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What Causes Severe Chest Tightness, Tingling Sensation In Hands, Nausea And Lightheadedness?
Question: I have a recent MRI of my neck... I've been having a lot of symptoms, that when extreme, mimic heart attack symptoms, including a tightness in the chest, tingling in my hands, feet, strange salivation feeling in my jaw, overall nausea and a bit light headed. This has sent me to the hospital several times. We are certain it is not my heart (had a cardiac cauterization no issues). In addition, we have ruled out gastro issues (although I do have a smal hiatal hernia), gynecological issues, blood work is good, etc.
More often, these symptoms don't escalate to that extreme, but I do experience a coldness/numbness in my right foot (particularly when driving) and a numbness in my left hand simultaneously with the . light headed feelings; and sometimes the tingling extends to all extremities. I am really convinced that all these symptoms are stemming from the issues with my neck and wonder if this could be the case.
More often, these symptoms don't escalate to that extreme, but I do experience a coldness/numbness in my right foot (particularly when driving) and a numbness in my left hand simultaneously with the . light headed feelings; and sometimes the tingling extends to all extremities. I am really convinced that all these symptoms are stemming from the issues with my neck and wonder if this could be the case.
Brief Answer:
Not all symptoms related to neck condition.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Some of the symptoms you describe (tingling in your extremities, coldness/numbness) may be related to your neck issues found by MRI results too.
Other symptoms (chest tightness, increased salivation, nausea, lightheaded) are not typical for cervical spine conditions.
I think, the situation will be more clear after Neurosurgeon's consult, because a neurological examination is needed to correlate the MRI findings with symptoms characteristics and distribution.
A possible explanation of lightheadedness and nausea may be changes in blood pressure.
Also, perimenopausal and menopause changes related to hormones imbalance should be considered at your age.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.
Greetings.
Not all symptoms related to neck condition.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Some of the symptoms you describe (tingling in your extremities, coldness/numbness) may be related to your neck issues found by MRI results too.
Other symptoms (chest tightness, increased salivation, nausea, lightheaded) are not typical for cervical spine conditions.
I think, the situation will be more clear after Neurosurgeon's consult, because a neurological examination is needed to correlate the MRI findings with symptoms characteristics and distribution.
A possible explanation of lightheadedness and nausea may be changes in blood pressure.
Also, perimenopausal and menopause changes related to hormones imbalance should be considered at your age.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
Thank you for your response.. it is appreciated.
The odd part about the dizziness or light-headed feelings is that it is definitely triggered by the tingling sensations. To make the point, while at PT, any activity that requires me lifting my arms over head (shoulder height or higher) makes my hands/lower arms instantly "tingly" and always makes me dizzy and invokes that odd feeling/sensation I tend to get. It's a feeling/sensation that "washes over me" when what I believe to be the "neck" issues are at their peak. The "chest tightness" I believe to be extremely overstretched muscles in the peck area. I have been receiving medical massage for quite a long time and my therapist tells me that my body is too bent forward. The muscles in my underarm area, wrapping into the sides of my chest area are always extremely tight and very painful. I contribute this to that tightness I was talking about earlier. Not sure if this helps add some clarity to what I was trying to describe prior.
... and yes, I also wonder how hormonal changes might be factoring into some of this as well.
The odd part about the dizziness or light-headed feelings is that it is definitely triggered by the tingling sensations. To make the point, while at PT, any activity that requires me lifting my arms over head (shoulder height or higher) makes my hands/lower arms instantly "tingly" and always makes me dizzy and invokes that odd feeling/sensation I tend to get. It's a feeling/sensation that "washes over me" when what I believe to be the "neck" issues are at their peak. The "chest tightness" I believe to be extremely overstretched muscles in the peck area. I have been receiving medical massage for quite a long time and my therapist tells me that my body is too bent forward. The muscles in my underarm area, wrapping into the sides of my chest area are always extremely tight and very painful. I contribute this to that tightness I was talking about earlier. Not sure if this helps add some clarity to what I was trying to describe prior.
... and yes, I also wonder how hormonal changes might be factoring into some of this as well.
Brief Answer:
Consider to use muscles relaxers drugs.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for further clarifications.
As I mentioned before, dizziness is not a typical sign of cervical spine disorders, however, in rare cases, trigger points in neck ( muscles and joints ) may distort sense position.
Another possible explanation is impairment of blood flow to brain due to compression of neck blood vessels.
Chest tightness may be related to muscles being tightened or spasms, but chest muscles are supplied by thoracic spine nerves, except upper ones, so, localization takes importance in understanding the cause.
I think, physical therapy ( more specifically neck traction exercises ) should help.
Also, use of muscles relaxers drugs ( flexeril, etc.) should be considered.
Hope I helped you.
Take care.
Consider to use muscles relaxers drugs.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for further clarifications.
As I mentioned before, dizziness is not a typical sign of cervical spine disorders, however, in rare cases, trigger points in neck ( muscles and joints ) may distort sense position.
Another possible explanation is impairment of blood flow to brain due to compression of neck blood vessels.
Chest tightness may be related to muscles being tightened or spasms, but chest muscles are supplied by thoracic spine nerves, except upper ones, so, localization takes importance in understanding the cause.
I think, physical therapy ( more specifically neck traction exercises ) should help.
Also, use of muscles relaxers drugs ( flexeril, etc.) should be considered.
Hope I helped you.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
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