pain in my chest

[badtown]

hello i am new to the community and had a question. i have been having some slight pains in the far left side of my chest kind of between my armpit and nipple. at first i thought this was heart related but my doctor listened to my heart and took both blood and urine tests and told me i was fine. they didnt think an ekg was necessary because i am young and otherwise healthy. anyways, the pains are not constant but seem to sprout up every once in a while and i was wondering if there was anything i should do beyond popping an ibuprofen now and again. the source of the pain is still mysterious to me, but it might have something to do with pulling a muscle or another doctor told me it could be related to the curvature of my spine and the nerve endings in my chest since i am tall and have terrible posture. anyways, any help is appreciated.

[Shellshocker]

Hello,  I don't want to scare you but as a paramedic and ekg technician in the past (while I was still working) no chest pain should be left to just listening to your heart.  I have seen 20 year olds have heart attacks, mind you usually from drug use but still even genectically it can happen (look how many young athletes have dropped in the middle of a game).   Usually most doctors will recommend having an ekg as this is the first in line to prove it is not cardiac related.  If that is negative then I would say you are probably fine.  If you are feeling pretty severe pain (or even moderate) I would advise going to the ER.

[badtown]

Tuck, thanks for the input. How would i know if my lymph nodes are painful?

[Tuckamore]

Hello Badtown,

Welcome to MedHelps'  Pain Management Forum.

There are no physicians on this forum. We are all chronic pain sufferers. Some of us are nurses or have other medical backgrounds but most are just very experienced in pain and the pain management system.

My guess it the physician that told you it may be related to the curvature of your spine is correct. We also have lymph nodes in that area. Do you feel any nodes that are painful? The area is also made up of some major muscles so with your admitted poor posture the pain could be from a little of both.

If you have access to a good D/O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) I encourage a consult with one. Their education and training focuses a bit differently the an MD's. I think they are unjustly stereotyped as a holistic physician though they do look at how the structure of your body relates and how it relates to proper function.

I once had a poorly fitting under garment that caused discomfort in the area you describe. So look at all possibilities. Hopefully our members will have other suggestions for you.

If the pain is bothersome continue your search for answers. I wish you the best of luck and hope that you will keep in touch with us.

Take Care,
Tuck