Upper back/neck strain caused heart palpitations.

How are you now? You figured it out? Anything helped?

I'm on Flecanide drug which has calmed the palpitations but still when I move my neck in a certain position its starts my heart going fast as soon as I move to goes back to normal .Still getting pain in my left shoulder blade when I move my neck . I have arthritis in my neck but when I've seen a specialist about they say my neck is not to bad for my age . I'm 69

@bigredak
I recently strained my back and was having palpitations. The sudden pain and strong palpitations when looking down (doing laptop work) it was quite strong so i first had my heart checked and it was fine, so I was sent home. Its been happening again several times per day, I suspect it is spine related. I was frustratingly looking online for a similar case, finally found your original post and it was like I had written it myself - I’m also 6”6, athletic, and I’m no stranger to sore back.
So, I will be making an appointment to get that checked and follow your process because it sounds like things have improved for you

Any update @happo1 ?

My only question is have you been worked up by a cardiologist and specifically a cardiology electrophysiologist who specializes in conductive disorders. It sounds like a valsalvo maneuver you’re performing on yourself with neck movement.

I have had a pull or strain in my left side just behind my shoulder blade and if I lift anything heavy it starts it hurting and gives me heart palpitations I have seen a cardiologist and many doctors and they all say its not connected but I know my own body . When it's not hurting the palpitations stop . Anyone else had this . I also have Arthritis in my neck its badly worn .

Good afternoon, this is a long post but I’ve worked chard on gathering all the information I could to seek advice and help.
I am a 43-year-old male in excellent health, I have never smoked, do not consume processed food, and follow a strict, clean diet with regular exercise of 6 miles run daily or 45 min on the bike along with floor exercises. Despite this, I have been struggling for nearly six years with an unresolved issue involving frequent irregular heartbeats (skipped or premature beats) that I now believe may be due to nerve irritation stemming possibly from fibrosis near my left shoulder blade, which seems to be compressing or irritating nearby nerves.
While the fibrosis and mechanical symptoms around the shoulder are notable, the primary and most troubling issue is the effect on my heart rhythm. The irregular heartbeats are frequent and exacerbated by upper body movement, especially overhead activity, and become significantly worse under stress.
History & Progression:

· The irregular heartbeats began about six years ago and would initially come in episodes, lasting several days or a week, then disappearing for 3 to 6 months or longer at a time.

· I immediately consulted with multiple cardiologists. All tests (including ECGs and imaging) found no structural or electrical abnormalities in the heart itself.

· In an effort to isolate the cause, I eliminated alcohol and potential dietary triggers, yet the episodes continued.

· Over the past four months, the irregular heartbeats have become chronic and daily, no longer episodic.

· Throughout these six years, the one consistent factor I have noticed is discomfort and tension in my upper back and shoulder blade region. Every time the irregular heartbeats begin, they are accompanied by tightness or altered sensation in that same area.

Recent imaging (MRI and ultrasound) identified fibrosis near the left scapula, and I suspect that this scar tissue may be irritating or compressing nearby nerves that may influence autonomic control of heart rhythm.

Key Symptoms:

· Persistent, irregular heartbeats, often triggered or worsened by upper body movement (especially overhead activity).

· Clicking/snapping sensation near the left shoulder blade.

· Myofascial tightness and nerve-related discomfort in the upper back and shoulder.

· Marked worsening with stress, suggesting involvement of the autonomic nervous system.

Possible Mechanisms (as I understand them):

1. Irritation or compression of autonomic nerves, including possible vagus or sympathetic cardiac branches. The nerves in upper back and shoulder region are connected to the autonomic nervous system, which regulates heart rate. If fibrosis is irritating these nerves, it could disrupt normal heart signaling.

2. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or brachial plexus involvement, due to fibrosis in the shoulder region.

3. Cervical or thoracic spine involvement, leading to nerve pathway dysfunction.

4. Scapular dyskinesis or myofascial restriction, causing abnormal mechanical and neurological stress.

5. Chronic stress sensitivity, potentially due to sympathetic overactivity or nerve sensitization. I deal with a lot of stress with my business especially in recent years.

Stress amplifies my symptoms because it activates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing muscle tension, inflammation, and nerve sensitivity. If my fibrosis is already irritating nearby nerves, stress definitely makes them more reactive, leading to stronger irregular heartbeat sensations.

I am increasingly convinced that the origin of my cardiac symptoms is neurological, not cardiac — and likely linked to long-standing structural or nerve compression in the upper back/shoulder area.
Currently I am awaiting for neurologist to see me. They have been slow and I would accept any recommendations for doctors or hospitals regardless of where it is in the US or in the world.

@antonmtz1228 Welcome to Connect. Have you had a whiplash? From your symptoms, it sounds like Thoracic Outlet Syndrome to me. I have TOS and had some cervical spine issues that resulted in a surgical fusion at C5/C6. I also get some irregular heartbeats when my neck and chest muscles are tight. I have done a lot of myofascial release with my PT. I can do some of it myself and release tightness. It also affects my lungs because one side is tighter so the lung doesn't expand as much. With allergies and asthma, I can very easily get a chest infection on that side. I also get tightness to my scapula.

Here are a few links for information.

Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
TOS
https://mskneurology.com/how-truly-treat-thoracic-outlet-syndrome/

My neck has got worse ,wear and tear and giving me heart palpitations.. I saw a doctor last week and looked at my xray of my neck and said do you know what causes your palpitations. Your vagus nerve being affected but my worn neck .this is the first doctor who has said this . I have read lots of information about the vagus nerve and worn necks . I'm so glad the doctor agreed . Made me feel less anxious.

He is an xrayof my neck