I have chest and shoulder pain. Could it be from anxiety?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 23 years old and have a history of anxiety. Recently, I have been experiencing tightness in my chest and back, along with pain in my chest, arm, back, and shoulder.

I visited the hospital yesterday, where they performed an ECG, blood tests, and an X-ray, all of which came back normal. At the hospital, I was given Valium, and I was prescribed Lorazepam to take for the next seven days. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Experiencing chest tightness and pain in the chest, arm, back, and shoulder can understandably be concerning, particularly with a history of anxiety. It is reassuring, however, that your ECG, blood tests, and chest X-ray all came back normal, which helps rule out many serious heart and lung conditions.

Given your background, these symptoms may be related to anxiety and muscle tension rather than a cardiac issue. At the hospital, you were given Valium, and you have now been prescribed Lorazepam for a short, seven-day course. This medication can be effective in reducing anxiety and the physical tension that often accompanies it.

For treatment, it is important to take Lorazepam exactly as prescribed and only for the short duration recommended, as it is not intended for long-term use. In addition to medication, incorporating non-pharmacological strategies such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and regular physical activity can significantly help manage anxiety and reduce muscle-related discomfort.

Maintaining good sleep habits, staying hydrated, and minimizing caffeine can also support overall well-being. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience new symptoms like severe shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, please seek medical attention promptly.

For longer-term anxiety management, it may be beneficial to discuss options such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or long-term medications like SSRIs with your healthcare provider, as these are safer and more effective for ongoing support.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert if there are any queries.

Thank you.