Can acid reflux cause chest pain?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have suffered pain in my upper right pectoralis just next to my right armpit for several months. I have got done many negative tests, such as CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, and hemithorax X-ray. The pain is mainly triggered by movement and by touch. I am having difficulties wearing a bra, or shoulder bag, putting the seatbelt on, and sleeping on the right side as all these things provoke pain. I do not know what triggered this. The only thing I can think of is that I had a bad episode of acid reflux just before this happened. NSAIDs probably provoked the reflux I had taken the previous days for some headache and period pain, and I have stopped taking them since then because I have understood that they are not suitable for my stomach.

Could there be any correlation between my acid reflux and this pain?
Could the stomach acid have traveled up to that part of my chest? I think it could be costochondritis.
If it was costochondritis, would any of the exams I have done show it, or is it something you do not see in diagnostic tests?
Can costochondritis happen in that area of the upper chest?
Can the pain radiate to the armpit area?
Could I apply any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine like gel or cream on the area? Do these have the same efficiency as oral NSAIDs?
Could I benefit from applying heat or ice on a cold pack in the area?
Will this go away with time?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

This is not costochondritis. This is nerve pain. Such pains are very troubling and irritating as well. They do not show up in any blood tests.

As far as your questions are concerned, the following are my answers:

No costochondritis does not show in any tests.
No, it cannot radiate to armpit area.
You can apply NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) locally, but they are less effective than oral ones.
Ice fomentation would help.
Yes, it will go away with time.

I suggest a combination of Pregabalin and Nortriptyline once daily at night for a few weeks. For local applications, Gabapentin creams would give you more relief than NSAIDs.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Yes, radiating pain is always due to nerve compression or local neuritis. It may take even six months to get relieved. There can be many causes such as posture issues, hypothyroidism, vitamin B12 deficiency and most common anxiety. I hope the information will help you.

Thank you.