Strange arm, back and chest pain.

Posted by iats @iats, Feb 15 3:12pm

Several weeks ago I started feeling arm pain (pain you'd associate as several days after you'd been hit in the arm by something is the best way I can describe it) I didn't think much of it but recently when I had the flu, every time I would vomit this arm pain would skyrocket. I'm free of the flu now but whenever I cough or sneeze I get a fairly shocking pain in my arms and chest, and a little in my back as well. I've tried looking up what may have caused it or how these things are related but by all accounts they're probably unrelated. At any rate I'm wondering if anyone knows what's going on and how to stop it. It's fairly debilitating at this point. I'd love to see my doctor but I'm in between insurances hence why I came here. If anyone has any advice I'd be deeply appreciative.

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iats, I suspect you've slightly dislocated the sholder and/or ribs. I would see a chiropractor for several reasons. You can get in to see one quickly. They are the least expensive area of medical care. And it may be a quick relief adjustment. My suspicions are sometimes incorrect. A chiropractor will be able to tell you. I sometime have what sounds similar and it always amazes me how a little thing can cause such a great pain.

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Welcome @iats, We as members on Connect are not doctors and are unable to give medical advice or suggest a diagnosis. The symptoms you mentioned do seem to line up with pleurisy. Mayo Clinic has some information pleurisy here - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pleurisy/symptoms-causes/syc-20351863.

You mentioned that it's fairly debilitating right now. Are you able to go to an Emergency Room to be checked, can you call your doctor to see if they can check you out?

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@gently

iats, I suspect you've slightly dislocated the sholder and/or ribs. I would see a chiropractor for several reasons. You can get in to see one quickly. They are the least expensive area of medical care. And it may be a quick relief adjustment. My suspicions are sometimes incorrect. A chiropractor will be able to tell you. I sometime have what sounds similar and it always amazes me how a little thing can cause such a great pain.

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Thank you I will look into this.

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@johnbishop

Welcome @iats, We as members on Connect are not doctors and are unable to give medical advice or suggest a diagnosis. The symptoms you mentioned do seem to line up with pleurisy. Mayo Clinic has some information pleurisy here - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pleurisy/symptoms-causes/syc-20351863.

You mentioned that it's fairly debilitating right now. Are you able to go to an Emergency Room to be checked, can you call your doctor to see if they can check you out?

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I appreciate the response. I know nobody here can give medical advice but I was hoping maybe somebody had experienced something similar. I'm currently in talks with a clinic that charges on a sliding scale and again I really appreciate your feedback.

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@iats I think John has made a valid point that you should seek a medical opinion. It is very easy to think something isn't a big problem, and it's easy to guess wrong. You don't want to guess wrong about something that can have serious consequences if it needs urgent treatment. You need a doctor to evaluate if your arm and chest pain might be related to overly tight chest muscles, irritation around the lungs (possibly left over from a respiratory infection and coughing) or if it may be heart related.

I have had pleurisy and it did cause sharp pains with a cough after a respiratory infection. That was a long time ago and it eventually got better. Will you please seek a doctor's opinion?

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@jenniferhunter

@iats I think John has made a valid point that you should seek a medical opinion. It is very easy to think something isn't a big problem, and it's easy to guess wrong. You don't want to guess wrong about something that can have serious consequences if it needs urgent treatment. You need a doctor to evaluate if your arm and chest pain might be related to overly tight chest muscles, irritation around the lungs (possibly left over from a respiratory infection and coughing) or if it may be heart related.

I have had pleurisy and it did cause sharp pains with a cough after a respiratory infection. That was a long time ago and it eventually got better. Will you please seek a doctor's opinion?

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Without insurance and living 250 miles from any sort of clinic or hospital, my options are pretty limited at the moment. But you're right and I'm trying hard to go see a doctor when I'm able. The advice about pleurisy is great and I really appreciate you responding.

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