middle back pain and chest pain

ok were to start well i get middle back pain between the sholder blades and i get alot of tension in that area,i am a wee bit over weight and it only shows in my stomach area "potbelly",i also feel it in my lower chest,in the bottom rips both sides, and the centre,by the end of the day i start to get a burning feeling there,in the day i get the back pain and chest aches of and on a ,if i take some baking soda mid morning it relives the back and chest pain,i all so have a anxiety disorder

[trouble10]

I have the same exact symptoms!!!!! I always assumed it was because I was so tensed up with anxiety that the muscles got sore. I haven't tried any baking soda because I've never had any stomach issues, but I'll try anything. Right now I'm trying to make sure I sleep well enough and if the pain gets too bad, I'll take 1/2 and Ativan. Lots of love and luck....

[daisey16]

same symptoms, but no anxiety, I also have big knots and a sore shoulder, I think the rib cage pulls causing the cartilage on sternum to become tender, and it can't ge better until your back is strenthened alot with special stretches.

[kiako]

Exact same symptoms as well... It first started at the beginning of Feb. I went to the Dr, and he sent me to the ER. They did blood work, ECG, and chest X-ray, and everything came back normal. The ER Dr said it was probably 'costochondritis', and that advil and localized heat would help. It cleared up in about 2 weeks, but it came back mid April... this time my back (between shoulder blades) is aching... anyone get anywhere with this?

[cj29]

Anxiety and prolonged tension can definately cause many symptoms.  You said you suffer from anxiety; have you talked about these symptoms with your doctor?  If you have these pains, in my opinion, go talk to your physician and rule out any immediate causes and then tackle the ongoing stress by talking it over with a therapist....talking and being open about it is the best way to confront this in my opinion!

[merickson]

same symptoms also. try hot bath and relaxation  visulation. Sometimes it helps also massage helps. Do you get leg cramps?

[kiako]

I went to the Dr again today, and he said that it's most likely musculo-skeletal pain. He gave me a few different exercises for my back, and said that since the muscles in the back and chest are related, it should help with both pains. The Doc said that the causes are numerous, and include sleeping habits, work habits, and so on, so he suggested a new mattress, and changing some things at work. I asked about massages, and he (being very down-to-earth) told me to try the exercises first rather then paying for a massage to get the same results. Also, he said that Ibprofen (Advil) will continue to help treat the symptoms, but we'd have to deal with the cause first since I'm taking several Advil a day as it is. Hope this helps reassure anyone with these same symptoms!

[momto2]

Intersting! I can't believe I finally found people who are going through the same kind of pain I am. I have Mid to upper back pain with radiation to my chest and left arm. It is kind of scary but I have had numerous testing and was treated for costochondritis which didn't help. The pain just returned. I have been suffering with it for about 10 months now. The pain comes and goes and may last for about 1 -2 weeks each time. One guy on the back pain forum suggested hanging from a bar to stretch the area or even acupuncture. I am about willing to try anything.

[Mago66]

Me too.
Arm Pain, Chest Pain Mid back under shoulder blades tightening so much that you can't stand or sit still.
I get all these symptoms as well. Had MRI scan, bone scan, Gastroscopy you name it but it still keeps coming back negative (which I suppose is good). After 4 years of trying to get to the bottom of it and trying my hardest not to accept it Im pretty settled on it being generalised anxiety. It definitely improves after a couple of glasses of wine (Not too many). It also improves after a long hot soak in the bath. From what I gather, anxiety is a pretty powerful thing and can cause loads of nasty but also harmless symptoms. What makes it even worse is that nobody else can see what you are having to deal with.
Even more annoying is that if you read up on anxiety the non prescription cure seems to be not to think about it, accept it and it will go away which is pretty bloody hard when you feel so awful. Anyway any tips (other than wine and baths would be appreciated)

[Dee174]

I also suffer from this although mine is more of a stabbing pain between my shoulder blades maybe a little more on the left shoulder blade and then moves to my chest. I noticed that I especially get it in the morning. Maybe the tenseness from the anxiety and bad sleeping positions cause this.

