Question about anxiety causing chest pain and other pains?

Well, several months ago I was having chest pains and after several tests (EKG, heart monitor and echogardiagram) the Drs told me all was ok and it was anxiety. I am pretty sure it was just anxiety since I never had any chest pains till I had an anxiety attack and the pains started 2 days after my first anxiety attack. After I found out the tests were all normal the pains got much better but later slowly started coming back and now I am having pain in my shoulder, ribs, up and down the upper arms (usually the left) and a "stabbing" pain in my back. None of these pains are bad pain but it just worries me, which could be the reason I have the pains in the first place. The Dr's haven't ran any more tests but assure me I am fine. How do I know If something really is wrong if anxiety is causing pains? I also don't want the Dr to dismiss my pain b/c they think Im a paranoid freak. Anyone have an opionion on this or went through something similar?

I am 34. This has been going on for total of almost 2 years so I think If I was getting ready to have a heart attack I would have had one by now. I may get a stress test just to be sure. I have been put on meds but it didn't work well for me. I ended up on the couch all day every day and don't even want to get up to shower or brush my teeth. When I was on the couch for 5 days and didn't shower or brush my teeth for 3 days straight I went off the meds. (I know-gross huh? I just did not care at the time!)

I usually don't like to play a doctor,but I think you should go to cardiologist to get a stress test
because I do believe you have a problem with your vascular system and going today is a lot better & safer than tomorrow ,U must not wait !
I wish you the best.

for anxiety eat fennel

breath into small paper bag... if you feel better.. you might not be getting enough carbon dioxide into your lungs.. try breathing into the bagg .. it helps...

I can't tell what you have, but I can suggest you to do some research and find a naturist consultant, since your problems involve anxiety one way or the other, check with a trusted naturist clinic. I believe in both doctors and naturist, but sometimes there are things better fit for one to take care of.

You should check out this book:

The Divided Mind: The Epidemic of Mindbody Disorders by John E. Sarno

It's about exactly what you describe.

I had anxiety for a while while going through a bad time, and let me tell you, it can be very painful. You need to talk to your doctor about maybe getting on some anti-anxiety medication. I only needed it for about six months and haven't had any problems since. It really helped me through a rough patch.

Good luck to you!

Anxiety attacks do cause alot of chest pain. i get them all the time and so does my mother. sometimes they feel like a heart attack. Don't stress about it, that only makes it worse. Just try to do something relaxing. That usually helps me. i sometimes do sudoku puzzles, bike rides, or reading as a form of therapy.

Yes it is totally from anxiety, i suffer from panic and anxiety attacks, and i get all that pain you described. Yes breathing in a paper bag helps, and talk to your doc about medication for your anxiety attacks to keep them at a tolerable level if you keep gettn them. Good luck to you!

try to look for another doctor's opinion. I didn't know anxiety will cause that as I had a panic attack before but through therapisty ..I haven't had one fore ages though I am still scared of bridges and tannels. I usually feel like I can't breath when I reach those areas and when the plane take off or land that is when I get scared again.

You always have to be scared if you're having pain or numbness on your left side. Arm, Jaw, or chest. With you, this can be quite confusing!! I really think you should get on an anti-anxiety light med. They work great!! No more anxiety or panic attacks. Calmness. We don't want to lose you to a heart attack, because you didn't want to bother the doctor!!lol :) Make an appt. today. You need something for your anxiety. You should print this out. Good luck -L

You don't state your age which would be helpful here. I am 55 and started having chest pains in my 40's. The last time I spent the night in ICU the pains were coming in my back. I beg you to go to your nearest ER and dont drive. If you are having angina it can lead to heart attack. My mom had a massive heart attack that took her life, the pain was in her ribs. Get another opinion ASAP.

I actually went through something very similar, had the EKG, multiple heart monitors.. the works... The told me my stress levels were high and I was having anxiety attacks too. It's very common for an anxiety attack to feel like a real heart attack. You shouldn't worry to much. Try meditation. Deep breathing exercises really help me. Also ask your Dr if you have an irregular heart beat. That's what was causing some of my anxiety attacks. While they were running the tests they told me I have PVC (pre-ventricle contractions). The told me it's nothing to worry about, just a minor annoyance. I wouldn't worry to much. Just do some relaxation exercises and keep yourself calm. (easier said that done sometimes) Good Luck to you!

I am going through a similar situation. I get really bad chest pains in the evening when I relax after a hard day. I had several heart tests like you, and the doctor determined it is anxiety. I get anxiety attacks occasionally.

I take Ativan 2 mg for the chest pain and it really works good for me. My pain is on both sides of my chest and in my arms. I only take the Ativan when absolutely necessary at the onset of an anxiety attack or for pain. It is addictive like xanax so I don't take it every day.

Hope that helps. Good luck!