Bulging disk/herniated? Symptoms?

I've been having so much pain for 3weeks now and I've been trying to figure out what I could possibly have. It first started with neck pain where I couldn't even lift my head, numbness in my left arm and lower left face, and upper chest pain. I went to the ER where they did an EKG and everything was fine they gave me a muscle relaxer shot for the headace and Xanax lol and sent me home. A week later I went to dr as a walk in because of the pain I was having in my chest and he did an xray on my chest and neck. He came in and said the problem was not with my chest but in my neck and asked if I had been in a car week. He prescribed me muscle relaxers and said that should take care of it. I started the pills and they have not helped. I'm still in so much pain my neck shoulders and back are killing me it's so much pain and I feel like my chest is being crushed. I'm still getting the numbness on my lower left side of the face and my left arm. I have an apt tomorrow with a cardiologist because I was reading about angina and started thinking I have that but honestly I think my symptoms seem to be more of a herniated or bulging disk. I have read nothing about angina cause face numbness but I've read a mix of yes and no for face numbness with a herniated/bulging disc. I guess I should add I'm 29 very active workout 2hrs a day which I have stopped since all of this because my body hurts so bad when I try. I had recently upped my weights so maybe I might have hurt something? Can anyone tell me if my symptoms sound like maybe a disc problem?

Almost 30 years ago, I suffered similar symptoms as yours after going bowling. I sought out a chiropractor who determined that some of my vertebrae were seriously out of alignment. After only a couple of visits, I was back to my old self! Obviously, since muscle relaxers haven't helped, it's time to look further for the answer. Orthopedist or chiropractor would be the directions I would choose from. Hope you find your answer soon and are quickly on the mend!

Hi AreYes and welcome to the HW Chronic Pain forum. I am so sorry that you are hurting so bad and have not found relief. I read your intro and a couple of things really sprung out at me. With all your given symptoms, I would be concerned about ruling out some type of cardiac issue and would want to get checked out by a cardiologist ASAP. Yes a lot of your symptoms do mimic a spinal disorder/nerve problem BUT, there are a couple of red flags for me: the pain in your chest, arm, neck and face, the CHRUSHING chest pain - these can be symptoms of a cardiac related issue. Even though you had an EKG in the ER, that is not a entirely decisive test but more of a screening to your heart rythym, the condition of the heart and how well the blood is flowing but there are a host of other tests that can be more decisive. That's where a cardiologist would come in.

I don't want to scare you or anything but women can suffer silent attacks that mimic other disorders which can be very dangerous. If you are in that much pain, I would be going right back to the ER!!!

Now, of course there can be problems relating to your spine and maybe nerve compression which of course would need a good board certified neurologist to check you out. He will probably order some diagnostic tests such as an MRI. I would not under any circumstances with the symptoms that you are having go to a chiropractor before you can checked out thoroughly. Don't get me wrong, I think there is a time and place for them but in other instances no. When you get into disc herniation's/ruptures that is the last thing you want done is manipulation, in my opinion that is.

When you went to the ER, did you have all the symptoms you listed as above? Because I am a little surprised that they didn't look into this more deeply especially with the crushing chest pain.

I am praying for you, hope u will get some answers really quick!

Hugs from Texas,

Pam

I've had neck surgery C5 Fusion due to disc displacement / damage.  I have to get my C4 & C6 fixed soon.

My symptoms- stiff neck, migraines, tingling fingers, numbness on one side, sharp or stabbing pain.

After your cardio dismisses your symptoms please go to a neuro Dr.  Don't recommend a chiropractor as if you have disc issue it could get worse.  I would recommend a massage on your shoulders and neck area before a Chiro.

You could ask your GP Dr. to prescribe something for the pain until you see a Neuro Dr.

Good Luck!

Glad u went to your appointment today to get checked out. I am sure the cardiologist will make sure that your do not have any underlying cardiac/vascular problem, it is very wise to rule that out at first considering some of the symptoms you were having.

Don't stress out about the what if/possibilities, you have to wait for him to complete the workup and then go from there. I always have said, "It is what it is", and there's nothing you can do to change it but move on and deal with the issue.

Have you checked out Neurologist's in your area, that would be my next effort, try to make sure he is Board Certified. I know you are really stressing right now, the pain is an automatic stressor. I can remember when all my workup's where in progress and I was dealing with the pain and mobility issue's I was a wreck. Pain is a very controlling constant, it can tear you apart both physically and mentally. Have you learned some relaxation techniques to use when you are feeling really anxious, that would be a good exercise to learn as I can tell you from personal experience they do work!

Good luck tomorrow with your stress test and do try to take it easy.

Hugs from Texas,

Pam