How to manage cervical spine issues?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am feeling anxious about my heart, but I cannot identify the cause of this anxiety. I have stiffness on the side of my neck and some pain in the upper left part of my back, which I can pinpoint. Additionally, my chest feels unusual on the left side. My ECG, chest X-ray, and CBC results were normal. How can I ensure that I am not having a heart attack?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

In all likelihood, it is not a heart attack. Neither your symptoms nor the investigations indicate a heart attack. I believe you should stop worrying about that possibility. Based on your description, it seems more likely to be a cervical spine issue, such as spondylosis or a disc problem. In such cases, stiffness, pain, and tingling can occur due to nerve compression in the spine.

Do you have any history of trauma to your spine, a recent change in your sleeping pattern, or a new bed? Does the pain increase when you turn your head? Is it associated with tingling, numbness, or a pins-and-needles sensation? If so, this further supports the diagnosis. You should check your vitamin D levels; if they are inadequate, you will need to take supplements.

I recommend getting an X-ray of the cervical spine in both anterior-posterior and lateral views. You may need an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) if the X-rays are inconclusive. The treatment options include physiotherapy to relieve nerve compression and neck exercises to ease stiffness. You may also consider traction, using a cervical collar, and taking medication. For now, you can take multivitamin tablets once a day, which provide nerve support, along with Diclofenac gel for local application. For pain relief, you can take Ibuprofen 400 mg as needed, up to three times a day, or Diclofenac 50 mg as needed, up to two times a day.

I suggest consulting an orthopedist for these investigations. I hope this helps, and please reach out if you have any questions.

Thank you.