[greenlydia]

While all of you have given each other very sound advice, and many of you have wisely been to your doctors, had numerous tests done, which all came back negative is great. And anxiety CAN and frequently DOES cause the symptoms you speak of. I don't want to scare any of you, and I don't think this possiblilty will, but I work in a hospital and we see a great number of patients who had the exact symptoms you're describing and they were found to have either gallbladder or kidney stones..........both of which ARE fixable. I am NOT saying that any of you have these issues, but pain between the should blades  which sometimes does radiate to the chest, is common to both these conditions, and the pain does have a tendency to come and go. The next time you see your doctor, it might be a good idea to discuss this possibility.
Let me state again that I am NOT a doctor, NOR am I, in ANY way, attempting to diagnose your symptoms............I am simply stating an observation/opinion.
Peace
Greenlydia  

[miffa]

I am so glad to hear from people with the same symptoms as my self. I get a a pain in the center of my back which feels like a trapped nerve and i get a dull ache in the center of my chest which causes me to panic thinking im having a heart attack, which in turn makes me feel faint and dizzy. i do worry about almost anything and figure this is anxiety, and to anyone who has anxiety they will know how hard it is to calm down and relax! i havent been to see a gp yet hoping i could deal with this myself but its so hard to stay calm and relaxed and im scared to go anywhere incase i get the symptoms. perhaps i will consult somebody after reading all your comments.

[greenlydia]

It really would be in your best interest to get this checked out. It's much better to know than not............look where not knowing is getting you!
Peace
Greenlydia

[LisaL90]

I am so glad to have found this forum - I just got back from the dr and had numerous blood tests and x-rays done to see what's causing my chest ache (for 10 solid days now) and middle back ache. I know my back is in knots because i've been to the chiro the last week also and he thought i may have a hiatal hernia. i worry about everything and can't get my mind to shut off from the worrying - i know its anxiety, plus sitting at a desk all day in front of a computer has my shoulders and back in knots - i am so sick of being "sick" - is there anxiety meds that really work to take the "edge" off of worrying??

[greenlydia]

Glad you went to your doc for tests......it's what would have been recommended. Sitting at a desk all day is horrid for your entire body and you need to take frequent breaks to get up and stretch your muscles as well as give your eyes a rest. Computer screen "flicker" at over 1000X a second and our brains try to keep up with this, which is impossible. What follows is headaches and eye strain. As often as possible, take your eyes off the screen and just sort of gaze into the distance, this will help to relax the muscles. Make sure your work station is ergonomically good for YOU. An excellent "computer" chair is a must and your employer should provide you with one, which is just my opinion. Sitting properly is really important, don't slump etc. There are entire books out there written on how to take care of yourself if you must sit at a desk/computer all day. I'd highly recommend reading one.

This forum is for folks who have been diagnosed with anxiety and panic disorders, which is NOT to say that "chronic worry" is not something to be concerned with, but it is different than anxiety or panic. There are many ways to deal with the constant nagging worries of life and that "sick of feeling sick" feeling. Most, if not all of the medications that are used and discussed on this forum are NOT intended to help with mild, chronic "worry." Again, let me state that I am NOT dissing your problem at all. Constantly worrying about things can morph into real anxiety if you let it. If you are  actually experiencing anxiety "attacks," please see your doctor who can give you an accurate dx. If you are just a "worry wart," there are classes and books and relaxtion techniques that can help you get a handle on your worry and help you refoucus all that energy in a more positive way.
If you feel this advice was not adequate, please post again with the symptoms you have when you feel the "anxiety," and we'll look deeper.
Peace
Greenlydia    

[bearsfan2222]

Any updates to these posts? Thanks.

[Lozza28]

Pain between shoulder blades.  - I started to suffer from this pain and it got so bad that I couldn't eat.  I do worry about everything and was starting to think I was going mad. I went to the doctors and they prescribed me Pump Inhibitor tablets.  I've been taking them for three months uit started to notice the pain again.  I go back to the doctors tomorow and I'm going to ask to be referred.

The pain makes me quite run down as well.  

As a side note I would sugest to any ladies out there that are on the contraceptive pill to look at the links between that and anxiety.  You will be suprised,

[zia2010]

I visit this page after almost one year of the same feelings. I am getting very anxious than anyone and think that this is true. I was imagining to have heart problems, but the tests were negative too. I even couldn't sleep for long hours and sometimes the whole night. Just before reading your articles, tried a relaxation exercise in the morning after all night wake up time. It help me to release the pain or the bad feeling for a couple of hours. I tried to happily accept the reality as it is. I am feeling better. Please try not to get angry. As I remember the moments I was about to explode. Now I start to be very calm and get happy after all. Thanks to all for your contributions.

