What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Pain In The Neck, Arm And Shoulder?

Posted on Mon, 29 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 29 Aug 2016 Answered on

Mon, 19 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I went to the ER yesterday. I am having shortness of breath, neck, arm and shoulder pain and spasms, my BP is elevated. They checked me for a blood clot, did a chest xray, ekg which all showed normal so they released me saying the felt it was musculoskeletal and ordering a stress test. The pain is now between my shoulder blades and I still can't take in a deep breath. I'm a bit scared, but don't want to overreact. Does this make sense to you. I will say depending on position I am in sitting/standind determines how deep of a breath I can take

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
With investigations clear, we are more reassured.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms that you have mentioned. It could be difficult dealing with such symptoms. I have reviewed these symptoms fully and I am confident that this pain is not of cardiac origin. If it were, this would have been highlighted by one of the tests that were done. I am of the feeling that it is a musculoskeletal pain and will like to know what drugs you were offered.

In all, unlikely to be heart related. More possibly a musculoskeletal pain. Let's review your medications so as to make them more adapted to your problem.

I hope to hear from you. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar