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Chest Pain: A Heart Attack or Your Spine?

By Sara Butler

Chest pain is a scary symptom to have -- and rightfully so. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs of a heart attack versus signs of something else. The chiropractors at The Joint certainly urge people to seek immediate medical care if they’re having chest pain, but your chest pain may have nothing to do with your heart at all. In fact, it could be a symptom of a problem with your spine that can be treated by a chiropractor. Here’s how to spot the differences!

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Sometimes a heart attack can come on suddenly and be very intense, but most of the time heart attacks will start slowly with mild discomfort or pain that blossoms into more intense pain. It’s not unusual for people to wait too long to seek help and that’s a serious problem if what you’re experiencing is a heart attack. These signs may indicate your chest pain is related to your heart:

  • Discomfort in the chest - Many heart attacks involve a feeling of discomfort in the center of the chest that can last for several minutes, going away and coming back; the discomfort may feel like squeezing, pain, fullness, or pressure
  • Shortness of breath - Chest discomfort is also accompanied by a feeling like you can’t catch your breath
  • Discomfort in other places - The discomfort can spread to your neck, jaw, arms, and stomach

If you think you may be having a heart attack, call for help right away or go to the emergency room. Don’t wait!

Symptoms of Chest Pain from the Spine

It’s actually quite common for problems with the spine to cause chest pain, which can be addressed by treatment with the chiropractors at The Joint. Chest pain caused by your spine can be caused by:

  • Spinal facet joints - Pain in these joints can cause pain in your rib cage that will be aggravated by moving your torso.
  • Spinal discs - Problems with these can cause pain in your chest that feels needle-like, getting worse with coughing or sneezing
  • Back muscles - You may notice pain or discomfort in your chest after sitting in one posture for long periods of time, most often felt between your shoulder blades; this symptom usually subsides with massage
  • Rib joints - This can cause pain around and down your rib cage and made worse by coughing, shoulder movements, and deep breathing

If you suspect a heart attack, call an ambulance! But if your chest pain symptoms don’t seem related to your heart, then consult with a chiropractor at The Joint without delay!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Austin, Tex.

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