What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Painful Arms While Suffering From Protruding Disc?

Posted on Tue, 5 May 2015

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

Tue, 5 May 2015 Answered on

Thu, 21 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Have a protuding disc at the T10 and am suffering with pain in arms and shortness of breath. Also, have pain at times that feel as if a knife has been stuck in my chest and coming out the center of my back. Also, have a large hiatal hernia, but surgeon does not believe that is causing my problems. All my heart test are normal. Could the disc be causing my shortness of breath and arms to hurt?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The disc at that level doesn't cause your symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

The answer to your question is straight forward, the protruded disc at T10 doesn't cause your symptoms.

The problem may be maybe in your cervical column, imaging studies of this region needed to evaluate this possibility (cervical plain radiographs and maybe cervical MRI) and a neurological examination too.

I recommend you to discuss with your Doctor these possibilities about your concerns.

Hope this helps. If you have further questions feel free to ask.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta