Re: back injury

Posted By CCF NSG MD /gsh on July 14, 1998 at 09:44:37:

In Reply to: back injury posted by zar on June 30, 1998 at 22:03:54:






I am a 39 year old male who has been suffering with undiagnosed medical problems for some time.  I believe it stems from an area in the upper thoracic spine which I injured 15 years ago lifting a garage door.  The main symptoms are:  difficulty in breathing and premature heart beats.   Is it possible that these symptoms can be caused by pinched or injured nerves in the area between the shoulder blades?  Whenever I use my back such that it irritates this area (shoveling, shooting a bow, fly fishing, etc.) - my back tightens up in subsequent days and the premature heart beats worsen.  It seems to be directly related and the symptoms caused by this are quite debilitating.  It is of extreme importance to note that when I use my upper back in any way, shape or form the entire upper back tightens way beyond normal and the symptoms resume without fail.  
Please advise.  Thanks.
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Dear Zar,
Typical symptoms from an upper thoracic spinal cord injury would include pain
radiating around the chest with variable degrees of numbness and weakness
in the legs.  Severe cases will have difficulties controlling bowel and bladder
function.  Difficulties with breathing and premature heart beats are not
typical findings in thoracic cord injuries.  Your breathing difficulty may
be from a bruised or broken rib, and the premature heart beats may be secondary
to the pain.  Back spasms are also common after a variety of injuries.
You may choose to be evaluated by your primary care physician at this time.
There is likely not anything serious going on, though it is difficult to say
over the internet.  Should your symptoms persist or worsen you should seek
the advice of your physician.  He will likely recommend rest and minor analgesics,
perhaps some medicine for back spasms.
Good luck.