Radiating 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.

[AnnieBrooke]

Have you tried taking anything heavy duty for colitis or other things related to digestion?  When I have heartburn it is really bad, feels like my heart, and very, very painful not just acid tummy.  I can knock it down with liquid Mylanta, although if it were more severe it might take something prescription to knock it down.  Given that you haven't found anything else, it might be worth an experiment.

[rascalbuddy]

I have had a full gastro workup and they found absolutely nothing!  No signs of acid reflux or any other problems.  I think I have had every test out there.  I am at wits end and feel like I just can't deal with the pain any longer.  I wake up in pain and go to bed in pain.  It has taken over my entire life.  Going on 3 years now and still no closer to an answer than I was before.  I do seem to feel better when I lay on my side but that could be in my head - I don't know anymore.  I need help and some avenue to go.  Thanks for any info you can provide.

[lorriep]

Have you ever been to a chiropractor?  I go all the time.
He does pressure points rather than spinal manipulation.
My back feel great!  Has anyone recommended physical
therapy to strengthen your muscles?  Have you tried yoga?
I heard that can be very freeing.  Good luck!

[AnnieBrooke]

Well, whether you have had a workup or not, it wouldn't harm you to try liqid Mylanta.  Take a couple of huge mouthfuls when you are having the pain, and just see if anything changes.  Good luck!

[JMom44]

I have had similar problem for so many years I cannot count. I refuse to take narcotic meds and have had every test done they can think of. Recently had another MRI and had a few people look at it. I have Cervical Stenosis that has progressed to Myelopathy because I have not found any DR that thought anything but its in my head. The pain I feel in my chest, back, arms and legs now. I feel a vise on my chest with the pain coming through from the middle of my back. Scary! Not sure when your last MRI or CT scan was but it wouldnt hurt to have someone look at it with another set of eyes or have it done again. My chest pain was always at rest and the money Ive spent to have tests done over the past too many years has put me close to the poor house. Cramping extremities are the new occurance and sleeping hands and arms. Good Luck to you. Sometimes you have to find your own DR and keep looking until someone listens. I found the pain meds caused more problems for me. Its not fun to endure but I refuse to let this pain win! Tramadol is all I take and only when Im close to tears. God Bless