indigestion or heart problem?? - Digestive Disorders Message Board

prendi · 12-06-2004, 01:45 PM

do you have left shoulder pain with digestive problems?i have had a pain in my left shoulder now for 4 weeks,it has travelled round to my back and up my neck.my doc said it was muscle strain,but another symptom i have is that i can't burp properly.i also have pain under my left breast,a feeling of windiness,but nothing comes up.i have tried gaviscon but that did't help.any info would be most welcome thx

Sunlover · 12-08-2004, 08:11 AM

I hope someone answers you because my husband is having the same problem! He also gets out of breath when this happens, like he has to stand by a window to get more air - does this happen to you too? He WILL burp a lot, but the other stuff sure sounds the same!

lannen · 12-15-2004, 09:55 AM

Hi. I have the same problems, reflux, excessive burping etc. I also get the shoulder, chest, back and arm pain. I have had every test under the sun and I don't have a heart problem. The only thing that I can figure is that it's either trapped gas, or it all caused from stress & tension. Since stress can cause both stomach problems as well as muscle aches & pains, specifically in the neck, chest & shoulders.
One thing I will say is that I have been trying homeopathic methods for treating the Acid Reflux and they seem to work better than any prescriptions I've tried.
If you're game, try mixing a tablespoon of unpastuerized Apple Cider Vinegar, mixed with 4oz of water 1 or 2 times a day. Gulp it down. It tastes like hell, but it really does seem to be helping.
Also trying stretching exercises and massage for helping with the shoulder pain. Maybe even a chiropractic adjustment.

Hope this helps.

woodfaery · 12-15-2004, 12:16 PM

Make an appointment with your doc, and they can refer you to a GI specialist. You may need something like Protonix, or Nexium. There is also Prilosec OTC. Talk to your doctor, sometimes you need something like a proton pump inhibitor, because Tums, rolaids, gaviscon just wont cut it.

curlyque57 · 12-15-2004, 12:56 PM

I am having the exact same problem right now and the pain in the left shoulder, left chest area is killing me. I've also had severe headaches and pain in the back of the neck all on the left side...it feels like trapped gas pain. I do have GERD and take prilosec daily...also been using carafate at night...and sometimes need some tums on top of that. If I can burp it does seem to alleviate some of the discomfort. I've tried using Gas-X and it seems to help some of the pain. Can a person get trapped gas in places other than the digestive track, for example, the body cavity or arteries?