[grandmaworrier]

worrying is what I do best and I have these symptoms also and have been to doctors-nothing wrong. Wish there was a club we could join to get out all our worries and then go to bed peaceful

[Mzworry]

I have lower back pain, i have anxiety and i am depressed also. I always have a fear of something bad is gonna happen. I lost a friend to lung cancer and i started thinking that what was wrong with me...My nerves was so bad that i broke out in a rash on my left arm. My stress level is so high and i find myself just crying, I dont want to worry like this, I have panic attacks and i just dont want to do anything anymore. And when i do decide to come out the house it is dark outside, I want to know if anyone is going through some of the things that i am going through...I just want to stop worrying....

[rory1010]

I have severe pain in upper middle back between shoulder blades.  It starts and then builds up radiating to chest and throat.  The pain lasts from 5 to 20 mins at a time.  I was having more frequent bouts of pain on and off over 9 days until one night it was so bad had to go to A&E.  ECG done, showed I'd had an M.I. (heart attack) about three days ago.  I was shocked and upset.  I was kept in and the following day had blood tests, chest x-ray and stress test.  All were normal.  I was allowed home but told to be careful and go staight back if pain starts again.  I cannot understand how ECG showed an M.I then all normal next day.  I am also worried sick that pain will start again.  Anyone experienced same kind of thing?

[TravGill1]

Wow at I thought I was alone. Years back when I was a kid walking home from school I passed out on the sidewalk. I woke up to a friend that helping me up. Went straight to the doctor and they said it must of been the heat. I started to notice at times for no reason that my heart would start to race for no reason, so I thought. Later in life married and kids we lost not 1 but 2 homes which devastated me. One day while cooking dinner age 32 I started sweating and a fear of death so I walked outside so at least I would not be found dead in my kitchen, you know maybe someone could call for help. I was put on lexapro which did nothing and Ativan for the bad days which that did help. Now with all that being said and years of anxiety I wake up in the morning and after standing for as little as 10 mins I get a pain in my upper middle back that starts to worsen and later comes through my right upper Breast Bone. After enough time the pain covers my entire upper chest which never gets old, always causes panic. I went to the Doctor and they did an ECG, chest and back x-rays, blood pressure was a little high but I was also in a state of panic. And all showed nothing wrong. He gave me a few muscle relaxers and sent me on my way. Now Im out of meds and dont know what else to do other than find a Doc that can or will work with me.34 year old male just to let you know.Thanks

[MAC909]

I went into the hospital in January. I had been on a drinking binge weekend and ate many fatty foods through out. When I returned home I felt chest discomfort for 2 days. On the third day I went to the hospital. The nurse performing the EKG on me kept having a hard time taping the wires on me and she finaly did. She runs the test starts to panic and runs to get a doctor. The doctor shows up looks at the reading and tells me you are having a heart attack! I start to tremble in fear and litteraly start preparing for death in my mind. They take me to the cardiologist he asks me about family history and what had brought me to the hospital runs another EKG and the reading comes out fine. Runs another EKG and the reading comes out fine again. By this time I was already prept for and angiogram. They take a look at my heat run their tests and tell me my heart is clean. Three days latter after having me under observation the cardiologist comes in to let me know I can go home. I ask him "did I have a heart attack or what is it that happened?" He answers no you did not have a heart attack and tells me I have high cholesterol and that I should consider leaving alcohol behind. I tell him I think I suffer from anxiety but he dismisses it by telling me all I have to do is relax. I get out of the hospital and for the next 3 months I eat health no salt and not alcohol. But still the chest pains and back pains the same feelings of a heart attack. I lost 40 pounds and still I kept feeling this. I went to the local clinic and spoke to a doctor about my symptoms and she said that my cholesterol was normal and that there was no better proof that there was nothing wrong with my heart than an angiogram. She tells me I could run an EKG if it will give you peace of mind but you don't need it. I ask here to run the EKG any way the results are fine nothing is wrong she tells me. She perscribes 1/2 a miligram of lorazepam for anxiety. At the first I would not take them as here words calmed me down. But a month later the symptoms returned and I slowly started taking them as I was afraid of taking them. They have helped but still to this day the pains on my back and chest and arm come and go and at times the fear of having a heart attack completely take over. I do admit that sometimes very rarely I eat something I shouldnt and have some drinks occasionaly but nothing significant. And when I do the fear of a heart attack the next day is exrteme. Sometimes I want to go to the doctor yet again but it is expensive and they will probably tell me the same thing or scare the life out of me again and then tell me nothing happened. Any advise as to how to calm down and get rid of these pains in my chest and back and arm would be greatly appreciated. thanks for listening
MAC909

