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What Causes Stiff Neck And Pain Behind The Sternum?
Question: I have a stiff neck and pain behind the sternum and in between shoulder blades. I also have a tight feeling in my throat. I'm 27 and have no past medical history. Do you know what this may be?
Brief Answer:
suggestive of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for your query.
The symptoms as mentioned in your post is suggestive of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Symptomatic relief can be obtained with intake of Zantac or Proton pump inhibitors like Pantoprazole (which prevent acid formation in stomach)+ Domperidone preparations.
Also, kindly let us know about the following:
1. Any history of recent illness?
2. Any history of trauma to the neck or back region?
3. Any history of difficulty in swallowing food or water?
4. Any history of vomiting/ regurgitation of food?
5. Any history of stress or inadequate sleep?
6. History of smoking and alcohol consumption?
7. History of prolonged intake of any medication?
8. Any other associated symptoms?
A knowledge of the above mentioned questions will be helpful for us in making a better diagnosis and formulate an appropriate management plan.
Hoping to hear from you soon.
Take care.
suggestive of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for your query.
The symptoms as mentioned in your post is suggestive of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Symptomatic relief can be obtained with intake of Zantac or Proton pump inhibitors like Pantoprazole (which prevent acid formation in stomach)+ Domperidone preparations.
Also, kindly let us know about the following:
1. Any history of recent illness?
2. Any history of trauma to the neck or back region?
3. Any history of difficulty in swallowing food or water?
4. Any history of vomiting/ regurgitation of food?
5. Any history of stress or inadequate sleep?
6. History of smoking and alcohol consumption?
7. History of prolonged intake of any medication?
8. Any other associated symptoms?
A knowledge of the above mentioned questions will be helpful for us in making a better diagnosis and formulate an appropriate management plan.
Hoping to hear from you soon.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
I do have a past history alcohol use. I would drink at least a few drinks a day but have not drank in over a year.
No recent illness
No trauma
No trouble swallowing just a tight feeling in my throat
No vomiting
Very high stress job but usually sleep ok
No medications
The pain is in My upper chest about three inches above the nipple but right behind the sternum and sometimes a little left of the sternum. The pain gets better or worse depending on my movement. Sometimes the pain goes away for a hour or two and then comes back with movement.
No recent illness
No trauma
No trouble swallowing just a tight feeling in my throat
No vomiting
Very high stress job but usually sleep ok
No medications
The pain is in My upper chest about three inches above the nipple but right behind the sternum and sometimes a little left of the sternum. The pain gets better or worse depending on my movement. Sometimes the pain goes away for a hour or two and then comes back with movement.
Brief Answer:
Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for the details.
After going through the details I will stick on to GERD possibiltity. I would suggest you to try a course of Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) as explained in my previous reply. Observe your symptoms for the next 2 days, if the problem persists you will need to proceed to a doctor for evaluation.
Cervical problem as described by previous doctor can explain some of your symptoms. I will keep this as the second possibility. Your doctor can investigate for it if you don't feel better with PPI.
This PPI is available over the counter as prilosec OTC. Therefore I don't think you will problems procuring it.
Avoid spices, caffeinated drinks, strenuous physical exercises and rest well.
Hope this answers your query.
Take care.
Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for the details.
After going through the details I will stick on to GERD possibiltity. I would suggest you to try a course of Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) as explained in my previous reply. Observe your symptoms for the next 2 days, if the problem persists you will need to proceed to a doctor for evaluation.
Cervical problem as described by previous doctor can explain some of your symptoms. I will keep this as the second possibility. Your doctor can investigate for it if you don't feel better with PPI.
This PPI is available over the counter as prilosec OTC. Therefore I don't think you will problems procuring it.
Avoid spices, caffeinated drinks, strenuous physical exercises and rest well.
Hope this answers your query.
Take care.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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