10 causes of chest pain you should know

Chest pain is one symptom or problem that everyone generally associates with different diseases and conditions. While some of these conditions may be minor, others can be potentially life-threatening, leaving the sufferer worried about the actual cause of his chest pain. In any case, self-diagnosis can be misleading and extremely risky if the underlying cause is serious. Here are some causes of chest pain you should be aware about:   

1. Heart disease: Chest pain due to cardiac origin is medically called angina. A person can suffer from angina for a short while or for a long period of time (15 minutes) depending on the underlying heart disease. Usually, this type of chest pain (especially in heart attack) is associated with pain in the limbs and shoulder region. The pain may initiate or worsen with exertion. Chest pain can occur in several conditions related to heart including heart attack, coronary heart disease, inflammation of the heart tissue and aortic aneurysm. You are likely to get chest pain due to cardiac origin if:

• If you have uncontrolled diabetes
• High cholesterol or atherosclerosis
• Family history of heart disease
• You have suffered from a heart related condition before

2. Hypertension: Increased blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood to the lungs can also cause chest pain. This condition is called pulmonary hypertension.

3. Heart burn and acidity: Studies mention that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common cause for visits to heart care units due to chest pain. Unlike cardiac chest pain, chest pain due to GERD is not related to exertion or physical activity.

4. Lung disorders: Pulmonary embolism is a common lung disorder where a blood clot develops in a lung artery blocking the flow of blood to the lung tissue. Other disorders like inflammation of the lung tissue, collapsed lungs can also cause chest pain. This kind of chest pain is likely to be associated with breathlessness and respiratory problems.

5. Panic attacks: If your chest pain is associated with phases of intense fear, heaviness in the chest, increased heartbeat, profuse sweating and breathlessness, it’s likely that you’re suffering from panic disorder.

6. Stress: Increased stress in life can have a huge impact on your health. During a stress response, your heart rate increases, breathing fastens and blood pressure also rises rapidly. This affects circulatory system affecting the flow of blood to the heart, causing chest pain.

7. Depression: Chronic stress can lead to depression and make you prone to several aliments. Depression can also increase your risk of hypertension and heart disease, which can cause chest pain. 

8. Musculoskeletal injury: Injury to the chest wall, rib cage or muscles can give rise to a sharp pain in the chest region. This type of pain has a sudden onset and remains constant. It may worsen with physical activity or may even make breathing difficult.

9. Over exertion: Usually, exercise-induced chest pain is originated from cardiac diseases but sometimes overexertion can cause chest pain which may not be of cardiac origin. When this happens, it’s a signal that your body is not getting sufficient oxygen to carry out metabolic processes.

10. Herpes: Commonly called Shingles, Herpes zoster is a viral infection caused by reactivation of the chicken pox virus that leads to painful skin rashes and lesion.  But before the lesions start appearing, initial symptoms of the disease include acute chest pain which is felt more like a burning sensation.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.   

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THINGS THAT YOU CAN DO AND SHOULDN'T DO IF YOU'VE FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and is accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. According to the Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. Symptoms usually come about after a physical trauma, surgery, infection, or psychological stress. There are cases, however, where symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event. So, what is the best way to manage fibromyalgia?

 

1. Exercising too much or too little

Fibromyalgia reflects an energy crisis in the body, which means that you can only exercise up to a certain point. Symptoms also extend to what is known as postexertional fatigue where you feel completely wiped out the next day. It's therefore essential that you avoid this, as it can discourage you from the moderate exercise that is vital to healing fibromyalgia.

Yet while too much exercise is not recommended, insufficient exercise results in deconditioning and may worsen your ability to function. If you feel tired, but good afterwards, and better the next day then take this as a sign that you have exercised the right amount. Where should you begin? A light walking program is an ideal place to start. You can also wear a pedometer to test your progress and try to build up your walking regime over time to 10,000 steps by adding a minute each day. 

2. Not knowing your limits or when to say no Being too agreeable to do things you don't really want to do can create major stress on your body aggravating symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Allow yourself to say 'no' more often when what is being asked of you doesn't feel good. 

3. Not listening to your body when you are in pain

 One of the most dominant symptoms associated with fibromyalgia is widespread muscular pain. Whenever you feel pain remember that it is your body's protective system signaling for your attention. Instead of 'playing it through' learn how to manage fibromyalgia-related pain using a comprehensive approach. 

4. Eating too much sugar Excessive sugar, especially the type found in sodas or fruit juices can severely aggravate symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, worsening adrenal exhaustion and Candida/yeast overgrowth.

Opt for a high-protein diet instead and substitute stevia or saccharin for sugar instead. Sugar-free ice cream with splenda and sugar-free chocolates with maltitol are a suitable substitute, though only in small amounts. Dark chocolate, however, is a good substitute to have and can actually improve fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. 

