Chest/Back Pain

I've had pain in my chest and back (thorasic spine area) that feels like a band of pain that is constant. Been diagnosed for lack of anything specifici - Chronic Pain. I'm on heavy doses of narcotics to control the pain just to get through the days and nights. My mother and daughter have both heard of some heart related issues specific to women that they feel this could be. Nothing has shown up on any tests - heart, gastro, etc. I'm at wits end and want to resolve the issues and not take narcotics but pain is too bad. Any ideas? The pain has taken over my entire life - more bad days than good. Without meds, I could not survive - too severe - pain is around my chest mostly in the middle of my body around ribs - straight through to my back. It oftens feels like someone is squeezing me. Initially I did think I was having a heart attack but nothing showed on the heart tests. Nothing has shown on MRI, CT Scan, Xray, etc. I have been to specialists to no avail. I need help! Could it be some kind of valve disease or other heart related condition that would not show on regular tests? Any suggestions or avenues to explore? Any new information would be helpful and appreciated.

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hello,

I am sorry to hear about your struggles.  I have had patients with similar problems and successful treatment is difficult but often not impossible.

I agree that coronary disease should be evaluated.  If the stress test is negative, it is up to you and your doctor whether to pursue a catheterization.  The negative stress test is likely correct but a cath is sometimes to done to ensure correctness and to put your mind at ease that it isn't coronary disease.  If it isn't coronary disease, there aren't any good cardiac options for treating your pain.  There are pain specialists -- this is probably the next best place to look.

Good luck and thanks for posting.