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Can Smoking Cause Nerve Related Problems?
Question: Hello,
I experience a mild burning pain sensation between two ribs right to my sternum and left to my right nipple.
I can rule out heart burn (im familiar with it), I experience this deeper in the chest (feels like below the ribs)
One and a half week ago I woke up in the middle of the night with this sensation very much present, the next morning less present. Since then I am aware of this sensation which is mildly present; it gets worse when I smoke and its gets worse when I bend my right arm around my back, stretching the chest. Breathing doesn't affect this burning sensation (breathing in deep or breathing out deeply)
Also I experience sour muscles on my back, mainly on the right side, more or less at the same height as the burning sensation in the front of the chest. Its muscles, when I push them they feel sour (like a knot in a muscle)
I am a heavy smoker, trying to quit (also because of this)
Can you please give me any direction?
Thanks in advance
I experience a mild burning pain sensation between two ribs right to my sternum and left to my right nipple.
I can rule out heart burn (im familiar with it), I experience this deeper in the chest (feels like below the ribs)
One and a half week ago I woke up in the middle of the night with this sensation very much present, the next morning less present. Since then I am aware of this sensation which is mildly present; it gets worse when I smoke and its gets worse when I bend my right arm around my back, stretching the chest. Breathing doesn't affect this burning sensation (breathing in deep or breathing out deeply)
Also I experience sour muscles on my back, mainly on the right side, more or less at the same height as the burning sensation in the front of the chest. Its muscles, when I push them they feel sour (like a knot in a muscle)
I am a heavy smoker, trying to quit (also because of this)
Can you please give me any direction?
Thanks in advance
Brief Answer:
Can be a nerve root irritation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The mild burning sensation and the light muscle stiffness that you are having can be due to a slight nerve root irritation at the level of thoracic spine. Wrong posture and lack of back strengthening exercises can be responsible for it. Smoking can also cause such nerve related symptoms. You also need to get your vitamin B12 levels evaluated.
It is good that you are trying to quit smoking. In case the vitamin b 12 levels are low then do start with proper supplements.
Do consult a physiotherapist for proper back strengthening exercises.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL XXXX
Can be a nerve root irritation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The mild burning sensation and the light muscle stiffness that you are having can be due to a slight nerve root irritation at the level of thoracic spine. Wrong posture and lack of back strengthening exercises can be responsible for it. Smoking can also cause such nerve related symptoms. You also need to get your vitamin B12 levels evaluated.
It is good that you are trying to quit smoking. In case the vitamin b 12 levels are low then do start with proper supplements.
Do consult a physiotherapist for proper back strengthening exercises.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL XXXX
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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