5. Not getting enough sleep

 While it may seem counter-intuitive, people with fatigue-related illnesses, like fibromyalgia, often do not get enough sleep. Getting eight to nine hours of good quality deep sleep each night is critical to eliminating fatigue and pain. 

 this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.
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Back pain, weight loss? Be warned, it could be TB

Acute back pain, unexplained weight loss, fever and night sweats: If they persist beyond a week, there is cause to worry, health experts caution.

Such symptoms are synonymous with spinal tuberculosis, which accounts almost 50 percent of musculoskeletal TB in developing countries, the experts say.

"Spinal tuberculosis, also known as Pott spine, is one of the most common spinal diseases in India. It represents almost 50 percent of the musculo-skeletal tuberculosis in the developing countries," Shashi Baliyan, managing director, of Clearmedi Healthcare Private Limited, a multidimensional service provider, told IANS.

TB in humans is caused by the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis bacteria.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are 2.2 million tuberculosis patients in India, which makes it the world's highest TB-burden country.

"Spinal TB often spreads from the lungs via the blood. The lower thoracic and the upper lumbar vertebrae are the most common sites," Baliyan said.

Kailash Nath Gupta, chest and critical care specialist and interventional pulmonologist at Gurgaon's Columbia Asia Hospital, said there is no single test that can accurately diagnose the disease.

"Once TB affects the spine, it can lead to pus formation, which can destroy the vertebrae if not diagnosed and accordingly treated," Gupta added.

"The pus can trickle down to the thigh and the pelvic portions and can even cause an infection in the entire lower part of the body," he noted.

Arun Bhanot, chief of spine services at Gurgaon's Paras Hospital, agreed. "We are in a country which is endemic to tuberculosis. When the immunity level goes down, the bacteria is likely to strike," he said, adding: "Spinal TB is more prevalent in countries like India, China and Russia".

According to Baliyan, "approximately 10 percent of the TB cases affect the skeleton, and of those, five percent are in the spine".

Gupta suggested evaluation of the spine, among other things, as remedies.

"Patients should not ignore back pain or light fever and should consult a spine specialist if the symptoms persist. MRI (Magentic Resonance Imaging) and blood tests are a must for TB patients," he said.

For Baliyan, a thorough examination and co-relating the common symptoms forms the key to early diagnosis of the disease. 

"Early diagnosis, prompt treatment and compliance with the treatment protocol can lead to managing the disease," he added.

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How To Fix Some Regular Habits Which Makes Pain Worse.

Change Habits That Worsen Pain

When you’re in pain, whether it’s from a migraine, a kink in your back or a flare-up of arthritis, you probably do everything in your power to make it go away fast. But even if you’re conscientious about taking your meds and modifying your activities, your everyday habits could be thwarting your efforts to control your pain effectively. Here are 10 lifestyle habits that could be making your pain worse, plus sound advice from pain experts on how to change them.

Expecting the Worst
It’s easy to entertain worst-case scenarios when you’re in pain: Did my doctor miss something serious? Is my condition getting worse? Will I become incapacitated? Will this excruciating pain last forever? Besides making you feel distressed and anxious, “catastrophizing” about pain can actually make it worse. Negative thoughts can trigger muscle tension and “increase pain by increasing inflammatory substances in the body,” explains a Dr. “Pain is processed in the brain, and there’s a wealth of research that suggests pain can be influenced by your thoughts.” 

Solution: Remind yourself that chronic pain often comes and goes, and the fluctuations don’t necessarily mean anything. Focus on what you can do to relieve flare-ups: adjust your medication (with your doctor’s help), use relaxation techniques (like meditation) or apply heat or cold. It also helps to distract yourself by engaging in an engrossing activity.

Being Sedentary

When you have nagging aches and pains, exercising may be the last thing you feel like doing. “Often when people have chronic pain, they’re afraid that physical activity will make the pain worse,” says  a Dr. But being inactive can backfire, and lead to stiff muscles and joints, as well as shortening of the muscles and tendons, which can worsen pain. By contrast, using your muscles normally can improve your ability to function, which can reduce your pain. 

Solution: Get moving in some way (walk your dog, dance, ride a bike) as often as you can. If you have arthritis in your lower body, try swimming or water aerobics; the water’s natural buoyancy cushions the joints. Whatever activity you choose, start at a comfortable pace, rest as needed and gradually increase the duration or intensity of your workouts.

Smoking

New research suggests a link between smoking and musculoskeletal pain syndromes in women, including fibromyalgia, sciatica, chronic neck and back pain, joint pain and frequent pain in other parts of the body. This may be partly because smoking decreases blood flow and depletes the delivery of oxygen to the muscles, nerves and tissues, which puts these areas in need of continuous repair and slows the healing process, Dr.  notes. Plus, smoking creates free radicals (unstable molecules) that damage cells and cause inflammation. 

