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Is shoulder pain/ache a symptom of anxiety?

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Posted 8/13/2014 9:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,

I'm sorry for the long time no speak but I've been here, there and everywhere lately.

For the past 30 minutes I've had this dull ache in my left shoulder which is now affecting my left arm, too. It won't go away and now it almost feels like my arm is going to drop off. I remember reading something about a disease which is linked with heart failure and a symptom of that disease is left arm/shoulder blade pain and now I can't stop thinking about it! My chest feels like it's "on edge", if that makes sense? I feel like I'm a second away from my heart bursting and I'm worried I'm going to have a heart attack. I've text my mum and she keeps saying that it's either trapped wind or I've slept on it funny, but I don't think that's it. At least, not the first one.

Is shoulder pain a symptom of anxiety? Can it affect someone like this? I've booked in to see the doctor 'cause I'm worried but I can't get an appointment any earlier than 02/09!

Thank you all for your time!

EDIT: Could my arteries be partially blocked and that's what's causing this feeling in my arm? I keep getting this sharp pain in my jaw and chest now, too! I don't feel as panicked right now (11AM - So it's been going on for nearly an hour) but I'm too worried to do anything! I don't want to move, eat, drink or anything. I just want to sit here.

Post Edited (Janghwa) : 8/13/2014 3:57:13 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/13/2014 11:24 AM (GMT 0)
You can't get an appointment till 02/09? Do you have any history of heart disease, how old are you?
Posted 8/13/2014 11:46 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, and apparantely it's because they're a doctor short. She was quite nice over the phone, though and I explained what I was feeling and said that I should go to A&E but I've been there so many times, even once when I was at work (which is like now!) so I haven't gone.. Yet.

My dad has high blood pressure and so does my Nan (mum's mum) Does that count? I don't know of anything else, I'm afraid.

I'm 23 years old. (HAD TO EDIT IT CAUSE I ACCIDENTALLY PUT 21 INSTEAD OF 23! SORRY!)
Posted 8/13/2014 11:51 AM (GMT 0)
Anytime you have concerns regarding the heart, it's good to go to the emergency room. I had chest pains once that turned out to be severe heart burn and after they checked me for heart issues and blood clots and nothing was wrong, I told them how embarrassed I felt and they said not to be at all and that anytime someone had a symptom like that, it is better to be safe than sorry.

As for your pain....I find that my anxiety causes muscle pain all the time from how tense my body is and since everything in our bodies is connected, it wouldn't be shocking if you had some tension in your shoulder that was also causing discomfort in your arm. Only you know how bad it really feels, but if I were you I wouldn't wait if you think this is serious.
Posted 8/13/2014 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
Shoulder and arm pain can for sure be a symptom of your anxiety, I have noticed that my anxiety will sometimes manifest physically in my left arm as well and it can be scary for sure. I agree with with everyone above if you think there is something wrong with your heart than go to the doctor. Even if it turns out to just be anxiety do not feel embarrassed and just take comfort in knowing that it is not something as bad as you thought.

I hope you start feeling better soon, we are here for you!
Posted 8/13/2014 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone and thank you for your messages.

The pain in my arm has stopped... Completely. So has the pain in my shoulder. I feel better now. It's so strange! If it acts up again though then I'll go to the hospital (I was going to go after work, rather than in work time because I didn't want to make a scene!) I'm hoping that it is all anxiety related but I think, due to the symptoms I was having that I'm still going to get them checked. I rang my doctor's again and asked if there'd been any cancellations but she said that the only way I could be seen quicker was if I requested an emergency appointment which she said she didn't believe this to be an emergency appointment and that if I had any concerns about my heart that I should go to A & E anyway and not the doctors. :| I was a little taken back by her forwardness but I guess she's right. I feel like such a bother even when I'm trying my hardest not to be! I have a blood pressure test at home (it's my dad's!) and I'll do that once I get home.

Thanks for the messages. I just wanted to give an update. Sorry to be such a pain!
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