Can a Pinched Nerve Cause Chest Pain?

It is a widely accepted theory that a pinched nerve cause chest pain. These pinched nerves occur when exceeding amounts of pressure applied to surrounding bones, cartilage, tendons or muscles is applied to the nerve. Pinched nerves that are generally found in the neck or lower back can often be caused by a herniated disc, arthritis, spinal stenosis or bone spurs. Pinched nerves in the lower back or buttocks can compress the sciatic nerve resulting in sciatica. The pressure to the nerve can be known to cause pain, weakness, tingling or numbness.

You may be at risk of experiencing a pinched nerve if you have poor posture. Poor posture can add pressure to the spine and nerves as the spine attempts to continue to work as a balancing center despite lack of assistance from your posture. Women are also more likely to experience pinched nerves especially in the case of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis the inflammation caused by the condition can compress (thus pinch) nerves in your joints. Bone spurs, which can be caused by trauma, osteoarthritis or other bone thickening conditions, can narrow the space where nerves travel or stiffen the spine which can pinch nerves. Those that are obese are also at greater risk of pinched nerves. Obesity adds pressure to nerves. The weight gain that can be associated with pregnancy also may pinch nerves as nerve pathways tend to swell due to the excess water and weight. It has been found in comes cases that pinched nerves can also be hereditary.

Pinched nerves that  cause chest pain are usually associated with nerves that are located mid and upper spine. Nerves in the spine may become compressed due to spinal stenosis, herniated disc, and bone spurs. When the chest is affected by the pinched nerves in the spine it is most commonly due to sensory nerve fibers. If these nerve fibers serve both the chest and the back, pain can result in both areas, often simultaneously. If a nerve is pinched it can affect the nerves ability to reach vital organs of the body that the nerve serves. This mishap can often result in a sharp or lingering pain. Some have even referred to the pain in the chest to have a burning sensation in these instances.

If you are experiencing a pinched nerve there are a few things you can do. Try getting a massage to ease the tension and relax the affected area. Massages have been known to be very effective in treating most issues with the chest and back, so give it a try.

The Healthy Back Institute also recommends inversion therapy as treatment for pinched nerve. Inversion therapy realigns the spine and surrounding areas which can reduce nerve pressure.

Acupuncture is another method used to treat pinched nerves. Acupuncture has recently been scientifically proven to relieve pain and is low risk.

You may also want to take an anti-inflammatory ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation in affected area. If these treatments do not improve your pain of symptoms you may want to consult a physician.

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