mid-back pain that radiates through ribs to sternum

[BrodiesMom]

2 nights ago I had to go to the emergency room because of severe mid-back pain. The pain was sharp, very intense, and came on suddenly with no trauma. The pain was so intense that I was having difficulty breathing. The pain would raidiate from my back, around through my ribs and into my sternum, and I was also expierencing vomiting. I am not a kind of person that runs to the doctor or ER for pain, but I could not relax or even stay in one spot for more than about 30 seconds. The doctor at the ER diagnosed me at the time of discharge with Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome, however, everything I have read said those sympoms are usually abdominal pain with no appetite. Do you have any suggestions of diagnosis that I should read up on? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[kittyluv1]

The diagnosis of median arcuate ligament syndrome was selected secondary to your presenting symptoms of difficulty breathing, midsternal pain and vomiting. (The vomiting without specific related causes probably led to this choice)
Did the ER doctor do any testing prior to making this diagnosis?  Was the range of motion in your neck evaluated?  Has the pain occurred with any specific movement or activity?  Has the nausea and vomiting cease or continue intermittently?
Unfortunately, your symptoms could be related to many different causes and without specific diagnostic tests it is difficult to point to any particular diagnosis.
Has the pain and other symptoms changed since your ER exam?  What specific instructions were you given prior to discharge from the emergency room?
It would be beneficial to make an appt with your primary care physician for a complete medical evaluation with blood tests and diagnostic x-rays if indicated.
There are no medical doctors who contribute to this forum at this time.  If you have questions regarding specific diagnoses and/or treatment you could post on the "Ask A Doctor" forum and a medical doctor may be able to assist you further.  The doctors who participate are volunteers and their level of involvement varies.  If you have definitive test results or any other information to provide, it would be helpful.
Post with an update and any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes ----