Chest pain can be scary — and it should be taken seriously.
If you are experiencing chest pain, pressure, tightness, shortness of breath, pain traveling down the arm, jaw pain, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or a feeling that “something just isn’t right,” you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. A heart attack must always be ruled out first.
Classic heart attack symptoms may include:
- Chest pressure or squeezing
- Pain down the left or right arm
- Jaw or neck pain
- Upper back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or cold sweats
- Sudden fatigue or weakness
If these symptoms are occurring, go to the ER or call 911. It is always better to be safe and get properly evaluated.
When It Isn’t the Heart
Fortunately, not all chest pain is cardiac-related.
After serious conditions have been ruled out by the ER or your physician, many patients discover that their pain may actually be coming from the musculoskeletal system — especially the neck, upper back, ribs, or surrounding muscles.
Misalignments and irritation involving the cervical spine, thoracic spine, ribs, muscles, and nerves can sometimes create symptoms that closely mimic heart-related pain.
These symptoms can develop after:
- Twisting activities
- Hockey injuries
- Golf swings
- Raking leaves
- Digging holes or yard work
- Heavy lifting
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall injuries
- Sudden awkward movements
In some cases, patients are surprised to learn the pain started after something as simple as a strong cough or forceful sneeze.
How the Neck, Ribs, and Upper Back Can Refer Pain
The nerves and muscles surrounding the neck and upper back are closely connected. When joints become restricted or irritated, pain may radiate into:
- The chest
- Shoulder blade
- Arm
- Ribs
- Neck
- Upper abdomen
Some patients describe:
- Sharp pain with breathing
- Pain wrapping around the ribs
- Tingling into the arm
- Pain between the shoulder blades
- Chest tightness with movement
- Pain worsening with twisting, coughing, or deep breathing
Again, these symptoms should never be self-diagnosed as “just a rib” or “just a pinched nerve” until cardiac causes have been excluded.
What We Evaluate at Our Office
After medical clearance, our office can evaluate whether your symptoms may be related to:
- Rib dysfunction
- Thoracic spine restrictions
- Cervical spine irritation
- Muscle spasms and inflammation
- Postural strain
- Whiplash injuries
- Nerve irritation
Treatment may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Soft tissue therapy
- Stretching and mobility exercises
- Postural recommendations
- Home care advice
The Bottom Line
Chest pain should never be ignored.
First: rule out a heart attack or serious medical condition at the ER.
Then, if you have been medically cleared and are still dealing with chest, rib, neck, shoulder blade, or arm pain, contact Achieve Health Chiropractic. In many cases, the source of the pain may be mechanical and treatable.
Call: 763-323-3456
