question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Severe Nerve Pain In The Chest

default
Posted on Thu, 20 Apr 2017
Twitter Thu, 20 Apr 2017 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 9 May 2017 Last reviewed on
Question : I had a double mastectomy March 2nd and have severe nerve pain in chest and sides when I sit, bend or lie down. My chest burns and it feels like I have a cinder block hanging from each chest wall muscle and each side under arms. My underarms go numb and feel rock hardm And I get hard cuffs around underarms. I also get a severe tight band around stomach and sides right below my breast bone. It's chronic but will go away if I ice below the breast bone and stop sitting/bending/laying. Getting tired of standing. I'm a programmer and am still not able to work. Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Nerve irritation likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The symptoms that you are having are likely to be due to a nerve irritation after the surgery. This can decrease with methylcobalamin supplements and medicines like pregabalin and gabapentin. You can get these medicines prescribed by a neurologist. Regular physiotherapy will also help in maintaining the tone of the muscles. Nerve conduction study can help in pinpointing the affected nerve.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (12 hours later)
Drugs do not agree with me. And I'm allergic to anti-inflammatories. If I let the area rest and keep icing do you think that will help the nerves recover? I just extended my leave for 2 weeks as I tried to work yesterday after 7 weeks recovery and pain got so severe it took over 20 hours for it to subside enough to function. My physical therapist is at a loss. Will this pain ever go away?
Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
B12 supplements will help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The pain will gradually decrease but you can start with Vitamin B 12 supplements to help them recover fast. Rest and icing will also help.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12306 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

137 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Severe Nerve Pain In The Chest

Brief Answer: Nerve irritation likely. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. The symptoms that you are having are likely to be due to a nerve irritation after the surgery. This can decrease with methylcobalamin supplements and medicines like pregabalin and gabapentin. You can get these medicines prescribed by a neurologist. Regular physiotherapy will also help in maintaining the tone of the muscles. Nerve conduction study can help in pinpointing the affected nerve. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal