I suffer from chronic chest burning a lil from the left center of chest had all heart tests done all ok... it is horrible I have suffered for 2 yrs this awful burning pain, does anyone know what this could be?
Anybody suffer from Chronic Burning Chest Pain (NOT GERD)?
Question posted by sunshine1109 on 6 Dec 2011
Last updated on 21 February 2017
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
13 Answers
JG1022
18 Feb 2017
I found your post, I too suffer from burning in my chest and upper left back area. Comes and goes through out the bad. It started with burning in my upper abdomen. Doc said I had upper respiratory infection. I changed my diet and the upper abdomen pain doesn't come around as much but the burning comes and goes and I'll even feel it in my throat at times.
Had anyone with this problem had their lungs checked?
Rickryan30
20 Feb 2017
Mine is just upper chest, left side. When I lean over I get a burning pain. I just had a complete physical. Because I used to smoke doc had me do a CT scan for lungs. No issues. I also had an Endoscope due to reflux. Nothing there either.
My general physician thinks it could be nerves.
vansickle
27 Jan 2017
My mother suffers from severe burning chest pain. Reading all comments trying to find some help for her. She has been on Nortriptylin and she did not do well on it. She has been on Gabapentin since 2/2015. It seemed to help her, but lately not so much. We know it did help because if she forgot to take before going to bed she would wake up with severe burning in her chest. I am reading post with someone saying doctors are saying post herpetic neuralgia from shingles. my Mom did have shingles in the past around her waist area. During doctors visit next week I will ask about this. i hate seeing my Mom in so much pain. Any comments or suggestions are welcome.
Rickryan30
31 Jan 2017
I get this burning in my upper left chest every time I lean over. I didn't think it was my heart because I work out and run all the time. If anyone get an answer for this please let me know! Thanks!
Windchimes123
17 Nov 2016
Hi Dan,
I would focus on your spine specifically your neck. Cervical spine issues (like a disc,etc) could cause your symptoms.
You should get an MRI of your upper spine.
I can "hear" your anxiety.
Please just get the test done and avoid worrying. I know it's easy to say but by using your good energy on negative stuff affects you in ways you are not aware of.
Your immune system comes to mind and all other aches and pains becomes intensified. It also can turn a happy individual into a worrier.
Just be proactive and get tests done and specialists.
I remember a phrase from when I was young...
"Don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you" !!! Lol
Best wishes...
:-)
danstewart1958
17 Nov 2016
I have the same issue, you can say burning, stinging, or what ever the bottom line is it feels like inflammation and it's consistent but not sever but very agitating.
I feel it's lung related. Seems like something a smoker would encounter but I am not a smoker. Scaring comes to mind when I feel this dull burning/stinging. Now most people know what heart burn feels like... who has not experienced heart burn??? It is definitely not heart burn. I'm checking everything, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys... something is causing this crap and it's a shame these specialist don't have a clue.
Jade66
9 Nov 2016
Hi Sunshine
Found your posts from different times. I have had same condition for years. Usually sever and less sever burning compressing pain in left upper shoulder, upper chest and arm lasts for months, then goes away, then may come back.
Currently i m suffering from it. Chest feels so tight and compressed that it feels heart may get crushed. And pain in shoulder and chest is as if a hot red knife was inserted and been twisted.
I did all the checks. Its not the heart, not heartburn. It comes from the neck degenerated discs compressing the nerves and postshingles neuralgia.
I try to stay away from drugs. Started the one that need to be taken for 2 weeks before it works. It does not help with pain. Stopped. Tried tramadol. It made me feel worse. Endone now but it makes me sleepy and dizzy but pain is there except for short while. In AU we hv this names.
Pain goes away eventually after few months but then in time of stress comes back or cold windy draft or carrying a heavy bag on the shoulder.
Also my pain got worse after chiro manipulations.
What i can suggest is overall rest, healthy foods and juices, less heavy exercise that stresses shoulders, just light ones to maintain strenghs of the muscels, yoga when feel better.
Best Tatiana
Mouse01
1 Nov 2012
Hi Sunshine
Have you had any positive results on this yet? I've been suffering from the same thing for 12 months, 24hours a day, 7 days a week. Constant burning aching in the chest, it's getting to bad I have lost my appetite and don't feel like doing anything anymore. I've had loads of tests and as they can diagnose it, as the NHS do, they diagnose as anxiety! I am not an anxious person but now I have this on my profile they just shrug me off when I go in! I did get diagnosed with no ferritin which also caused hair thinning but does not relate to heart.
I was a fit and healthy young female before this came and I am trying to keep my fitness up but it burns so so bad I just want to cry :(
Can anyone give me some hope!
sunshine1109
1 Nov 2012
No positive results as of yet but last week I went in for Radiofrequency Ablation where they go in the spine and burn the nerves to the chest, it will be about a month before I know if it will work or not, if it does I will let you know... For me they say its Post Herpetic Neuralgia from shingles all I had 3 yrs ago when this started was six blisters on the center of my chest, so Im not sure but after every test under the sun with no positive results this is the conclusion they have come up with... have they tried you on any meds like Lyrica, Gabapentin, Nortriptyline to see if it would ease your pain, they didnt work for me but some people have had some positive results .. I hope you find some relief soon as I know how horrible it is to suffer day in and day out every second of every day... shine
Stew302
19 Jan 2017
Hello did you ever find out what was causing your symptoms? ??
plrl6582
9 Aug 2012
I know exactly how you feel. I've had this problem for 4 months now. I've had a colonoscopy, endoscopy. 4 ekgs, chest xray, ct scan with contrast and a stress echocardigram, gallbladder ultrasound, and the test that they do to see if your gallbladder is functioning and nothing yet. And I take nexium everyday.
Not sure if your pain is the same as mine. I have burning pain and pressure across the top of my chest and my shoulders (sometimes one or the other) . Sometimes if I move a certain way it will hurt. I can't enjoy anything for it. It scares me and I don't want to be active or eat because of it. I go back to my doctor on Monday to discuss it further. I don't have answer for you, but know you're not alone. If you find out what is causing yours let me know and the same here.
sunshine1109
10 Aug 2012
Still dont know whats goin on they seem to think I had shingles because I had six small blisters on my chest 2 1/2 yrs ago but didnt think anything of it, so now they are sayin post herpetic neuralgia which is chronic pain like im having, alls I know is im very tired fo suffering like I have, you would think with the technology these days there would be something they could do so a person doesnt spend their life in constant pain... I sure hope they find a cause and a cure for you as I wouldnt want anyone to suffer as I have, best of luck to you and let me know if they find out whats wrong... shine
plrl6582
10 Aug 2012
Sorry you still don't have an answer. I know its miserable. Since Oct. 2011 I've started several new medications. Wellbutrin Xl, Dexilant but got her to change it back to Nexium a few weeks ago. The Dexilant burned my stomach. I was also taking Lopid and it didn't work to raise my good cholesterol, but was switched to Crestor a couple of months ago because after a second blood workup my good and bad cholesterol were bad. I'm also been taking Hydrochlorothiazide for 3 months now. I also take Buspar as needed. Do you take any of these, if so how long? I started taking all the medications listed after October. My pain started in late March. Is your pain constant? Sometimes mine will go away for a day or two and then come back and hurt for a few hours a day and sometimes all day for weeks at a time.
sunshine1109
10 Aug 2012
No mine never goes away not even for a second, I've never taken any of the meds you have, Ive been on Lyrica, cymbalta, celexa, amitryptiline, nortriptyline, Topomax, savella, gabapentin, and the only thing I was on for my stomach was zantac in which none of the above has worked.. but they are still telling me its nerve pain, its a burning deep heavy aching type of pain located right in the front left side of my chest feels like it right over my heart... I'm dont know how much longer I can deal with this, its goin on 3 yrs here real soon, it just amazes me that these Dr's cant do anything for it but throw pills at me pills that dont work... well let me know what they find out about you, hope your feeling better... shine
cleo130
22 March 2012
So sorry you are dealing with such terrible pain. I know it can be frightening not to know what's causing it. I sometimes have pain in the same area as you describe, but it almost feels like my ribs and it is a deep aches, but thankfully it doesn't last long. I went through all the heart tests but it's been nearly 10 years since that. I did wake up in the middle of the night in 2006 and my left arm and hand were numb and aching. I freaked and called 911, they came in an ambulance and within a few minutes they had IV's in each arm and were giving me oxygen. All the tests were negative and I now realize that I have a habit of sleeping with my left arm in a position that causes this pain.
I sure hope you can get some relief... I know you said you didn't have panic attacks, but these symtoms can sometimes be caused by them. I went through a year of constant panic and agoraphobia back in 1987 after and injury to my back. It was horribly frightening and debilitating. Finally after nearly a year workers comp sent me to a psychiatrist who gave me xanax and added klonipin. The terror finally diminished and I stopped the meds after about 2 years, but I remember going through brief episodes of panic even as a child. Sorry to talk about myself so much, but I'm hoping with everyone's answers something might sound like what you are dealing with. Please take care and keep us informed!
sunshine1109
28 April 2012
Sorry its been so long since I have posted but i am just miserable and dont feel like doing anything these days ... Well Im still suffering and still no answers, Drs are now convinced that its post herpetic neuralgia from shingles ... I had six small blisters in the center of my chest over 2 yrs ago but didnt really think anything of it but they say thats what could be going on, unfortunately nothing they have done has helped the pain. I can only pray one day I will wake up and it will be gone... any help for you I sure hope so let me know... shine
Jade66
9 Nov 2016
Hi Sunshine
Found your posts from different times. I have had same condition for years. Usually sever and less sever burning compressing pain in left upper shoulder, upper chest and arm lasts for months, then goes away, then may come back.
Currently i m suffering from it. Chest feels so tight and compressed that it feels heart may get crushed. And pain in shoulder and chest is as if a hot red knife was inserted and been twisted.
I did all the checks. Its not the heart, not heartburn. It comes from the neck degenerated discs compressing the nerves and postshingles neuralgia.
I try to stay away from drugs. Started the one that need to be taken for 2 weeks before it works. It does not help with pain. Stopped. Tried tramadol. It made me feel worse. Endone now but it makes me sleepy and dizzy but pain is there except for short while. In AU we hv this names.
Pain goes away eventually after few months but then in time of stress comes back or cold windy draft or carrying a heavy bag on the shoulder.
Also my pain got worse after chiro manipulations.
What i can suggest is overall rest, healthy foods and juices, less heavy exercise that stresses shoulders, just light ones to maintain strenghs of the muscels, yoga when feel better.
Best Tatiana
anndrew49
22 March 2012
sunshine1109, i still haven't found anything with the burning in my chest, seen three different drs. they can't explain, i know what you are going through, don't know if i can go 2 yrs with this problem. anndrew49
anndrew49
19 March 2012
anndrew49,
have same problem, Dr . prescribed pantoprazole sod. dr 40mg, my ins would not cover nexium, it is not acid reflux or gerd, I asked my DR. if he has ever seen this before and he said no. what meds were taking when burning started, I am on many meds for hbp, cholesterol, a-fib, and heart meds because of 2 stents put in 11/3/11. My problems started after stents were inserted. I am wondering if I am having a reaction to the stents or meds. My meds are, Amiodarone 100mg, aspirin 81, benicar 40mg, pravastatin 40mg, plavix 75mg, atenolol 25mg, metformin 2000mg, ambien 10mg, pradaxa 300mg, xarelto 20 mg but cardiologist took me off pradaxa then put me on xerelto, took for 2 wks and took me off for this week. This is very frustrating and is stressful not knowing what is causing this problem, i know where you are coming from, please feel free to contact me @ 315-252-1407
Inactive
20 March 2012
I was just going to suggest seeing a heart specialist too, but you have ansered that question. If you are a female, we tend to have different heart attack problems then men Might be something to condsider, also I have horrible allergies, & when Spring comes as arealy as it did this year, my lymp glands swell, my mouth is dry, & I get the burning, & sometines pain in the espheogeus(sp), because mine gets raw feeling all the way down just being outdoors, & breathing in the allergens in the air. Usually bother me more at nighttime. Just some thoughts... Mary
Taniaport
5 Sep 2016
Atenolol!! My chest hurts so bad sometimes. I have been on this drug for years now, what did u find out?
Thanks!!
Tania
anndrew49
19 March 2012
i also have the same burning sensation in my chest, had scope and sonogram done and things were all negative, had 2 stenets put in on nov. 3 but have had 2 nuclear stress tests done and always pass with flying colors. my cardiologist says nothing more they can do. on many meds., don't know what to do anymore.
AquariusAnneCA
19 March 2012
So sorry that two people now have this sensation in your chests and nothing can be found... can either of you tell me what kind of medication you were both taking before this started? Reason I ask is I was prescribed Lipitor for high cholesterol some time ago and it is unbelieveable the damage it caused my body due to the fact that I am totally unable to take statin drugs... I had pain in my right ribs so bad and the doctor could not find the problem so medication can be damaging to some people. I am anxious to find out what is causing this burning sensation that 2 people are now experiencing and the doctors not able to give an answer to.
Please let us know what, if any, answers you get on this problem.
Thanks so much and good luck to you both!
AquariusAnne
jlanastasia
21 Sep 2016
I am a 57-year-old female, and I too have had a burning sensation on the left side of my chest. It's like a roiling pain that keeps building and building until it comes to a crescendo, and then it stops completely. It only lasts about 10 second I believe. Today I have been keeping track because it's been happening even more lately, and it's been basically every hour almost on the hour for 6 hours now. The only medication I take is Synthroid for hypo-thyroid. Can anyone please tell me what this is??? Am I about to have a heart attack???