Solution: Kick those butts now, for the sake of your pain and your overall health. All sorts of aids (smoking-cessation support groups, antidepressants, nicotine patches, gums, inhalers, nasal sprays) can make breaking the habit a little easier.

Carrying an Oversized Purse

If you lug a too-heavy purse, briefcase or backpack (and carry it on the same shoulder), you’re probably throwing your spine out of its proper alignment, disturbing your natural gait and tiring your back, neck, shoulders and/or hips, Dr. points out. 

Solution: Weigh your purse. If it weighs more than 10 percent of your body weight, it’s time to clean it out, says the Chiropractic Association. Choose a purse or briefcase with a wide adjustable strap that’s long enough to place over your head to distribute the bulk of the weight more evenly across your body. Switch shoulders frequently to avoid overburdening one side.

Skimping on Sleep

Doctors agree: Getting too little or poor-quality sleep can intensify the hurt by lowering your pain threshold and making you irritable the next day. It can also increase the risk of depression, if you have chronic pain. This may be partly because “the same area of the brain that mediates sleep also mediates pain, anxiety and depression,” Dr. says. 

Solution: Make good-quality sleep a priority. Set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time so you get the seven to nine hours of shut-eye per night that most adults need. Exercise at least four hours before bedtime to put yourself in the mood to snooze. Create a soothing sleep environment that’s dark, quiet and comfortable, and do something relaxing like take a warm bath or listen to music before turning in. If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, see a sleep specialist.

Being Obese

Carrying excess weight strains the body, especially the back and weight-bearing joints (like the hips and knees). Besides affecting your posture, those unwanted pounds put greater pressure on the spine and accelerate some of the degeneration that normally occurs in the discs, Dr. explains. 

Solution: Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about creating a diet and exercise regimen. In a recent study , researchers had obese adults with low-back pain follow a yearlong weight-loss program that included calorie restriction and 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity per day; by week 53, the participants showed significant improvements in their pain and functionality as well as substantial weight loss.

Slouching at Your Desk

Sitting hunched over your computer at work or over the steering wheel in your car puts stress on your spine and the muscles between the shoulder blades. This can cause back or neck pain, or exacerbate it if you already have it, says Dr.  Poor body posture also has been linked with headaches, jaw pain and other forms of chronic or recurring pain. 

Solution: If you work at a computer, sit with your upper back against a firm, supportive chair, a hollow in your low back and your thighs parallel to the floor. Make sure your computer screen is at eye level and situated so your head stays in a neutral position (not tilted, turned or flexed). Be sure to “get up and move around every 30 minutes,” suggests Dr. “Our bodies are not meant to be in any one position for too long.”

Letting Stress Get the Upper Hand

When you’re stressed out, depressed or anxious, your pain may feel worse, and it’s not because you’re blowing it out of proportion in your head. The truth is that stress has a significant influence on the experience of pain, Dr. says. For one thing, when you’re stressed out, you tend to clench or tense your muscles, often without realizing it, which can trigger or aggravate pain. For another, your body releases inflammatory chemicals that can exacerbate existing pain. 

Solution: Find your personal pressure-release valve and use it often, by meditating, doing deep breathing, using self-hypnosis or engaging in another activity that helps you decompress. This will help prevent stress from taking a toll on your head, neck, back or other areas that are vulnerable to pain -- and keep your wits about you when pain does flare up.

Rushing Around, Moving Carelessly

The way you perform everyday tasks, from carrying shopping bags to taking out the trash to loading or unloading the dishwasher, can have a significant effect on how your body feels. Every motion has proper biomechanics, and if you don’t heed them, you can place undue stress on certain body parts and end up making your neck, shoulder, back, hip or knee pain worse, says Dr. 

Solution: Slow down and pay attention to how you move. That means: Don’t twist your spine while standing or sitting for long periods (because this strains the back), and always bend from the knees and hips/pelvis, rather than the waist, to lift something from the floor.

Burying Your Anger

“Chronic musculoskeletal pain, especially lower back and neck pain, is often related to repressed anger,” says Dr. The mechanism is not understood, but “I see it again and again in my practice, especially with women,” he says. In a recent study  researchers found that when people with chronic low-back pain were told to suppress their anger during an aggravating task, they experienced greater muscle tension in their lower backs and greater pain behaviours that increased their pain severity than non suppressors did. 

Solution: Jot down brief statements about what makes you angry or frustrated in your life, suggests Dr. “The idea is to bring anger to your consciousness, not to necessarily act on it.” Researchers  had chronic pain sufferers express their anger either constructively in writing or by drafting their goals in an unemotional way; over nine weeks, the group that wrote about anger experienced greater improvements in pain control and pain severity than the other group did.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

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