthma, chronic pain (from a car accident 4 years ago), vestibular imbalance, and binocular vision issues - all resultant from the same accident for which I'm currently undergoing physical therapy. Since the beginning of the year, my family and I have been battling persistent illness, which has been quite frustrating. Recently, my 7-year-old son tested positive for Influenza A, and my teenager developed a sinus infection, for which she is now taking amoxicillin. On Saturday night, I developed a mild fever of 100.1°F and felt quite nauseous and unwell overall. After a decent night’s rest, I continued to feel poorly throughout Sunday without any fever, managing to perform nasal rinses and taking my allergy medication along with Flonase. However, today I woke up feeling fine only to be hit with severe facial pain around noon, and my condition worsened from that point. I’m not experiencing nasal congestion or discharge, but I do have chest discomfort along with significant pain and a burning sensation in my nose, forehead, throat, and chest. I recorded another fever today, reaching a peak of 100.1°F, and I’m feeling really miserable. I had a telehealth consultation where the nurse practitioner prescribed Augmentin and Azelastine (a nasal allergy medication) to replace Flonase. My concern is regarding my asthma history that tends to flare up frequently. Should I start the antibiotics right away, or hold off for a few days in hopes that my body can overcome this on its own? I’m open to waiting until tomorrow as I have to return to the office on Wednesday and would prefer to be well enough to attend. Is there a chance that my fever will subside and I’ll feel better by then? Should I take the antibiotics due to my asthma, or is it best to wait?