Toby6613
2 Oct 2016
I have a burning sensation in my chest too... I've been to the hospital several times and the only thing that fixes it is pain pills... I just got out of the hospital two days ago and they sent me home because there was nothing else for them to do for me... I get severe abdominal pain whenever my doctor prescribe me any anti acids... I can't work and I don't really leave my house... My GI doctor sent a referral over to USF and I hope they contact me soon... I don't know how much longer I can handle the pain
6cathy
15 Jan 2017
Hi, this is very interesting, I also have had heavy pressure behind my sternum and radiating left and right , seems to be made worse if doing heavy housework. Heart tests all negative and awaiting a CAT scan but reading other comments am not holding out hope for satisfactory results
bloxham
6 Dec 2011
I have crohns disease and get an awful pain in my chest from a "sour" stomach (acid reflux) but you asked if anyone may know what it is? I get a pain in my chest also from anxiety, have you ever taken an anxiety medication such as Xanax,Valium, or Klonopin and have any relief?
sunshine1109
6 Dec 2011
No its not anxiety, I have been the xanax route yrs ago and will never ever go there again, its not anxiety this is a discomfort that never ever ever goes away not even for a minute... Its definately a mystery I guess for nobody has ever heard of it... the specialist says it post neuralgia..something to do with the nerves in the chest and also costochondritis from me pushing on my chest so much and favoring that side because of the yrs it has hurt. I'll let you all know if we ever find out .. have to go back to the specialist on the 20th of the month... he better know something as my last bill for one hr was 760 dollars..Sunshine..
sunshine1109
6 Dec 2011
I also just got put on Neurontin (Gabapentin) and Nortriptyline I have been on it for almost 2 wks... they say I wont feel a difference for about 4 to 6 wks... anyone ever been on these drugs for pain... shine
AquariusAnneCA
6 Dec 2011
Good Evening Sunshine! I am so sorry you are having this discomfort. My question first is why do you say in parenthesis (not Gerd). I have had that terrible burning and it is called "heartburn" if it is what it you describe. Has a doctor or anyone been told of this? It is only my opinion but it does sound like acid reflux and if so then you should see a Gastroenterologist about it to be sure. You may need a proton pumper, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) or Nexium but your GI doctor will prescribe what is best if it is indeed acid reflux. You can get Zantac or Prilosec over the counter but it is wise to check with the doctor. Please keep me apprise as to your results after you see a doctor. If you want quick relief, just go to pharmacist and get Zantac. A pharmacist will also help you with this but a doctor is best to see after your visit with the pharmacist.
sunshine1109
6 Dec 2011
I say its not gerd because I have been to a Gastrointerologist, it is not the kind of burn from heartburn. Its very hard to explain but I have had all kinds of tests done, right now they are treating me for post neuralgia, with Neurtontin and Nortriptyline but so far its not working. I have seen many Drs for this have gone through intercostal nerve blocks and the whole nine yards..I am now being seen by a Pain Specialist at the University of Florida hes the head of Pain Management... Im just curious if anyone else has ever had this SO FAR I have found nobody who can relate to this non stop 24/7 pain... :(
Inactive
6 Dec 2011
Sunshine, I am so sorry to hear of you having this horrible pain.l I suffer from GERD & take omprazole, so understand part of what you are saying. What I wanted to say to you , is I hope you keep us apprised of what is going on. This is something I have not heard of before. Sounds esphogeal for sure, but it is really different. Would be very curious if you find out what is causing it & sorry no one has been able to help you so far. Maybe someone on this site will come up with an idea. Hang in there, & know we are here for support...
sunshine1109
6 Dec 2011
Thank You, I sure hope so as I have suffered so much for so long. I pray this specialist finds something to help me... Shine <3
sunshine1109
6 Dec 2011
Thank You and I will keep you posted, I go back to the specialist on the 20th..shine :)
Inactive
7 Dec 2011
Well, best on luck to you on the 29th & wuill keep you in my thoughts & prayers. Wouldn't that be a great Christmas present to find out & get fixed what ever is causing this problem? Good luck... (& let us know)
sunshine1109
7 Dec 2011
Thanks so much thats very sweet of you, it would be the best gift ever I have suffered so long. I'll let you know what happens... shine
Inactive
7 Dec 2011
Sorry for my typo. I did see it was the 20th & not the 29 as I typed. I have arthritis so bad, my fingers don't always hit the keys I think they do. Mary
sunshine1109
7 Dec 2011
Not a problem, I do that all the time :)
gt1500
22 Feb 2017
I know what you are feeling. its like acid under the skin from nipple to nipple and straight line in between. about 6 inch swath across. I don't have an answer for you. I was looking for one myself. All tests are fine with the heart. I have Acid re-flux and am on omeprazole. Burning comes and goes but stays for hours at a time. Only thing I can equate it to is maybe a car wreck i was in where the steering wheel hit my sternum and bruised my chest years ago in the same area but it hasn't burned ever since, only the past 2 years or so. I wish there was an answer. But you arent nuts or alone.
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pain, gerd, chronic, burning, heart
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