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Can anxiety cause rib/chest pain?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Airisto
Airisto

Hi, about a month ago I’ve had very bad health related anxiety, when my anxiety got really bad I began to notice a sharp pain in my left ribs, near the sternum and a little below my breast. It’s been there for a while and I’ve noticed it’ll simmer down when I am not as anxious and flare up the more anxious I am. I also noticed a lot of little lumps and bumps in the area of the pain but I am very thin so I’m assuming that is normal bone/muscle. It’ll kinda spread throughout my left ribs at times. I also saw a doctor about this and he didn’t take me seriously at all....

My question is: can this happen with anxiety? I’ve calmed down a lot since then and it feels like the pain is getting better but when ever I feel it my brain instantly thinks “you have bone cancer!” But LOGICALLY it seems to have been brought on by anxiety. Can anyone relate? Thanks. 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • colin1987
    colin1987 Airisto

    Posted

    This is actually something i can relate to. Once i get aggitated and anxious i get sore around the same areas. I am fine health wise but due to family history of heart probelms it plays on my mind and makes me more anxious, but yet i know the pain isnt actually in my chest. Im curious now that i know others are the same im wondering if anxiety is a factor in it
    • Airisto
      Airisto colin1987

      Posted

      I am sorry to hear about your worries! I First noticed this pain during the worst peak of my anxiety, so I really do this this has to do with anxiety. Best of wishes to you!
  • doglover2005
    doglover2005 Airisto

    Posted

    Me too. Geez, this website is amazing! Now I know that I'm not the only one experiencing things I've been worried about. I get dull something sharp pain in that area too! Something it's right under the left breast or under the ribcage area. I feel them more when I get extremely anxious or stressed. I'm literally having so many health anxiety right now and I'm suspecting IBS which is related to anxiety. Best of luck!

    • Airisto
      Airisto doglover2005

      Posted

      I’m a little relieved knowing other people get this same feeling! Do you ever feel tiny fatty like lumps near that area? I’ve noticed going outside really gets my mind off of the pain, not sure what works for you smile
    • doglover2005
      doglover2005 Airisto

      Posted

      I just do things that make me happy and take my mind off of the topic-even if it's just for a few hours. About the lump, I don't really feel anything. Maybe you are just thin. I'm a bit..chubby-ish? Thinner people can feel their intestines sometimes (I read this online)!! 

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