[chey801]

this is a new thing with me im a sufferer of anxiety and every week i have a new symptom but i think this has to be the worse by far the pain is so bad  i ended up in the hospital and they did loads of blood tests an ECG and a chest xray but everything was normal i did not mention that i suffered from anxiety because i really didnt think that it had anything to do with it, when i came home from the hospital i took a real bad panic attack because the pain got that bad so i took a xanax i havent taken one in a year and with in a few seconds the pain was gone so im real confused about this pain because to me it feels like trapped wind i hope some day there will be a real cure for anxiety and panic attacks because i think its one of the worse illness good luck to all you suffers out the and god bless

[Amycole]

Ive been struggling with my breathing recently and its giving me aching pains in my back i am a bit of a over worried person i have had blood tests ecg but they came back fine do you think its anxiety i have been told that it is that but the same doctor mis-diagnosed my nan saying she had a bad back when she really had cancer by that time it was too late :( please help

[Godlovesyoutoo]

I feel the same way middle back pain then it goes to my chest , My dad has suffer from anxiety in the past so he told me I was suffering from anxiety attacks he told me to take deep breaths from my nose only!! and to keep my mouth closed it actually works it helps me relax . also lets remember that we have anxiety so that makes our muscle very tense . I had attacks for months and honestly God has been my peace my bible and lots of prayer has gave me back my peace Jesus is ALWAYS in control if u believe in him he will never let you loose your self many of you might feel like this is not for you but as a person so has had anxiety attacks to the point were I felt i was going mad the only I could do at that point is go in my walk in closet and get in my knees and scream my prayer to God . I wanted to make sure he heard me  and he did get made me hole again when I feel this pressure in my back it just reminds me of how I never want to go back to that . Friends believe me when I say God loves you even when your mind is in total doubt be patient remember you love with your heart and trust him with your heart  not your mind and pray I know you will be heel ... GOB BLESS YOU

[mackie18]

I just started to get a pain in my chest and it travels to the middle of my back.  I don't seem to have a problem breathing but I can't seem to sit up 100% without it aching more.  The pain feels like i'm getting the biggest bear hug ever and my ribs and back are in a vice.  The pain then seems to move to my left shoulder.  I don't believe it is stress related because I'm not going through a stress time I think.  I feel better in a couple hours after walking it off, but it scares me when it just comes back out of the blue.  I feel like its caused because I can be considered out of shape, but I'm nervous to work out and do more damage.  Any Ideas.

[vern999]

I had all the symptoms listed here--felt like a fist lodged between my shoulder blades, chest pains, migraines, pressure pushing down on my neck, etc. Went to ER. Did all the tests. All negative. A friend suggested I see a chiropractor. As soon as I described my symptoms he knew it was a neck issue. Took xrays. Found that the normal curvature of my neck was reversed. Sent me for MRI. It turned out I had 3 ruptured cervical discs, C-4,5,6. He started me on traction 2x week and adjustments to the neck. It took 4-6 months but it did get better and I did not have surgery! That was 3 years ago. It will never heal completely. I have to be careful what I lift, and fast movements of my neck, that sort of thing. I just had a flare-up 2 days ago where I felt the chest pains and fist in between the shoulder blades again. Again I thought I was having heart issues. Saw my chiro yesterday. He did an adjustment and the pains are gone again. He told me he sees 2-3 people a week with chest pains they think are heart related but end up being spinal. If everything else has been ruled out for your heart, do a consult with a chiro and check that avenue. It turned out to be my problem. Good luck to all.

[nelly541]

Am 32 and suffer from some sort off back pain one minute it in middle off spin then down bottom then left hand side then right I ve had it since october last year  ve been to doc and X-rays but all came back normal sometime when I sit to eat my dinner it really hurts its like someone pressing and burning feeling its weird I ve tryed exercise am not over weight and eat well then last week got antibiotics for abscesses in my mouth and the pain disappeared then 2 days later the pain was back again it really annoy s me at night trying to sleep I ve 3 kids an partner to deal with every day but the pains always there I try o ignore it. Can anyone help

[akashjadiya]

i m 31 year old.my bp is 130/90 from last two month.i m feeling chest pain & shoulder pain on left side since two week.is there any problem?